Lily Laita

Name
Lily Laita
Iwi/Ethnicity
Ngāti Raukawa/Māori
Tanugamanono/Sāmoa
Date of birth
1969
Gender
Female
Biography
Lily Aitui Laita was born in Takapuna, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland (1990) and a Diploma in Teaching from the Auckland College of Education (1991). After teaching at Auckland’s Western Springs College (1992–96) and Wanganui Polytechnic (1997–99), she completed her Master of Fine Art in 2002.

Laita’s paintings have been exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. She brings attention to the continuity of oratory traditions, Polynesian mythology and their relevancy to contemporary urban life. Laita’s work often shows how figuration and abstraction can be combined in a visual talanoa (discussion) that addresses personal memories, journeys and dreams.