Table of ContentsBackgroundThemeDiscussionCultural identity is important in today's society not only because it provides a sense of belonging, but also because it defines who we are as people within the community. New Zealand artist Lisa Reihana highlights the theme of cultural identity through her works and offers visual representations of the history of the Polynesian people. She plays an important role in the development of contemporary Māori art/artist and challenges stigmatic stereotypes of Polynesian culture. First of all, this article will signify the artistic career of Lisa Reihana and her most prestigious exhibition of In Pursuit of [Infected] Venus. The following information will then expand on the ideas of culture and identity. Finally, this essay will discuss how the theme of cultural identity is highlighted in this work of art and its importance in today's world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBackgroundLisa Reihana is a New Zealand artist of Māori descent, she was born in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, in 1964. Her cultural tribes are Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine and Ngāi Tū, she also has close ties to the far north of New Zealand through his father Huri Waka Reihana. In 1987, Lisa Reihana graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Auckland. As her career grew, she gained national and international recognition due to her efforts to highlight the importance of Polynesian identity, this was evidently reflected through her works. Arguably, its successes are largely attributed to the 32-minute, 26-meter panoramic video exhibition of In Pursuit of Infected Venus, inspired by Joseph Dufour and his creation of the scenic wallpaper, The Savages of the Pacific Sea. This particular wallpaper depicts the lives of Pacific people before the 1800s and also presents a rather controversial perspective on cultural identity. Lisa Reihana intended to distinguish stereotypes and representations of Polynesian culture perceived before the 1800s. Through her video exhibition, she was also able to present a fairly faithful visualization of the first encounters between Polynesians and Europeans. Lisa Reihana's video installation is recognized worldwide by a wider audience. In 2017, her works were featured in one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world, the Venice Biennale, where she was able to honorably represent contemporary art and artists from New Zealand. ThemeCultural identity is defined as established traditions, languages, and beliefs that preserve the integrity of a community. According to the Ministry of Social Development, cultural identity is essential to an individual's overall well-being. Strong associations with cultural groups and practices allow people to gain a sense of belonging, security, and purpose. There are strong links between cultural identity and general well-being, suggesting that cultural involvement leads to many positive outcomes, such as improved health, social development, and education. However, culture and identity are important issues in today's society, this particularly applies to Māori and Polynesians, as the prosperity of indigenous languages ​​and practices is in decline. In a graphic census conducted by Statistics New Zealand (2013), there was a visible decline in the number of Māori able to.