Gina Ropiha
A Māori textile artist that works primarily with found objects to convey her experience of indigneity
Gina RopihaGina Ropiha (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāti Kere, Ngāti Raukawa/Ngāti Rakau) is a practising artist who hails from Heretaunga (Hastings) and is based in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). Working primarily with found and repurposed objects, Ropiha’s art reflects her experience addressing the harsh realities and tests of living as an indigenous woman within colonised lands, while trying to maintain a sense of Māoritanga (Māori culture) and grace.
‘Art After Hours: F’Rock Da Base’ with the Pacific Sisters, 2019, Photo by Art History Society AKL
‘ia tu’uatu, ia fa’amalolo, ia tupu, 2019, Photo by Shawnee Tekii Nipadua: The Human Tree by Janina Nana Yaa, 2020, Photo by Nicole Semitara Hunt
Rophia has exhibited internationally and was an Artist in Residence at the Australian Tapestry Workshop 2017. She is active member of Motu Taim (formerly Pacific Women’s Weaving Circle) and has been a teacher and tutor in arts education for 19 years.
Featuring works with her actual hair in the exhibition, Gina has gently woven kete as a tribute to Wurundjeri artist Georgia MacGuire. The use of hair was a means of expressing the regret, sorrow and grief felt when witnessing Georgia’s story.