Five Questions with Ruebana Paraha: 73-Year-Old Artist on How She Got Her First Solo Exhibition

Why It Matters

The show underscores the growing visibility of elder Māori voices in New Zealand’s contemporary art scene and demonstrates that artistic practice can flourish at any age, inspiring both creators and audiences.

Key Takeaways

• First solo exhibition at age 73, titled Wayfinding
• Artwork draws on Māori star compass navigation symbols
• Reflects 30‑plus years of global travel and migration
• Studied at Toimairangi School to explore Māori identity
• Aims to deepen public understanding of migration narratives

Pulse Analysis

Late‑career breakthroughs are rare but powerful, and Ruebena Paraha’s Wayfinding exhibition exemplifies how life experience can translate into compelling visual narratives. After a 32‑year odyssey across continents, Paraha returned to Hastings and enrolled in the Toimairangi School of Māori Visual Arts, a decision that sparked a reconnection with her whakapapa. Her debut solo show not only marks a personal milestone at 73 but also adds a fresh voice to New Zealand’s evolving art landscape, where elder perspectives are increasingly celebrated.

The body of work leans heavily on Māori navigation traditions, referencing Sir Hekenukumai Busby’s star compass and the concept of Ātea a Rangi. These symbols serve as metaphors for migration, identity, and the interwoven histories of Pacific peoples. By embedding ancient wayfinding techniques within contemporary painting, Paraha invites viewers to contemplate the fluidity of cultural boundaries and the enduring relevance of indigenous knowledge in a globalized world.

Beyond artistic merit, Wayfinding carries economic and social implications for the regional arts ecosystem. The exhibition draws local and international visitors to Hastings, bolstering cultural tourism and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for Māori visual arts. Moreover, Paraha’s story challenges age‑related stereotypes, encouraging older adults to pursue creative endeavors. As galleries across New Zealand seek diverse narratives, her success may inspire institutions to program more exhibitions that highlight senior artists and indigenous perspectives, enriching the nation’s cultural tapestry.