Lana Lopesi

Guest writer

Lana Lopesi is an editor, critic and author of False Divides (2018). Lana is co-editor of Unofficial a journal on Moana art produced in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. Previously Lana was at The Pantograph Punch where she served as the Editor-in-Chief (2017–2019) after a term as the Visual Arts Editor.

Diggy Dupé (Photo: Simon Day; additional design: Tina Tiller)

Diggy Dupé is telling the Polynesian stories of Auckland's inner city

'For generations they’ve tried to push us out, but we’re still here.'

By Lana Lopesi | 7th May, 2022

Theo Schoon self portrait / Anti-Schoon protest organiser Anna McAllister at the City Gallery, Wellington

The debate over Theo Schoon, who built his career on the backs of Māori artists

An exhibition of Dutch-New Zealand artist Theo Schoon at the City Gallery in Wellington has set off a debate about the place of racially problematic work in public spaces.

By Lana Lopesi | 31st December, 2019

(Left) Hoda Afshar, Portrait of Behrouz Boochani, from the series Remain, 2018. Courtesy of the artist and Milani Gallery, Brisbane. (Right) Hoda Afshar, Portrait of Shamindan & Ramsiyar, from the series Remain, 2018. Courtesy of the artist and Milani Gallery, Brisbane.

The Shouting Valley: a politically charged show about lives caught between borders

By Lana Lopesi | 23rd October, 2019

Elaka by Julia Mage’au Gray

Drawing lines between us all: Julia Mage’au Gray’s Melanesian mark-making

Lana Lopsesi on tatu maker Julia Mage’au Gray, the revival of Melanesian female tattoo practice, and an exhibition paying homage to her work.

By Lana Lopesi | 12th September, 2019

Deborah Rundle, Made For Each Other, 2019.

How to Live Together: A sprawling art show about a culture at boiling point

Who makes up the royal 'we'? Lana Lopesi reviews a massive show at ST PAUL St Gallery in Auckland that investigates questions of community, culture and conflict.

By Lana Lopesi | 21st August, 2019

Theo Schoon self portrait / Anti-Schoon protest organiser Anna McAllister at the City Gallery, Wellington

The debate over Theo Schoon, who built his career on the backs of Māori artists

An exhibition of Dutch-New Zealand artist Theo Schoon at the City Gallery in Wellington has set off a debate about the place of racially problematic work in public spaces.

By Lana Lopesi | 8th August, 2019

Baby Mama Drama: What you need to know about the term ‘baby mama’

Baby Mama Drama: What you need to know about the term ‘baby mama’

When James Shaw thanked 'Pirimia Jacinda Ardern, or baby mama' many of us swooned at its cuteness, while others silently cringed. Asks Lana Lopesi, how much do we really know about the term 'baby mama'?

By Lana Lopesi | 30th January, 2018