Emily Karaka

thumb|right|Artist by her painting Emare Karaka (1952-), known as Emily Karaka, is a New Zealand artist of Ngāti Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngati Hine, and Ngāpuhi descent. Her practice is unique for her use of vibrant colours and political messages advocating for Māori. Quotes Politics is life is art is life is politics. It's all interwoven, like a whāriki, like a mat. As stated in Francis McWhannell's "I bow my head, Emily Karaka's Rāhui," Francis McWhannell. Published: 29 April 2021. Accessed: 20 January 2026. Activism to bring political or social change is not far from my mind when I paint. I like to discuss and, if necessary, confront matters that I consider need discussion or redress. I do not and cannot separate my painting from my moral and ethical motives. They are one and the same. They (ideas, values) feed into each other when I work, giving me the platform to express being a Māori woman in New Zealand. As stated in The Art Paper's "In conversation with Emily Karaka," The Art Paper. Bryce, Adam. Published: 20 February 2021. Accessed: 20 January 2026. The Treaty will always be the basis of my work. The issues I'm always discussing are economic, social and environmental... back into the basis of justice in our country, the covenant of the country, the korowai of the country. As stated in Te Papa's "Ka awatea," Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Karaka, Emily. Accessed: 20 January 2026. The issues that I’m always discussing are economic, social and environmental. And land rights tie back into the basis of justice in our country, the covenant of the country, the korowai of the country. So my imagery is cultural and traditional but it is also contemporary and futuristic. As stated in Season Aotearoa's "Emily Karaka," Season Aotearoa. Accessed: 20 January 2026. My work is centred around the Treaty of Waitangi. It’s to do with rangatiratanga, our atua, our taonga, and rights, living rights, arts and cultural rights. As stated in Te Tuhi's "Emily Karaka: Waharoa o Ngai Tai," Te Tuhi. Ihimaera, Witi. Accessed: 20 January 2026. External links Category:1952 births Category:Women born in the 1950s Category:Artists from New Zealand Category:Women artists Category:Living people