Rachael Rakena is a ground-breaking digital video artist, fast developing an international reputation as a keen collaborator with unique vision and artistry.

Of Maori descent, she draws inspiration from close family ties, the intricacies of personal relationships within a Kai Tahu, Nga Puhi and Päkehä ancestry and their interrelated histories and narratives, and from digital media technology. Her practice may be described as digital video work, with a performance and installation aspect of execution, but she mainly describes herself as a video artist.

Recent examples of Rachael’s work include the invitation to be part of a project in Sydney which culminated in Pacific Washup (single channel video installation) made in collaboration with two Samoan artists Fez Fa’anana and Brian Fuata. The work was included in Traveling Light: collaborative projects by Pacific Artists, curated by Blair French and Fiona Winning for the Pacific Wave Festival at the Performance Space of the Museum of Sydney from October to November 2004.