Gina Matchitt

Gina Matchitt was born in Rotorua. She studied at Unitec School of Design in Auckland, graduating with a Diploma in Design (Jewellery) in 1994. She received a Master of Māori Visual Arts from Massey University in 2011 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies from Victoria University of Wellington in 2017.

Matchitt’s practice explores the traditions of te ao Māori (the Māori world) and their role in contemporary life by adapting customary Māori patterns and techniques to modern materials – including mink blankets, furniture, stickers, fabric and duct tape. Text recurs in Matchitt’s work, demonstrating her interest in language and communication.

In 2019, Matchitt was a finalist in the Wallace Art Awards and runner-up in the National Contemporary Art Awards.