Lina Marsh

Lina Marsh (born 1972/73) is a mixed-media artist, arts educator and curator based in Gisborne, New Zealand. Her works often feature elements of handicrafts such as weaving and embroidery, and explore issues of identity as a Niuean-Māori woman and incorporate her personal experiences.

Early life and education Marsh grew up in Auckland and Hokianga and is of Niuean and Māori descent. Her mother migrated from Niue to Auckland as a young child in the 1950s. At the age of 8, Marsh joined her local knitting club, and went on to develop her crafting skills under the guidance of her mother, grandmother, and other women in the community.

Her Niuean heritage, commemorated through handicrafts, embroidery, crochet, and stitching, became a significant influence.

Career Artwork At Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Marsh incorporated her personal experiences as a Pasifika-Māori woman into her paintings and addressed issues such as feminism, colonisation, assimilation, migration and contemporary Pacific cultures. In 2017 she participated in the exhibition Te Ha which commemorated James Cook's first encounter with Māori at Te Tairawhiti. Sustainability was a key theme of the exhibition with all artwork using recycled material. She also held workshops during the exhibition during which participants created coral-inspired art. and the 100 Day Project (2017).

Arts education Marsh has taught art at a secondary school level, including at Penrose High School. She is the mother of five children.

Awards, scholarships and prizes 2006: Winner of the Mixed-Media Category at the National Women's Art Exhibition 2007: Winner of the Sculpture Category at the National Women's Art Exhibition 2007: Recipient of a Creative New Zealand Arts Grant