Biography

Charlotte Graham is of Scottish, Taranaki and Waikato descent - Ngati Mahuta, Ngai Tai, Ngati Tamaoho. Graham is one of a generation of Maori artists who draw on their tribal heritage in order to explore critical issues that affect New Zealand society such as racism, indignity and land rights. Recently her work explores notions of politics and healing.
 
Graham was born in 1972. She completed a Bachelor of Maori Visual Arts Degree in 2001, Post-Graduate Diploma of Teaching in 2002, Certificate in Maori Language 2006, and Post-Graduate Diploma of Maori Visual Arts in 2008.

Graham has featured in numerous exhibitions throughout New Zealand with venues including the Sarjeant Gallery, Manawatu Museum and the Dowse Museum. She has also exhibited internationally including in Te Tataitanga at the Southwest School of Art and Craft, San Antonio, Texas. She held her first solo exhibition entitled Trouble in Paradise at Oedipus Rex in 2004. In 2003, Graham was commissioned to paint a mural with Nanette Lelaulu, Manu Scott, and local school students. The work was credited with a Creative Communities Award. In 2004 Graham was a Creative New Zealand Recipient.

Graham held her second solo show entitled Ngaa Karetao in 2005. The work was received favourably as it rejuvenated an endangered customary art form. In 2007, Graham travelled to Hawaii to participate and exhibit in the Indigenous Artists Gathering, Waimea, Hawaii. She lives in Auckland and is represented by the John Leech Gallery.