Lisa Waup

Born and based in Melbourne in 1971, Lisa Waup was separated from her Indigenous family as a child and has since reconnected with her Torres Strait Islander and Gunditjmara heritage. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from RMIT University, Melbourne. Waup lived in Papua New Guinea for some time where she taught printmaking and photography at the University of Papua New Guinea, Port Morseby.

Waup’s work comprises woven sculptures, jewellery and vessels which are constructed from natural materials and found objects such as feathers, grasses, seeds and animal bones and teeth. Waup’s practice is inspired by her strong connection to the natural world.

Her work has featured in exhibitions including the landmark survey Melbourne now, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne (2003); and A Lightness of spirit is the measure of happiness at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne (2018). She is represented in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria; Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Victoria; Bayside City Council, Melbourne; and Kingston City Council, Melbourne.