Louie Bretaña, born 1967, is a Filipino-New Zealand artist based in Auckland, with familial roots in Manila and the Visayan province of Iloilo. Before relocating to New Zealand in 2011, he had an extensive career as a creative director in the Philippine advertising industry. Upon moving, he pursued his passion for art, earning both a Bachelor of Fine Arts with First Class Honours and a Master of Fine Arts from the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.
Bretaña’s discourse addresses the impact of colonialism, both historical and contemporary and it’s ongoing manifestation within a modern Pacific context. He employs various mediums, including painting, sculpture, performance, and jewelry, to create engaging visual experiences. His art often references pre-colonial Filipino deities and narratives, reimagining them within a New Zealand setting.
Since 2016, Bretaña has participated in over 35 exhibition projects. Notable solo exhibitions include "Eat My Rice" during the Performance Art Week Aotearoa in 2017, "Syokes" at Objectspace in Auckland in 2021, and "Tumingala Sa Tinitingala Na Mga Tala" at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in 2021. His performance piece "Eat My Rice" stages a pre-colonial Filipino feast, encouraging participants to engage with cultural practices outside Euro-western norms.
Bretaña was a finalist in the 2022 Parkins Prize, New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, Wellington and the Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Award, Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, Whakatane. In recognition of his contributions to New Zealand's visual arts scene, Bretaña was awarded Artist of the Year at the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards in 2024.
Bretaña continues to explore his cultural heritage and identity through his art, fostering respectful cross-cultural engagement and advocating for Pride among people of color.