“Controversy Erupts as Non-Māori Artist’s Indigenous Work Sparks Heated Debate Over Cultural Identity”

Although the original video has since been deleted, TikToker Lydia Tuaiti stitched Ivana’s clip, which showcased Hazel standing in front of her portrait of a Māori woman.

In the video, Ivana could be heard behind the camera saying: “She looks more beautiful in the painting than she does in real life,” to which Hazel could be heard replying: “She does.”

A white-presenting woman from New Zealand claimed that she was barred from exhibiting her painting 

Image credits: artist_hazelhunt

The original video amassed millions of views and hundreds of comments attempting to explain that “white people do not need to occupy every single space,” before it was finally removed from TikTok.

In response, Lydia, who clarified that she is a non-Māori parent to Māori children, agreed with the criticism, highlighting Hazel’s sense of “entitlement”.

“She had a Māori woman, but she wasn’t a Māori artist, you didn’t meet the criteria,” Lydia said, before noting how “yucky” it was for the mother and daughter to say that the portrait looked better than the real woman who was the subject of Hazel’s painting.

Image credits: artist_hazelhunt

“And the painting is actually eurocentrified beauty standard,” Lydia added. She then admitted: “My personal opinion is I wouldn’t want the energy that came with that art piece in my house for my kids.” 

While Ivana deleted prior videos related to her mom’s controversial painting, Hazel has shared her portrait of the Māori woman multiple times on her Instagram, drawing further backlash.

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