Norina Merkabah

I am an artist & singer-songwriter.

I create spaces of free expression and radical acceptance as the foundation for healing. My art, words, installations and sound elements form my vocabulary.

Voices for Sacred Earth Festival at Kawai Purapura (c) Cadby Kong
Lanzarote Spain
Lunasa Festival South Island (c) Jeff Packard
Ecstatic Dance at Kawai Purapura (c) Cadby Kong
Kirtan at International Yoga Festival Kawai Purapura
Natarajasana Raglan (c) Undersoul photography
We are birthing a new reality Canvas Norina Merkabah
Forest in Raglan New Zealand
Hand poke Tattoo
Voices for Sacred Earth Festival Kawai Purapura
Yoga is awareness
Auckland New Zealand (c) Antonio Karam
Hand poke Tattoo
Training with Yin Culture at Anahata Yoga Retreat South Island

Art Exhibitions

God’s hands

“God’s hands” was an exhibition in Hamburg-Altona, Germany, in 2015. The body of work consisted of a series of black and white drawings (marker on paper) that became part of my personal signature as an artist. A big installation made with black tape on a white wall was the heart of the exhibition. It was kept in the space after the exhibition for years.

Mural

I created a mural in a guest house in Goa, India, in 2015. It depicted a big Banyan tree, the national tree of India. This tree is often protected by elderly and represents a sacred site. Its roots form an incredibly aesthetic network, connecting heaven and earth. I have a special love for murals and installations.

Abundancia exhibition

Thirteen artist collaborated for an exhibition called “Abundancia” (Spanish for abundance) in Raglan, New Zealand, in January 2022. I contributed through my signature black and white pieces, some pieces on wood, a little installation for the sacred feminine and a separate wall with my yoni portraits. Some new pieces with light language / cosmic symbols were part of my wall.

Festival exhibition

I was part of an exhibition at Jesus Freaks festival in Germany in 2013. My contributions were relating to the faith based heart of this festival: a painting of a cross with strong spiritual messages written around it inspired to live an active faith rather than follow stale religion. An installation piece consisted of three canvases that formed a double-faced angel (acrylic, oil, feathers on canvas). Exhibiting this art work was a crucial moment in my personal development as an artist.

Live painting

I was involved at Spirit Fest in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2021, through live painting. On a massive canvas (2m x 3.5m) I painted a Yoni/vagina in the centre of a Sri Yantra, a geometrical form used for meditation. The piece became interactive, asking the festival audience how this makes them feel. It was a successful collaboration, hitting a nerve of this spiritually oriented festival. Personal interactions with the audience were heartfelt and expressing the deep need for healing in the area of the feminine.

Art of transformation

Current solo-exhibition at Banana-Blossom cafe in Tauranga, New Zealand. Black and white pieces, light language symbols and core pieces of my journey of the last four years in Aotearoa-New Zealand.

Music albums

Earth Medicine

Songs that express my care for Mother Earth and invite you to fall in love with her on a much deeper level.

Ambrosia

An album dedicated to the healing sounds of my handpan.

Fullmoon & Fire

Freedom songs. They were written for a time like this. The system we live in is not made for people. The songs promote self-responsibility and the power of togetherness.

Luminous Mantra

A Kirtan and Mantra album! Recorded for you to sing a long or to drop into your Yoga practice. Hari aum!

Training & professional life

Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education

2007-2010, Switzerland

Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education at University for Teachers Education in Zurich, Switzerland. Focus of studies: music, art, drama, French and English language.

Social worker trauma & special needs

2012-2015, Germany

Working as a teacher and social worker with refugees and youth in assisted living in Hamburg, Germany. Supporting an 11 year old boy with social challenges at school, mostly 1:1 teaching.

Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy

2018-2020, New Zealand

Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy with Dance Therapy Association New Zealand. Two years part-time study in Auckland. Practicum with children and adults with special needs.

Business course for artists

2022, New Zealand

I have been blessed to take part in the Wayfind Creative course for artists in Auckland that runs over 9 months and includes professional mentorship.

Primary School Teacher

2010-2011 | 2016 Switzerland

Working as a school teacher in Zurich, Switzerland. 2011: Directing a theatre and dance play with a class of 7 year olds. 2016: working with teenagers with special psychological needs.

Certified Yoga Teacher

2018-2021, New Zealand

I completed over 600 hours of Yoga Teacher training in traditional Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Tantrik Hatha Yoga, Restorative and Yin Yoga. Yatra 1 course at the Bihar School of Yoga in North-India. I’m certified and registered with Yoga Alliance U.S. and teaching on teacher training courses.