Vaimaila Urale was born in the village of Fagamalo, Savaii, Samoa, and also heralds from the village of Matavai, Safune. She is currently based in Avondale, Tamaki Makaurau. Vaimaila’s diverse art practice references traditional Samoan symbols and digital technologies.

"As a visual artist, placing Samoan symbols and motifs at the root of my art practice is vital and empowering. I am consciously engaging within the continuum of knowledge systems and patterns unique to the Moana, allowing me to create dialogue and articulate meaning in contemporary spaces."

She has exhibited internationally, including recent presentations at Para-Site Gallery, Hong Kong, 4a Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney, Australia and the 4th International Casablanca Biennale, Morocco. She is part of the creative team for Moana Meridian, an experimental opera to be performed at the United Nations HQ in New York. Vaimaila is a co-founder of art collective D.A.N.C.E. Art Club. She also runs Moana Fresh with long time arts collaborator Ahilapalapa Rands.