[3] A social commentator, Lilo's work uses digital photography, video, and multimedia installations to explore issues of popular culture.
[4] She has exhibited internationally in group shows in Australia, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, France, Germany, and the United States of America.
[7] In 2016, she had a significant solo exhibition titled Janet Lilo: Status Update, at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in Auckland.
[8][9] Lilo's public artworks include a series of large-scale 'banana lightboxes' on Auckland's Karangahape Road, which are collectively titled Don't Dream it's Over.
[10] Lilo's works are held in important public collections, including Auckland Art Gallery and Te Papa Tongarewa.