Yuki Kihara Launches Solidarity Network at Biennale

The New Zealand Pavilion has announced the launch of the ‘Firsts Solidarity Network’, which seeks to support artists and pavilions making historic breakthroughs at the 59th Venice Biennale. The idea was conceived by Yuki Kihara, 47, who will represent New Zealand in Venice, Sam Gaskin writes for an article published by contemporary art news site, Ocula.

“The Firsts Solidarity Network came about when I became the first Pasifika, Asian, and Faʻafafine/trans artist to represent Aotearoa New Zealand,” Kihara told Ocula.

Kihara said she was motivated to reach out to artists from other countries after hearing Natalie King, curator of the New Zealand Pavilion, share her experience with the Australian Pavilion in 2017.

“Many national pavilions were operating in a silo of non-disclosure, hardly any interaction or communication with each other,” Kihara said. “So, the Firsts Solidarity Network helps break the ice for us to come together as a community within the Venice Biennale and share audiences as we plan to produce a map to build an itinerary across our respective pavilions.”

Original article by Sam Gaskin, Ocula, March 28, 2022.

Photo by Evotia Tamua.