Yuki Kihara's Paradise Camp at Venice Biennale 2022 explores Fa'afafine identity and colonial critique

Yuki Kihara represents New Zealand at the 59th Venice Biennale with Paradise Camp, an exhibition examining the intersectional experiences of Samoa's Fa'afafine community. The work, produced in Samoa before the pandemic with nearly 100 participants, challenges romanticized views of the Pacific. Kihara critiques New Zealand's colonial administration of Samoa while highlighting Fa'afafine resilience. As the first Pasifika, Fa'afafine, and Asian artist in New Zealand's pavilion, she notes her selection coincides with increased institutional diversity efforts. The exhibition runs from April 23 to November 27, 2022, in the Arsenale. Kihara cites inspiration from Fatu Feu'u and Robyn Kahukiwa. She visited Venice in November 2019 after severe flooding, recalling similar conditions in Samoa. The artist emphasizes empowering the Fa'afafine community as her primary audience.