Kiribati 2019

Title: “Pacific Time – Time Flies”
Artist: Kaeka Michael Betero Daniela Danica Tepes
Curators: Kautu Tabaka, Nina Tepes
Commissioner: Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kiribati, Pelea Tehumu 

The Republic of Kiribati Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale reflects the endangered existence of the island country of Kiribati and the time we live in. According to Plato, in contrast to the impermanent nature of our world and objects within our world, forms and ideas are permanent. The exhibition features works by 29 artists from different generations and genres of art such as video, photography, interactive animation, performance, ready-made and installation. The artistic elements used in the artworks include sound, colour, light, space and material. The artist Kaeka Michael Betero uses photography to represent the threat to homes and inhabitants. His authentic and genuine approach shows reality as it is. The Kairaken Betio Group uses dance to communicate their passion for life, dance and tradition. The elements of their performance are rooted in tradition in connection to modern performance approaches. Daniela Danica Tepes, a visual artist, connects all the artworks into an interactive installation in the form of a room in a house, where the threat of inundation is ever present as the waves have already covered more than half of the window height. The room is filled with traditional items used by Kiribati inhabitants. The interactive installation turns on when visitors enter the room. As they move around the exhibition space, they awaken animated otherworldly dancers who mimic the visitors’ movements. This art project discusses the issue of climate change and is designed as a reflection between the artwork, human presence and space.