'WINDS OF CHANGE' (2026-) BY YUKI KIHARA
Artist Statement
'Winds of Change' (2026) is a site-specific installation that delves into the interplay between nature, science, and the lived experiences of people in Sāmoa, particularly as shaped by tropical cyclones fuelled by global warming.
The installation consists of 'ili'—hand woven pandanus fans from Sāmoa— where its placement mimics the arrows in cyclone diagrams, which are used to map wind direction, rotational patterns, and storm paths. Suspended from the gallery ceiling, they create a visually immersive and ethereal space, their arrangement echoing satellite imagery of a tropical cyclone.
This blending of abstract scientific representation with the tangible cultural materials of Sāmoa illustrates how indigenous practices and materials can provide a unique lens to interpret and respond to environmental challenges. It serves as a poignant reminder that nature, science, and human experience are inseparable, especially for communities whose lives are shaped daily by these powerful forces.
Exhibition dates
‘Not A Solitary Feeling’
Adam Art Gallery Te Pātaka Toi
Aotearoa New Zealand
3 July - 13 September 2026
https://www.adamartgallery.nz