The practice of Hokkaidō-born musician and artist Mayunkiki is grounded in her Ainu identity. Ahead of the unveiling of a new work at the 2025 Aichi Triennale, the artist presented a live performance before engaging in a discussion with Aichi Triennale curatorial advisor Toshiaki Ishikura, an associate professor in the department of Arts and Roots at Akita University of Art.
Performance by Mayunkiki, musician and artist
Followed by a conversation with art anthropologist Toshiaki Ishikura, Associate Professor at Akita University of Art
Born 1982 in Chikapuni kotan, Yaun mosir/Hokkaido, Japan, Mayunkiki is a member of Marewrew and Apetunpe, groups that practice traditional Ainu song. She commenced solo performances in 2021. In 2018, motivated by an interest in aesthetics associated with her Ainu roots, she began to research “sinuye,” a traditional form of tattooing for Ainu women. From a strictly personal perspective, she explores the Ainu existence and presence in our contemporary society, incorporating her discoveries into her art.
Toshiaki Ishikura is a cultural anthropologist who specializes in art anthropology and comparative mythology. After field research in Sikkim, Darjeeling Hill, and Kathmandu Valley, he conducted comparative studies of the myths of mountain goddesses around Japan, India, Nepal, and other Pacific Basin countries. He also studies the bio-cultural context of non-human species and artistic images, such as Indigenous artifacts, traditional products, religious relics, and contemporary artworks.
The Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 Conversations program is curated by Stephanie Bailey.
Interpretation is provided by Kanoko Tamura. Tamura is the Director of Art Translators Collective, an independent organization that specializes in translation and interpreting in the field of art.
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