A senior cultural leader on the Tiwi Islands (now part of the Northern Territory, Australia) with a deep knowledge of the region’s language, songs, and dance, Pedro Wonaeamirri will present a special performance associated with his installation in Encounters, followed by a discussion with Encounters curator Alexie Glass-Kantor.
Pedro Wonaeamirri, artist and performer
Followed by a conversation with Alexie Glass-Kantor, Encounters curator, Art Basel Hong Kong
Pedro Wonaeamirri is a senior cultural leader, writer, and visual artist on the Tiwi Islands. His country, Paluwiyanga/Andranganoo (Goose Creek) is on the eastern side of Melville Island, ‘the land or country where I come from is from my father’s father, my grandfather.’ Wonaeamirri’s contemporary art practice has its foundations in Jilamara – a Tiwi word that roughly translates to ‘design’ – derived from ceremonial body painting and the ornate decoration applied to associated ritual objects made for the Pukumani (mourning) ceremony and Tiwi Yoi (dance).
Alexie Glass-Kantor is Curator, Encounters, Art Basel Hong Kong (2015–2025) and Executive Director, Curatorial, Art Dubai Group. Active since 2000, she has worked across independent spaces, museums, and biennials, including curating Marco Fusinato’s ‘DESASTRES’ for the Australian Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale. As the executive director of Artspace Sydney, she led an international program and a major redevelopment supporting residencies, archives, public art, and performance spaces. Glass-Kantor also serves on boards, juries, and contributes to global cultural dialogues.
The Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 Conversations program is curated by Stephanie Bailey.
Interpretation is provided by Will Heathcote. Heathcote is the Museums and Projects Manager at Jilamara Arts and Craft at Milikapiti, Melville Island.
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