Maria Madeira. Kiss and Don’t Tell

This volume accompanies the exhibition Kiss and Don’t Tell with Maria Madeira’s works, curated by Natalie King. Maria Madeira’s work represents Timor-Leste in its inaugural pavilion at the 60th International Venice Biennale, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the independence of Timor-Leste. Maria Madeira is one of Timor-Leste’s most significant contemporary visual artists working internationally, yet her practice is deeply embedded in local traditions, con- cerns and histories. For first ever participation of Timor-Leste at the Venice Biennale, Madeira presents Kiss and Don’t Tell, a new site-specific installation utilising local materials such as tais (traditional textile), betelnut, earth and pigments. Her perform- ative installation draws on the collective memories of her foremothers.