The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition, Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, marking a significant shift in the art world's perception of the region's artistic contributions. This exhibition, a collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), showcases over 70 works from 25 countries, many of which have never been exhibited in the UK before. The show is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of the Asia-Pacific region, challenging the notion that its art has been overlooked in the global art scene.
The exhibition's centerpiece is a life-size, fibreglass sculpture of a Māori guardian, Kapa Haka (Whero) by Michael Parekōwhai from Aotearoa New Zealand. This symbolic figure greets visitors at the main entrance, setting the tone for an immersive journey through the diverse artistic expressions of the region. The V&A's decision to showcase these works is a response to the realization that, as Daniel Slater, director of exhibitions, states, "we simply haven't" been bringing these incredible works to the UK in the past.
Rising Voices is a four-part exhibition, with the first room offering a subtle introduction to the diversity of works on display. This section features paintings, textiles, and videos, providing a comprehensive overview of the artists' styles and themes. Among the featured artists is Judy Watson, an Aboriginal artist from Waanyi country in Australia, whose work Memory Bones is a powerful reflection on the overincarceration of Indigenous people and the deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody. Watson's use of white, rib-like shapes over a splash of red symbolizes the broken bones and blood of Mulrunji Doomadgee, who died in police custody in 2004.
The exhibition also delves into the impact of colonialism, with artists like Brenda V Fajardo and Pala Pothupitiye addressing historical injustices. Fajardo's paintings, framed by tarot card characters, offer a unique perspective on Filipino history during Spanish and American rule, highlighting the resilience and courage of women. Pothupitiye's work reappropriates colonial maps to reveal how European imperialism has shaped Sri Lanka's art and society, with a particular focus on the Kalutara Fort's historical transitions.
One of the exhibition's most intriguing aspects is the juxtaposition of works from former British colonies within a museum that houses British historical masterpieces. Slater and Nagesh, the co-curators, hope that visitors will draw connections between the blue flecks in Lola Greeno's shell necklaces and the sapphires in Queen Victoria's coronets. This interplay challenges historical hierarchies and encourages a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global art.
The V&A's commitment to showcasing Asian and Pacific art is a significant step towards recognizing the region's central role in the global art-making narrative. Slater's enthusiasm for the exhibition is infectious, as he recalls the sense of discovery he felt when visiting the APT. Rising Voices is not just an exhibition; it's an opportunity to broaden our artistic horizons and appreciate the diverse and profound contributions of Asian and Pacific artists to the world of contemporary art.
