Maria Madeira. Kiss and Don’t Tell

This volume accompanies the exhibition Kiss and Don’t Tell with Maria Madeira’sworks, curated by Natalie King. Maria Madeira’s work represents Timor-Leste in itsinaugural pavilion at the 60th International Venice Biennale, coinciding with the 25thanniversary of the independence of Timor-Leste.Maria Madeira is one of Timor-Leste’s most significant contemporary visual artistsworking 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 localmaterials such as tais (traditional textile), betelnut, earth and pigments. Her perform-ative installation draws on the collective memories of her foremothers.