Salome: An Angel of History

Yuki Kihara

New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata

Shed 11, 60 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Wellington

19 February - 10 May 2026

Yuki Kihara, After Tsunami Galu Afi, Lalomanu, 2013. Courtesy University of Auckland.

A new exhibition following New Zealand artist Yuki Kihara’s exploration of Pacific history through her alter-ego Salome. Inspired by the 1886 photograph “Samoan Half Caste”, Kihara uses photography, video and sculpture-like costumes to portray herself as a fictitious Sāmoan woman resurrected from the 19th century. Set in NZ and Sāmoa, her art re-frames dominant histories and gives voice to untold narratives that challenge cultural stereotypes and gender norms.

Curated by Jaenine Parkinson.