Indigenous songs: performance by Mayunkiki

Performance by Mayunkiki, musician and artist, Hokkaido

Followed by a conversation with art anthropologist Toshiaki Ishikura, Associate Professor at Akita University of Art, Akita

The practice of Hokkaidō-born musician and artist Mayunkiki is grounded in her Ainu identity. Ahead of the unveiling of a new work at the 2025 Aichi Triennale, the artist will present a live performance before engaging in a discussion with Aichi Triennale curatorial advisor Toshiaki Ishikura, an associate professor in the department of Arts and Roots at Akita University of Art.

Born 1982 in Chikapuni Kotan, Yaun Mosir/Hokkaido, Japan, Mayunkiki is a member of Marewrew and Apetunpe, groups that practice traditional Ainu song. She commenced solo performances in 2021. In 2018, motivated by an interest in aesthetics associated with her Ainu roots, she began to research ‘sinuye,’ a traditional form of tattooing for Ainu women. From a strictly personal perspective, she explores the Ainu existence and presence in our contemporary society, incorporating her discoveries into her art.

Toshiaki Ishikura conducts art-anthropological research on comparative mythology of the pan-Pacific region and images related to non-human species. He has participated in the collaborative production of artworks with artists on exhibitions including ‘Cosmo-Eggs’ for the Japan Pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale. His co-authored publications include ‘Journeys Into the Wild: 12 Trips to the Source of the Archipelago’s Myths’ (Tankosha Publishing) and ‘Lexicon: Contemporary Anthropology’ (Ibunsha Publishing).

The Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 Conversations program is curated by Stephanie Bailey.