Australia’s presence at the prestigious Venice Biennale is making waves with the unveiling of “Kith and Kin,” an awe-inspiring installation by Kamilaroi and Bigambul artist Archie Moore. Commissioned as part of Creative Australia, this monumental artwork stretches across the walls and ceiling of the Australia Pavilion, spanning an impressive 60 meters. Archie Moore’s “Kith and Kin” Unveiled at Venice Biennale
Launching for the opening of the Biennale, “Kith and Kin” is Moore’s first major opportunity to showcase his work to international audiences. The installation is a testament to the artist’s heritage, with each hand-drawn name on the pavilion walls representing a part of Moore’s lineage, tracing back over 65,000 years and more than 2400 generations. This genealogical chart transcends linear concepts of time, illustrating a continuum of First Nations culture and a shared ancestry that defies boundaries.
The names, drawn in white chalk, evoke a sense of cosmic vastness, resembling a map of the cosmos. Yet, in places, they distort and fade, symbolizing the gaps and losses in Indigenous history. According to Moore, “kith and kin” serves as a memorial to every living thing that has ever existed—a space for reflection on the past, present, and future.
At the heart of the installation lies a reflective pool, surrounded by a table stacked with documents. These documents, comprising over 500 piles of papers, predominantly feature coronial inquests into the deaths of Indigenous Australians in police custody. Some directly reference Moore’s family history, including a court conviction involving his great-uncle.
Throughout the installation, intentional gaps highlight the places where personal information has been lost to history or was never recorded. “Kith and Kin” serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, both past and present.
Moore’s “Kith and Kin” follows in the footsteps of previous Indigenous artists who have represented Australia at the Venice Biennale. Curated by Ellie Buttrose from the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, this groundbreaking installation is set to be showcased at QAGOMA in Brisbane in 2025-26, offering audiences further opportunities to engage with Moore’s powerful work.
As part of the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, “Kith and Kin” invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of Indigenous identity, history, and resilience. The exhibition runs until November 24, showcasing the enduring impact of Indigenous voices on the global art stage.
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