25 Feb 2026
Long-silent Aotearoa manu (birds), vividly captured in photographs, are preparing to take flight to Venice, where they will represent Aotearoa New Zealand at one of the world’s most prestigious arts events.
The artworks, created by renowned international photographer Fiona Pardington (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Clan Cameron of Erracht) ONZM, will feature in Taharaki Skyside, her exhibition at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
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As Taharaki Skyside was being readied for its voyage towards Venetian skies, Fiona says that her heart was full of gratitude.
“Kā mihi nunui to the many people who have carried this mahi so regardfully alongside me.”
“It is a rare honour to be invited to share my dreams of our whenua, carried on the wings of our wandering birds.”
Taharaki Skyside consists of a series of large-scale portraits of birds taken from taxidermied specimens held in natural history collections in museums across Aotearoa and Australia. The photographs revitalise the mauri (vital essence) of the birds, inviting viewers to reflect on the objects and stories museums preserve, how they are framed, and by whom.
The work draws on the deep significance of manu within te ao Māori, where birds embody connections between people, the natural world and the spiritual realm. In Fiona’s practice as an artist, they hold multiple layers of meaning, carrying messages of love and relationship, signalling ecological change, recalling mortality, and often standing in for people who are important in her life.
In 2026, the Aotearoa New Zealand Pavilion is at the Istituto Santa Maria della Pietà, in central Venice. The pavilion sits just a short walk from the Venice Biennale’s main exhibition areas – the Giardini and the Arsenale.
Commissioner for New Zealand at the Venice Biennale and Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Chair, Kent Gardner, says Fiona Pardington is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most profound and fearless contemporary voices.
“In Taharaki Skyside, she restores presence and mana to these ancient manu - silent witnesses to extinction, colonial collecting, and the fragile thresholds between worlds - transforming museum archives into powerful reflections on ancestry, ecology, and survival.”
“Following Mataaho Collective’s historic Golden Lion in 2024, presenting Fiona in Venice affirms not only our confidence but our clarity: Aotearoa New Zealand’s artistic language is distinct, resonant, and globally significant. We are not simply participating - we are contributing to and shaping the international cultural conversation,” Kent says.
Claire Murdoch, Senior Manager, Arts Development Services at Creative New Zealand and leader of the New Zealand at Venice programme, says 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Aotearoa New Zealand at the Biennale.
“This year marks 25 years of New Zealand artists at the Biennale. Our 2026 presentation will be delivered by our expert partners, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and with backing from the New Zealand at Venice Patrons, whose longstanding generosity plays a vital role in ensuring Aotearoa artists are seen, valued and celebrated at La Biennale di Venezia.”
“Ngāi Tahu is our partner and will have an essential presence in Venice this year. The guidance they continue to provide the artist and the project will ensure the cultural integrity of the Aotearoa offering is mana-enhancing for all involved," she says.
Puamiria Parata-Goodall (Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Ngāti Kahungunu), Arts Council member and Venice Kaihautū, says Fiona’s work carries a depth and integrity that resonates far beyond the gallery walls.
“Her contribution to Venice is a testament to the strength and clarity of her artistic voice. Her mahi manifests and celebrates our collective Ngāi Tahutanga, which is why many of us will be there to support her."
Fiona says “Taharaki Skyside is a kaupapa built steadily, adorned with plumes of aroha. It is my earnest dedication to Aotearoa, embraced with grace and industry by the many members of my team, each of whom I hold dear.”
“Under the mantle of Taharaki Skyside, Aotearoa’s southern light illuminates northern climes, as our tūpuna’s stories resonate across the world stage. Kei te tino harikoa ahau.”
She further adds: “May our wairua rise joyfully, communing in the intricate melodies [curator] Koyo Kouoh promised us, her otherworldly vision for La Biennale di Venezia."
Taharaki Skyside will open for preview on May 6. The public will be able to view the work, and the rest of the Biennale from 9 May to 22 November 2026.
At the conclusion of the event, Taharaki Skyside will return to Ōtautahi Christchurch, where New Zealanders will be able to visit the exhibit at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū from mid-2027.
To find out more about the exhibition and the Biennale, see www.nzatvenice.com