MASTERSTROKE // ten thousand suns

Sachiko Kazama ‘Pavilion – Earthly Fart’, c2020 (woodblock print on paper)

Maru Yacco ‘Sydney Parade’, c2024 (acrylic)

Sachiko Kazama ‘The 2nd Sun Island’, c2023 (woodblock print on paper)

Maru Yacco ‘Sydney Parade’, c2024 (acrylic)

Sachiko Kazama ‘Pavilion – White Elephant (MONJU)’, c2020 (woodblock print on paper)

The 24th Biennale of Sydney: Ten Thousand Suns has a complicated theme but ultimately it celebrates rallying against oppression for a future lived in joy. There are prominent ideas about climate change, apocalyptic visions and dystopian worlds while still embracing a hopeful outlook. Seeing two Japanese artists speak about their artworks put this all into perspective.

Sachiko Kazama spoke about environmental impacts depicted in her art but it is done in a humorous and satirical way. Maru Yacco is iconic in the LGBTQI+ community and this mural is an interwoven story of characters overcoming challenges to show diversity and inclusion. Both use a striking monochrome palette with whimsical styles that is darkly comical. Listening to them explain their pieces was very entertaining and meaningful as a whole experience.