Aluaiy Kaumakan, born in 1971 in Pingtung County, Taiwan, is an interdisciplinary textile sculptor and installation artist. She belongs to a leading noble family of the Paiwan Nation from the Paridrayan Community of Pingtung County in southern Taiwan. Growing up in this environment, she was exposed to traditional clothing and jewelry from an early age and learned the art of weaving. Her creative endeavors primarily involve weaving and craft design, with recent years focusing on exhibiting woven soft sculptures and installation art. Her works embody the narrative of women’s self-expression; portraying women as independent individuals who are central to their communities and heritage, yet indispensable to the collective. They delve into the subtle life pulsations of women and contemplate issues of female consciousness. Initially, her works often showcased lush and majestic imagery. However, the impact of the 2009 Typhoon Morakot forced her community to relocate, prompting a shift in her artistic direction towards deeper introspection. Her aim has become to unite her people and facilitate their healing process, allowing them to regain strength and move forward.
She was awarded the First Prize in Visual Arts in the 2018 Pulima Art Awards. In 2020, she held a solo exhibition titled “Lemikalik” at Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Culture Park. Her recent notable exhibition experiences include the 7th Yokohama Triennale in Japan (2020), the Taipei Biennial in Taiwan (2020), the 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art in Australia (2021), the 23rd Biennale of Sydney (2022), and the Hayward Gallery in London (2023).