Reclamation: a powerful art performance by Lani Asunción

Austin B. Luckett
2 days ago
3 min read

Lani Asuncion immersing the audience in the performance

Lani Asunción’s Duty-Free Paradise and the Exhibition Reclamation

If you want to experience some of the most thought-provoking contemporary art in Utah, make time to visit Ogden Contemporary Arts in downtown Ogden. The current exhibition, Reclamation, includes a powerful live performance by Lani Asunción titled Duty-Free Paradise that turns the gallery into something closer to a living story than a traditional art show.

On the night of the performance, the space felt different from the moment visitors stepped in. Instead of quietly moving between artworks on the wall, the audience gathered in anticipation. The gallery itself became the stage.

A Performance About Paradise and Power

Asunción’s performance, Duty-Free Paradise, explores the hidden histories behind places that are often marketed as idyllic tourist destinations. In this work, the focus turns toward Hawaii, a place that many people imagine as a carefree vacation paradise.

Through movement, voice, and storytelling, Asunción reveals a much more complex story. The performance touches on colonial history, migration, and the ways land and culture have been shaped by empire.

Moments of quiet reflection were mixed with striking imagery. At times the performance felt intimate, almost like listening to someone recount family history. At other moments it expanded outward into a critique of tourism, militarization, and the legacy of colonial power.

The audience stood close to the action, which made the work feel personal and immediate. Instead of observing from a distance, viewers were drawn into the narrative.

‘I could not turn back the time for the political change, but there is still time to save our heritage. You must remember never to cease to act because you fear you may fail. - Queen Liliuokalani

The Exhibition: Reclamation

The performance is part of the broader exhibition Reclamation, currently on view at Ogden Contemporary Arts. The show brings together several artists who explore themes of identity, colonization, and the environmental impact of empire.

The exhibition focuses particularly on the historical relationship between the United States and the Philippines. These histories continue to shape the experiences of Filipino and Filipino American communities today.

Across the gallery, installations and collaborative works examine questions of land, memory, and cultural survival. Together they create a conversation about how histories of empire still echo in the present.

Experiencing Contemporary Art in Ogden

One of the most exciting things about the arts scene in Ogden is how accessible it is. Institutions like Ogden Contemporary Arts regularly bring nationally and internationally recognized artists to Northern Utah, often with free admission.

For visitors exploring downtown Ogden, the gallery sits inside the Monarch building, which has become a hub for artists, studios, and creative businesses. A visit here pairs easily with the city’s growing collection of murals, galleries, and local shops.

Experiences like Duty-Free Paradise show how contemporary art can push beyond traditional exhibitions. Instead of simply viewing art objects, audiences participate in a shared moment that invites reflection and conversation.

Why Reclamation Is Worth Seeing

The exhibition Reclamation asks visitors to reconsider familiar ideas about paradise, history, and belonging. Through performance and installation, artists like Lani Asunción bring attention to stories that are often overlooked.

Standing in the gallery during the performance, it was clear that the work resonated deeply with the audience. People lingered afterward, talking quietly and reflecting on what they had just experienced.

That is often the sign of meaningful art. It stays with you long after you leave the room.

For anyone interested in contemporary culture in Utah, Reclamation at Ogden Contemporary Arts is worth adding to your list.