Madeira, who lives between Dili and Australia, will show her work Kiss and Don’t Tell, which celebrates the strength and resilience of the women of Timor-Leste during the Indonesian occupation.

Measuring around 25 square metres, the main piece to go on display was made with traditional materials including betel nut, earth and pigments.

Speaking during a ceremony where Madeira presented her work to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Melbourne, Australia, the artist said she felt great pride representing her country at the prestigious event.

Dubbed the "Olympics of the art world", the Biennale is one of the main events in the international arts calendar, international news agency Reuters, reported last month.

This year's edition, "Foreigners Everywhere", is due to host pavilions from 90 countries between April 20 and Nov. 24.

Timor-Leste's participation is curated by Natalie King and with the participation of the artist Alfeu and other artists from the Arte Moris group, the statement said.