I presented as part of a panel Panel – Visual and Verbal Memories: Italian Migrant Creativity Across the World. L-R Chair: Prof Fred Gardaphe (USA), John D Calandra Italian American Institute New York. Filomena Coppola (AUS), Luci Callipari-Marcuzzo (AUS), Dr Eliana Maestri (UK), University of Exeter, Prof Loredana Polezzi (UK), Cardiff University and B. Amore (USA) who was represented by a video interview. I spoke about four works, Wallflower – Mirror, rorriM, Chasing the Disappeared, Mother Tongue and Alpha Sound. Conference photo: Christian Marcuzzo
My presentation was a visual exploration of cultural loss in the regional Australian town of Mildura, Victoria.
As a visual artist whose parents migrated from Italy to Australia in the 1950’s, these four artworks attempt to capture the experience of this generation. Many of this aging generation are now passing. They are the cultural bridge between Italy and Australia. With particular attention to language, dislocation, distance and cultural loss, these artworks aim to capture and celebrate this particular moment in history and this brave generation.
Here is the link to the online publication of the presentations from Diaspore Italiane Genova
Wallpaper – Mirror, rorriM, 2011, Pastel on paper, 108h x 216w cm, Mildura dirt and Murray River sand, dimensions variable. Link to Wallflower – Mirror, rorriM
Chasing the Disappeared, 2012 Pastel on paper, 108h x 800w cm and two panels each 108h x 80w cm. Link to Chasing the Disappeared
Mother Tongue, Installation View
Mother Tongue, 2013, 20 drawings, each titled after one of the 20 regions of Italy, pastel on paper, overall 345h x 615w cm, 2013 Alphabet sound component, duration 4:43, Documentary Film, duration 15:29. Link to Mother Tongue
Alpha Sound, Alphabet, 26 drawings each 120h x 80w cm
Alpha Sound, Sound Waves, 26 drawings each 120h x 80w cm