Mildura Palimpsest #9 was a fantastic event curated by Helen Vivian. The event included over 40 artist, many venues and three international curators presenting as part of the symposium. Following are some images of the unveiling of Mother Tongue as part of the opening of Palimpsest #9 and also the first viewing of this work by the participants. A huge thank you to the many people who shared their voices in the alphabet sound piece, and their faces and stories in the video work. And also a huge thank you to Robert Klarich who worked with me on the sound and video.
Mother Tongue 2013 Pastel on paper, overall dimension 345h x 615w cm, 20 drawings, each titled after one of the 20 regions of Italy. Alphabet sound-scape, recorded and edited by Robert Klarich and Filomena Coppola. Documentary video, shot and edited by Robert Klarich and Filomena Coppola (the documentary video is available separately as a limited edition work).
Palimpsest #9 curator, Helen Vivian viewing the work at the old ADFA building in Deakin Avenue, Mildura
Opening night and there was a huge and supportive turn out by the Italian community and many of the participants who were involved in the sound and video components of the work.
Viewing the video work. Many of the participants were there to view the work and to hear each other’s stories.
Thank you to the following participants who shared their stories in the video: Mario Carfora, Benito Colaiacovo, Leonardo Coppola, Pellegrina Coppola, Ilario Crisera, Maria D’Orazio, Loreto Marozzi, Dora Mastrippolito, Rosario Lia, Aurora Littore, Nicolina Paolucci and Silvia Ralli
Thank you to the following participants from the first, second and third generations of Italian immigration whose voices are recorded in the sound component: Mario Carfora, Anna Cirillo, Benito Colaiacovo, Leonardo Coppola, Pellegrina Coppola, Ilario Crisera, Maria D’Orazio, Loreto Marozzi, Dora Mastrippolito, Michele Pagano, Rosario Lia, Aurora Littore, Nicolina Paolucci, Silvia Ralli, Charlie D’Aloisio, Donata Carrazza, Vince Cirillo, Filomena Coppola, Maria Dimasi, Larry Fuda, Teresa Lia, Nick Mazza, Cathy Monteleone, Frank Panetta, Elisa Plany, Olivia Cirillo, Kiarna Coppola, Michael Coppola, Dante DeRosa, Luca Mammone, Massimo Mammone, Emmelia Mazza, Anthony Monteleone, Sienna Plany and Sofia Plany
Acknowledgements: The artist would like to thank all the participants who generously gave their time, voices and stories. Thank you to all the supporters of this project who acknowledged the importance of documenting a small part of this migration story, Irymple Bocce Club, Tasco Inland petroleum, Arts Mildura, Mildura Palimpsest #9. And especially to Robert Klarich and his family for hours above and beyond.
The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional and remote Australia, administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.