THE ITALIAN TALKATIVE SQUARE

The Italian Talkative Square (2015) is a public, site-specific installation. It consists of acoustic and sculptural elements. Both components aim to represent Italian culture, which is the largest cultural group in Five Dock and its surroundings. The acoustic element aims to stimulate the imagination of the listener through one of the oldest forms of communication: the oral tradition.

To highlight the Italian cultural heritage of the Five Dock community and add more authenticity to the unique stories presented by each participant, some of the musical and theatrical voices within the recordings have been left in their original language. The sculptural component of the work leaves space for the viewer to find hidden clues to the stories.

The Italian Talkative Square is a collection of stories, from both the past and the present, told by the older generation who mainly come from Sicily, the Aeolian Islands and the central and southern regions of Italy.

The sonic pieces, told in both English and Italian, consist of stories, traditional music and field recording organized into three cultural themes – Emigration, Characters, Traditions – and acoustic compositions. Each is fifty minutes long and is looped and transmitted through three pairs of stereo speakers. The speakers are installed within the sculptures and on top of existing public poles in Fred Kelly Place that are made of recycled, everyday objects, collected as memorabilia and inspired by each individual story.

As well as encouraging a revival of Italian cultural traditions in Five Dock, The Italian Talkative Square is a way to reflect on the contribution that this community has made in transforming Australia, economically, socially and culturally.

Many members of the Five Dock Italian community arrived in Australia during the post-war emigration (between 1950 and 1970) with only a pair of shoes, trousers and the shirt on their backs. Some didn’t know how long the trip could last believing it was just 2-3 days when they boarded the ship. Others travelled alone or had a chaperon. Many shared songs and dance, hoping for a better future.

Although they were initially seen as different people in a new country, Italian emigrants were able to rebuild their own futures, as well as those of the next generation, thanks to hard work, will, creativity, friendship and family values.

Capturing the curiosity of people that are passing by this public artwork is surprising, charming and educates the audience as they sit on public benches or have a daily break in Fred Kelly Place. It also provides an opportunity for a younger generation of Italians, and other cultures living in Five Dock, to acknowledge their grandparent’s contribution to the history of multicultural Australia.