The Italian Talkative Square consists of acoustic and sculptural elements which aim to represent Italian culture, specifically that of Southern Italy and the Aeolian Islands, from where many members of the Five Dock Italian community arrived in the Post-WWII era.
Following the Council’s Five Dock Urban Design Study, Five Dock is now brimming with impressive art installations meant to boost the centre’s vibrancy. These artworks aim to encourage people to take a moment and consider their physical spaces.
For The Italian Talkative Square, Marta spent the three months leading up to the launch recording traditional music and many stories told by the older Italian generation of Five Dock in both English and Italian, to accompany her three colourful sculptures, each of which represent a different element of the Five Dock Italian story.
The interactive installations exhibit the food and festivities of Central to Southern Italy, the story of immigration to Australia, and legendary characters such as Italian-Australian show band musician Jack Patane.
To thank those who contributed, Marta and the Council held a private event whereby participants in the project performed traditional and unique Italian music.
Both Council and artist aim to engage and educate the community through this artwork. It provides an opportunity for younger generations of Italian, and other cultures in Five Dock, to acknowledge their grandparents’ contribution to the history of multicultural Australia.
The auditory part of The Italian Talkative Square is transmitted from Thursday to Friday, with each recording being played at a different time of the day. The artwork will be on display until December 2018.
The Five Dock Laneways Art Activation Project is a recent initiative of Canada Bay’s Art and Cultural Development Program.