Giocare
Saint Cloche, Sydney
21 June - 2 July 2023
Some of my earliest memories are of my grandparents playing the card game šusta, surrounded by friends at their dining room table. It was loud, full of laughter, arguments and strategy all combining into a chaotic sensory experience. At the heart of this game playing is a story of migrants, who used these games as a way to connect with friends and remain connected to their homeland.
As I got older, I was brought into the fold and taught to play by my parents. As we played, my parents would share stories of my grandparents as they reflected on similar nights, something about the mindless shuffling of cards transported their minds back. I learned so many of my family’s stories through this card game whilst simultaneously creating new memories to be filed away awaiting their moment to be shared. These card games held a unique power, unlocking the doors to ancestral stories and fostering a profound connection to my heritage.
This show delves into the rich tapestry of these cultural connections and explores game playing as a bridge across generations, cultures and memory.
In addition to the paintings, the framing in this show is a deliberate choice – an opportunity to expand the visual and conceptual boundaries of the work. Each frame is adorned with ceramic embellishments representative of the beautifully illustrated Briscola cards (traditional Italian playing cards). Additionally, the timber has been intricately hand-detailed, a nod to the style of furniture at the time; big imposing timber cabinetry housing precious glassware and serveware. Finally, pleated fabric features throughout referencing the ceremony that often accompanied these nights with friends. Tables were always perfectly set upon a thick tablecloth, glassware arranged alongside crystal ashtrays ready to receive a house full of family and friends.
At the centre of the exhibition stands a table, beckoning the viewer to engage in a card game. This centrepiece is representative of the anchoring nature of the family table. It is the stage for this connection and vulnerability to unfold. I wanted to create a space for viewers to reflect on the exhibition and perhaps feel compelled to share their own familial experiences with one another.