12 May 2013

yesterday...


An unexpected invitation to display works from Legato at the hilltop town of Monte San Giovanni Compano on the occasion of the dedication of the bronze medal awarded for Merito Civile was particularly satisfying; it shows that the message of Legato is spreading beyond its immediate area. 

Monte San Giovanni Campano was not the scene of fighting as such, but was the victim of occupation, atrocities and later bombing. The records show that 26 civilians were killed, 5 injured, one church completely destroyed, and many houses damaged by bombing. 
Piccolo centro, occupato dall'esercito tedesco, partecipò con generoso slancio alla lotta di Liberazione. La popolazione, sotto posta a disagi e sofferenze subi furti, saccheggi e bombardamenti che provocarono vittime civili e danni al patrimonio abitavo. 
Nobile esempio di spirito di sacrificio ed amor patrio. 
1243-1944 Monte S Giovanni Campano (FR) 

 The selection of the works exhibited was governed by logistics, with one car for transport, ten easels at the venue, and the permanent seating of a picture theatre to work with.

 Photographs taken by New Zealand soldiers took the attention of the older visitors.

The stage became an impromptu, eye-level display space with make-shift supports.

 A distinguished visitor signs the book in recognition of the part the exhibition played on this day of dedication and remembrance.


 It is a wet morning, but the rain doesn't ruin the ceremony.                                        

 Claudio Paolucci, L'assessore alla cultura, addresses the crowd.

The standards of neighbouring towns are on display outside the exhibition during the ceremony.
The bronze medal for valour awarded to the town in recognition of the bravery of the civilians is attached to the town standard.
A solemn moment of remembrance. 
As the standard bearers leave, the sun shines again.


Huge thanks to Chrissy Brook for her invaluable help in mounting this exhibition, being an excellent navigator, and great company :-) 

Today I am extra grateful for my new flatmate.

2 comments:

Helen said...

Such great photos. A great opening!

Kay said...

To be honest we had rain and not as many visitors as expected, but every opportunity is welcome. I can't claim that the standards were for Legato, they were simply in front of "our" building during the ceremony. But I do find the "trooping of the colours" fascinating.

Those who did really look at the photos and artwork certainly made it worth all the effort of setting up the exhibition, and you never know what impact it may have had.