Italian-born Margaret River artist encourages reminiscing on heritage and culture in Manjimup

A new art exhibition in Manjimup that started as an Italian-born artist’s connection to her home country encourages people to reminisce on their heritage while growing their cultural knowledge. The Moments Made in Italy exhibition depicts the everyday scenes of Italian life from young adults zooming around on Vespas to elegant Nonnas hauling their groceries home or enjoying a relaxed prosecco at the local bar. Hosted by the Manjimup Arts Gallery, the opening night event on March 3 was attended by three generations of Italians from Manjimup and surrounds who connected with Silvia Busetto’s art at a deep level and many discussions of history and culture began. The Margaret River artist said she started painting Italian subjects during the COVID lockdown. “I missed my home country so much and I was constantly thinking about them and the difficult time they were having and so I started painting all the good things connected with the Italian culture,” she said. “This is everything I was missing.” Ms Busetto said she wasn’t able to return to Italy for three years however, found everything she was painting right as it was from the Nonni playing cards outside a bar to scenes of Italian spritz times. “I have a big connection with my Italian background,” she said. “At the beginning I started painting other subjects, dancers and musicians ... then I started expressing myself with Italian subjects and my home culture.” Busetto said expressing culture through art was incredibly important for the growth of individuals, including expanding knowledge and understanding. “For me it was important to be a part of the Australian culture ... I think it’s something that gives you an opportunity to grow, so with that in mind, if you bring something from your culture to share, people have a chance to pick up good things from another culture,” she said. “It’s important for growth.” Busetto said she was happy to be able to bring art and its ability to grow understandings, express culture and provoke thought to regional towns. “I think it’s really important, especially in small towns, to try and provide all possible opportunties,” she said. “Art, culture, music, dance — they are all beautiful opportunties that help you grow. It’s important that everyone has the chance to learn about these. “My art is for everybody and I hope it will stay this way forever.” Shire of Manjimup president Paul Omodei said the Shire of Manjimup had a strong connection to Italy as many locals arrived as economic migrants from Italy in the 1950s and 1960s. “It is interesting to see that a new wave of younger migration from Italy has commenced,” he said. The exhibition is on display at the Manjimup Art Gallery from March 4 until April 22.