Legato works in the Banca Popolare del Cassinate, Corso della Repubblica 193-195, Cassino

Visitors to Cassino can see a collection of 30 Legato works in the Expo area of the Banca Popolare del Cassinate, in Corso della Repubblica, Cassino.

These works include new works by Robyn Hughes, New Zealand, and works by Cassino resident, Julia Udoratina from Russia.

Robyn uses layered images to explore and represent aspects of the battles of Cassino.

Julia's works challenge the concept that the world is a better place now, suggesting that the world is still in a mess, and has not gone forward from the chaos and tragedy of wartime at all.

Well recognised works by Merv Appleton remind us about the loss of life in wartime, but also suggest that life can go on with hope for a better future.

Regan Balzer references the Maori battalion in her three paintings which were first shown in Italy in 2011.

Kay de Lautour focuses on the civilians, both then and now, and an interesting work by Susan Edge from the 2010 exhibition asks us to think about the pull that we all face when family and community members are away at war.

Other artists included are Daniele Corsi, Ira Mitchell, Sarah Scott, Stan Blanch, Linda Dickens, Bernadette McCormack, Gail Boyle and Nancy Stevens.

New works by featured artist for 2013 Professor Alessandro Nardone, Cassino resident Dr Danilo Salvucci and New Zealander Geoff Tune will be on display in the main venue, the Sala Restagno in the Comune building, from Saturday morning at 9.30am, along with works by Anna Maria Corsi, Sara Antonini and Kay de Lautour. 

Legato at Monte San Giovanni Campano

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.

(Thanks to Chrissy Brook for her invaluable help in mounting this exhibition - Kay).