Legato Exhibition

World Art Games

2012-01-02T22:01:00.000-08:00

New Zealand artist Sharlene Schmidt has had an exciting time since her visit to Italy for Legato in 2010. Last year, 2011, saw her participating in cultural (art) exchanges in India, Abania and finally Croatia. She is recently back from a conference for the World Art Games, a new initiative which will see the inaugural art games held in Croatia in the European summer of 2013.

The initiator and organiser of this project is interviewed here (click for link)

This article from scoop.co.nz talks a little about New Zealand's involvement in the new and exciting project.

New Zealand Artists to attend World Art Games

November saw prominent New Zealand artist and President of the New Zealand Committee of the World Art Games attend the first International Conference of the World Art Games (WAG) in Zagreb, Croatia. Sharlene was one of 22 representatives from around the globe who came together for the Conference which was live streamed to an additional 47 countries. Sharlene’s presence at the conference confirmed NZ’s place in history as one of the founding countries of this global phenomenon which is rapidly gaining momentum throughout the world.

The Games are seen as a universal bonding tool to develop relationships regardless of political views, race, sexuality and religious views. The declaration signed by the 25 founding countries bonds all nations to the same mission of tolerance, peace and participation found in the organisation and hosting of the games. It is envisioned that the Games will be hosted by a different country every two years.

The inaugural WAG will be held in Croatia in 2013 between June 29th and July 10th. It is expected upwards of 60 countries will take part in this festival of international art culture. The International Games committee propose to hold a number of events within a two week period spread across three cities. There will be an international exhibition for painters and sculptors, a week of theatre, dance and musical performances.

Peace on Earth

2011-12-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

May the peace of Christmas cease-fires last throughout the year.

Wishing you all a relaxed and peaceful Christmas, with a little song about Snoopy and the Red Baron, Snoopy's Christmas.

From the internet:

ARTIST: The Royal Guardsmen
TITLE: Snoopy's Christmas
Lyrics and Chords

[Capo 3]

The news it came out in the First World War
The bloody Red Baron was flying once more
The Allied Command ignored all of its men
And called on Snoopy to do it again

/ D A7 / - D / - G / A7 D /

Was the night before Christmas and forty below
When Snoopy went up in search of his foe
He spied the Red Baron and fiercely they fought
With ice on his wings, Snoopy knew he was caught

Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ring out from the land
Asking peace of all the world
And good will to man

/ GA D / / GA DBm / GA D /

The Baron had Snoopy dead in his sights
He reached for the trigger to pull it up tight
Why he didn't shoot, well, we'll never know
Or was it the bells from the village below

{Refrain}
Christmas bells those Christmas bells
Ringing through the land
Bringing peace to all the world
And good will to man

The Baron made Snoopy fly to the Rhine
And forced him to land behind the enemy lines
Snoopy was certain that this was the end
When the Baron cried out "Merry Christmas, mein friend!"

The Baron then offered a holiday toast
And Snoopy our hero saluted his host
And then with a roar they were both on their way
Each knowing they'd meet on some other day

{Refrain twice}

Dedication Required on the Road to Peace

2011-12-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

The world will never have lasting peace as long as men reserve for war their finest human qualities.

Peace, no less than war, requires idealism, self-sacrifice, and a righteous and dynamic faith.

- John Foster Dulles

This quotation says it all. Our finest human qualities are needed for peace, to bring an end to war. Peace is more than the absence of war; if we all use our finest human qualities in educating for a culture of peace we have a much better chance of succeeding.

Another Point of View

2011-12-12T10:25:00.001-08:00

I make no secret that the paint brush and the pen are my weapons of choice in the quest for peace. Occasionally I struggle with the concept of using weapons that kill in this important and huge battle. Peacekeeping is an admirable occupation, but how far can one go with the definition of a peace-keeping army? When do peace keepers become oppressors and killers? I am not sure that I have a definite opinion on this; I do not like force at all, and am afraid of guns in any situation, yet I have many friends whom I respect who are in uniform and carry weapons. Their choice is not my choice, but our aims are the same.

This Ted speech, by the Chief of Defence of the Netherlands Army, is a clear and logical explanation of why some choose the gun as a weapon in the fight for peace. (The video runs for 18 minutes. If you don't have time to listen to all of it right now, I suggest you let it run through and then watch from minute 8 onwards). The gun, as explained by Peter van Uhm, the highest military commander in Holland, can also be seen as a weapon of peace. He supports his argument with some interesting statistics.

Peter van Uhm, Chief of Defence, Netherlands, from 2008 to present. (Photo from internet, Nato image).

What weapon do you choose? And are you an active campaigner for peace? If, like me, you do not choose the gun, then have you chosen a weapon that suits you, and are you using it in what is the greatest battle of all, the battle for peace, for freedom from oppression, for a more equitable distribution of the world's resources?

I urge you to be active, making positive change in your every day lives. Don't wait for special occasions, for commemorations and other events. Every day we have opportunities to make a difference. If we change, those around us change.

Change in the family and community, no matter how small, is positive change for a positive future. Just as each little drop of water can meld with others to form a puddle and then a lake, each peaceful community can join with others to form a peaceful nation. Each nation can join with others...

In this era of instant communication we CAN make a difference. But only if we act. Choose your "weapon" for peace, be it as personal as your smile or as public as the internet, and use it every day.

Ripples Across the Water

2011-11-11T15:26:00.001-08:00

In 2010 Ronda Turk travelled to Cassino with her mother, Mary Howan, and other New Zealand artists and supporters, to exhibit with Legato, to visit Italy, to learn more about the Battle of Cassino, and of course to enjoy the wonderful countryside. Ronda and Mary made the most of their time here walking the picturesque hillsides, exploring the villages, enjoying being "local", experiencing as much of Italian culture as they could.

Using her photographs from this trip Ronda painted her impressions of Italy back in New Zealand. She recently won an award for her "townscape" of Roccasecca, this scene being near the Bed and Breakfast L'Ortica where she stayed.

Ronda's research prior to painting for Legato included interviews with veteran Don Hutchins, who served time in Italy. Don was a private with the 25th Battalion and his job was a Dispatch Rider; he also was a runner for about 4 days during the battle in Cassino. He spent two years fighting in Italy with around five months in Cassino. He was wounded later in Rimini, but returned to battle when he was fit enough.

Thanks to the social media of Facebook Michele Di Lonardo of Cassino saw the photograph of Ronda with her winning painting, and contacted her to interview her via Skype. The newspaper article above, published in Cassino in time for Remembrance Day, is the result of this connection.

Thanks to the internet art can certainly make ripples from one side of the world to the other.

Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veteran's Day

2011-11-10T14:51:00.002-08:00

(Image taken from Wikipedia)

The clock on my computer has just flicked over to 11/11/2011 and a Facebook photo from New Zealand showed a clock at 11.11 11/11/11.

Today is Remembrance Day for many around the world. It is a day marked by the Commonwealth countries, but also recognised by many other countries throughout the world. It marks Armistice Day, the official end of World War I.

I often think of Australia on this day. Shortly, at the 11th minute of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the eleventh month a ray of sunlight will touch the poignant statue at the Shrine of Remembrance, the War Memorial in Melbourne. Five Australians lie in the cemetery in Cassino. One was a journalist; all were doing what their country asked of them.

Whatever we call it, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veteran's day or Poppy Day, it's time to reflect, to remember.

It is also time to look ahead. Now, as much as we ever did, we need to educate for a culture of peace. Here in Europe I hear disquietening rumblings, of movements that are threatening, of strongly nationalist and militant ideology. We can't relax and ignore them, but must be proactive in reaching out to the young people, making links that will bind countries in peace, not divide them in oppressive actions.

Legato is a small movement, but it is one of many. Together we are a positive force. We never know who we reach, or how we do make change. But change does happen, and positive change through any medium is to be supported and applauded.

*****

Works from Legato 2010 are still finding their way home. Today I packed works that were shown again in the 2011 Cassino Legato, and these will travel to New Zealand shortly. The permanent display in Italy is changing slightly as these works are returned to their owners and new ones are added to the collection.

I visited New Zealand works in the Sora school last week, where the teachers and children were overwhelmed by the generous donation of work that didn't go back to New Zealand. I am delighted to be involved in planning the best placement and use of these works so that they form a central part of peace studies in the school.

Follow-up work from 2010 continues, while planning for new events stretches out to 2014. At the moment the Legato collection is being enjoyed by Polish visitors, and these essential links with Poland are being consolidated as I don't speak Polish and need help with the Polish Legato negotiations.

The Polish cemetery on Monte Cassino is undergoing extensive maintenance work. The trees have been removed and will be replaced, and the damage caused by tree roots repaired. While is appears stark in comparison to when the trees were still there it is also now highly visible, and reminds us of the real cost of war.

One thousand young Polish men did not go home from Cassino. Poland suffered terribly during and after the war. I look forward to working with Polish artists for commemoration and peace.

First Canadian Work for Legato

2011-09-21T09:14:00.001-07:00

Legato (Italy) May 2011 included this small painting by Bernadette McCormack, who responded quickly to my initial inquiries to artists in Canada. Next year Legato will focus more on Canadian and Italian art.

This work has since been on display in Roccasecca with other works and the small but growing Legato permanent collection. It draws comments from adults and children and is one of the most popular new additions on display. Children seem to know almost instinctively that there is much to read in the work, and find symbolism in it that escapes most adults.

Bernadette McCormack

Sono cresciuta in Canada, una nazione tranquilla. La mia sola esperienza di guerra erano le storie raccontate dai miei genitori del tempo in cui erano bambini a Manila e, per sfuggire alle bombe, durante la seconda guerra mondiale, dovevano inerpicarsi su per la montagna in cerca di un posto sicuro. ll mio secondogenito ha sempre avuto un grande interesse per la storia militare fin da quando aveva sei anni, quindi ha iniziato ad introdurmi agli orrori, alle strategie, ai sacrifici occorsi durante la seconda guerra mondiale. Recentemente siamo stati in Normandia per soddisfare la sua curiosita' e abbiamo visitato le spiagge e I luoghi dello sbarco. Sono rimasta impressionata nel vedere i cambiamenti prodotti dagli anni. i campi verdi, le spiagge ben tenute, pronte per I turisti. Ma so che la terra, cosi' come la gente, ricordano le tragedie della guerra. Questo e' cio' che voglio simbolizzare nei miei quadri usando l'innocenza dei fiori che crescono dentro all'elmetto dei soldati caduti.

I grew up in Canada, a peaceful country. My only experience with the war was the stories my parents told of their time as small children in Manilla, where they had to escape the bombings of the second world war by climbing the mountains to a safer location. When my second son was born, he started to show an intense interest in military history at the age of six years old, and he started to educate me further of the horrors, the strategies, the sacrifices that occurred in the second world war. As he grew, he started to beg me to take him to the province of Normandy to satisfy his interest in the D-Day Invasion. Just recently, in order to fulfill my son's wishes, I found myself accompanying him to the landings and beaches of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. I was impressed with the way the land had renewed itself. The fields were smooth and green, the beaches were clean and flat and ready for sunbathers. But I know that the land, as well as the people, all remember the tragedies of war. I wanted to depict this notion in my painting by using the innocence of flowers growing in a fallen soldiers helmet.

Abstract Work Colours Vibrate

2011-06-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Italian artist Francesco Nardi balances the three primary colours on a stark white background, creating a tension that resonates but also allows space for calm reflection.*

He writes:
La sintesi operata nel mio lavoro pittorico riguarda soprattutto gli artisti che nel primo dopoguerra operarono negli Stati Uniti con l influenza dei pittori europei. Mi riferisco a Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Sam Francis, insomma alla New York School in generale. Le problematiche affrontate sono le stesse ed il messaggio di pace nell opera esposta resta immutato e latente.

Francesco Nardi

.

*The photograph above does not capture well the dazzling interaction of the chroma intensity used by Nardi in this work.

Return of a "Penny Diver"

2011-05-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Images from Legato, 23 May 2011.
One of the 28th Maori Battalion "Penny Divers," Aubrey Balzer shares his memories of Italy and his message of peace with family and visitors to Legato.

Sala Pietra Malatesta, Biblioteca, Cassino.

2011-05-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

Lunedi 23 maggio 11.00 invitiamo tutti voi a Legato, incontrare con l'artista Regan Balzer e suo zio, soldato veterano Aubrey Balzer.

Legato is in the old picture theatre in Cassino, the building which now houses a Tribunale and a library as well as the Sala Pietro Malatesta, an exhibition space and conference room.

The building is also known as Arcoboleno, which means Rainbow, and was the name of the picture theatre. Visitors used to the subdued palettes of the Italian artists might well think that they have walked under a rainbow when they enter the space these days. Collectively the paintings in Legato bring light, brightness and energy into the space. A different culture shines through.

Legato has already hosted many interested visitors and at least one very interested gathering of professional people meeting in the space. Monday is the official "launch" where you can meet with artists Lois Wine, Kay de Lautour and Regan Balzer, and Regan's uncle Aubrey Balzer who is a veteran who served with the Maori Battalion in Cassino.

Featured Artist: Regan Balzer

2011-05-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

Legato is now open at Sala Pietro Malatesta, Biblioteca Comunale, Cassino, Italy.

Ore/opening times: 8.30 - 13.00, 15.00 - 17.45.

Featured artist: Regan Balzer (NZ). Also included are works by other artists from New Zealand, Italy, Canada and Germany.

Regan Balzer

Il mio lavoro come artista e' centrato sulla mia esperienza di donna Maori che vive in Aotearoa (nome originale Maori della Nuova Zelanda n.d.t.)

Oggigiorno e che viene ispirata dal passato degli avi.

Esibire i miei quadri in "Legato" ha molto significato per me perche' i miei antenati sono molto importanti per me. Derivo da loro, sono sangue del loro sangue, il mondo in cui vivo e' stato forgiato da loro. E' un onore prendere parte a un evento in cui loro vengono riconosciuti e le loro azioni del passato vengono valorizzate.

Mio nonno era il maggiore di tre fratelli, perse il fratello piu' giovane, Oswald, in Italia durante la seconda guerra mondiale, mentre lui rientro' In Nuova Zelanda dopo essere stato gravemente ferito fuori Cassino. A causa delle conseguenze delle sue ferite la qualita' di vita cambio' drasticamente per lui.

Ormai mio nonno e' deceduto, ma ho la fortuna di aver passato del tempo con suo fratello, mio zio Aubrey Balzer, ormai novantenne. E' incredibile la sua capacita' di ricordare gli eventi della campagna di guerra italiana, come fosse oggi! I miei quadri sono stati ispirati dai suoi ricordi, momenti che non posso comprendere fino in fondo, momenti in cui sono stati persi dei cari e una intera generazione di capi Maori.

L'antica tradizione maori della scultura su legno ci ha tramandato con le immagini, con il linguaggio visivo, la cultura maori. I miei dipinti incorporano l'immaginario, la narrativa e le forme della tradizione scultorea maori tradotti sulla tela. I colori della regione geotermale dove sono cresciuta (Rotorua n.d.t.).
Sono diventati la base della dia tavolozza. A causa dell'effetto dello zolfo sull'ambiente circostante, i colori sono fortemente contrastanti, verde lussureggiante e giallo intenso, blu glaciale e rosso acceso con un risultato assolutamente affascinante. Quando creo un quadro uso di proposito colori forti, contrastanti, li stratifico creando un ventaglio di sfumature. Gli strati di colore e le forme scolpite dall'immaginario sulla tela trasportano la mente dello spettatore.
Cosi' come le voci di un coro muovono l'animo, il proposito del mio lavoro e' quello di muovere l'animo verso la rivitalizzazione della conoscenza tradizionale Maori, verso la tramandazione della narrativa storica, attraverso una sinfonia visuale di colori e forme.

Nel momento in cui l'immagine comincia a danzare nell'interazione di linee, luci e colori so che il quadro e' finito.

Uso il pennello e incido con la pittura, abbracciando la nostra ricca storia maori e condividendone con gli altri il significato che ha nella mia vita.

Le grandi cose cominciano a piccoli passi e il successo si conquista con la forza che mettiamo nel raggiungere i nostri obiettivi.

'Whaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei'

Regan Balzer

The themes in my work are related to my experiences as a Māori woman living in Aotearoa and a modern world.

Inspired by my ancestors...

Exhibiting in Legato is meaningful to me because my ancestors are important to me. It is their blood that I carry within me and it is their deeds that have shaped the world I live in today. It is an honour to exhibit in a show that acknowledges them and the actions of their day.

My Grandfather was the eldest of three brothers. I lost my great Uncle Oswald (the youngest) in Italy during World War II. My grandfather, severely injured just out of Cassino, returned to New Zealand, the injury changing his quality of life forever. Although my grandfather has now passed away, I have been lucky enough to spend some time with the sole surviving brother, Aubrey Balzer, now 90 years old. It is amazing how Aubrey has been able to recall the events of the Italian campaign with such clarity, as if he was there only yesterday (not the 70 years ago that it actually is). My paintings have been inspired by his recollections of a time, a time that I cannot comprehend, but a time when we lost not only family, but we also lost a generation of Maori leaders.

Customary Maori woodcarving is an ancient practice that has been responsible for retaining a wealth of imagery and visual language in the Maori culture. My paint work incorporates imagery, form and narrative from Maori woodcarving and translates these onto a two dimensional surface of paint The geothermal district, of which I was raised, becomes a base for my colour palate. Through the effects of the sulphuric environment, contrasting colours constantly appear side by side, lush greens with titillating yellows and chilly blues with fiery reds, all of which look absolutely stunning.

When creating a painting, I purposefully select bold, contrasting colours, building this colour in layers, creating a symphony of shades. The layering of paint and carved form imagery on the canvas allows the viewer to go on a journey. Just as the voices of a choir stir the soul, the ultimate goal of my work is a stirring of the soul that speaks to the revitalisation of customary Maori knowledge and the retention of historical narrative, through a visual symphony of colour and form.

Once the painting begins to dance through the interaction of line, colour and light I know it is then finished.

I use my paintbrush and I carve with paint, embracing our rich Maori history and sharing its significance in my life with the world.

Great things begin with just a single small step and success comes from the drive to move forward to reach your goals.

‘Whaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei’

Watercolour Works for Italy

2011-05-15T13:31:00.001-07:00

Italian-born New Zealand artist Margherita Giampietri continues to challenge with her work for Legato. For the New Zealand edition of Legato Giampietri painted "Lambs to the Slaughter" (in the spotlight area of the photograph below) and has created a very different image for Cassino.

Cassino work:

This work expresses universal emotions and allows viewers to interpret the scene according to their own experiences.

New Artworks Arrive in Cassino

2011-05-14T05:35:00.001-07:00

Ero una bambina quando scoppio' la guerra, ma ricordo con precisione i momenti in cui sedevo di fianco ai miei genitori mentre ascoltavano le notizie dal fronte alla radio.
Ricordo la lunga lista di nomi che veniva letta: chi era morto in azione, chi era rimasto ferito, e peggio ancora chi era disperso.
La mia mente bambina si chiedeva se questi poveri giovani provassero la paura e se sarebbero mai stati ritrovati.

Da adulta ho trovato e letto la poesia "To the fallen" ( "Ai caduti") di Lawrence Binyon e la forza di quelle parole mi ha commosso profondamente.
Si puo' solo sperare che forse in un futuro gli uomini giungano alla conclusione che la guerra non e' "la soluzione".

Lois Wine (2011)

Fabric artist Lois Wine has arrived in Italy with her quilt commissioned especially for Cassino 2011. Lois has hand-painted the silk used in this work. Around the borders are scenes from the Cassino area, and the poppies well known in memorial works feature in the centre.

Lois writes: I was only child when war broke out, but I vividly remember sitting beside my mother and father as they listened to the war news on the radio. The long list of names being read out, those who were killed in action, others wounded but worst of all were the ‘missing in action’ names. I wondered in my childlike way if those poor men were really scared and if they would ever be found.

When I was an adult I found the poem ‘To the fallen’ by Laurence Binyon and the poignancy of that poem brought tears to my eyes. One can only hope that maybe in the future, mankind will eventually come to realise that war is not the answer.

Another ANZAC Day Passes

2011-04-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

The poppies are in bloom again, growing tall and free in the fields or tightly bound in their plastic bases in memorial gardens. The difference is striking. So too is the difference between a young man full of the joy of life and one lying forever in a foreign land.

This year the New Zealand Embassy hosted the Anzac Day service at the Rome War Cemetery. The day was damp and overcast, fitting the mood in the small but interesting cemetery. There are not many New Zealand soldiers buried here, but those who are there had many visitors and were remembered along with those who are still risking their lives fighting in conflicts today.

Masters of Ceremonies were Wing Commander Ian MacPherson, NZDF and Chief Petty Officer James Dew, ADF. Prayers were led by Father Paul Martin SM and Canon David Richardson and the reading was given by His Excellency David Ritchie, Australian Ambassador. His Excellency Dr Trevor Matheson, New Zealand Ambassador-Designate (pictured below), gave the address.

The service was traditional, and wreaths were laid by representatives of 19 countries and organisations. The singing, unaccompanied as earlier rain prevented the use of a sound system, was both prayerful and patriotic.

From the opening prayer in Rome on Anzac day 2011 comes this hope for mankind:
"We ask that the liberty, truth and justice which [the fallen soldiers] sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon this earth".

One phrase in the closing prayer (Canon David Richardson) struck a particular chord with me, praying for "peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts".

The Prayers of Intercession (Father Paul Martin SM) are copied here:

Let us pray for leaders of nations, and for all who are working to promote understanding between peoples, that their efforts may bring about justice, freedom and lasting peace.

Let us pray for those who suffer today as a result of war, terrorism and all forms of violence, that through their suffering we may learn to resolve conflicts without bloodshed.

Let us pray for the men and women of all our countries who have died in war, especially for those who are buried in this place, that their self-sacrificing courage may inspire us to face the difficulties in our time with integrity and goodwill.

Let us remember especially those who this day commemorates, and the contribution they have made to the growth of our nations. May we never forget the ideals for which they have died.

Let us spend a moment in silent prayer asking God for the gift of peace; for ourselves and our families, our communities, and our world.

As I looked at the young piper standing alone behind the cenotaph I wondered how long it would be before he too had to decide where he stood as a peace maker.

Music, like art, is an effective weapon of choice. Music unites and inspires us to seek greater things. It can also be used to unite to draw strength to attack a perceived enemy. I recall a poster from many years ago: "There are no strangers in this world, only friends I have yet to meet". Let music and art always be used to educate, to forge friendships, to promote harmony, to bring about a lasting peace.

Peace - an Uncommon Concept?

2011-04-10T00:16:00.000-07:00

A people sacrificed for peaceful principles recovers its identity and leads by example even in these troubled times:

So deeply committed to their pacifist beliefs and their covenant of peace, that just over 170 years ago, they deliberately refused to abandon their principles in the face of unwarranted aggression, with horrendous consequences. The last "full-blooded" Moriori died in 1933. The Moriori story and Nunuku's covenant of peace, provides a vital message for today's turbulent world.

Peace is not a new concept in the world, just an uncommon one.

(Source: http://www.education-resources.co.nz/)

My next blog post was to be about education for a culture of peace, with particular reference to the nations who have historically claimed to be peace keepers rather than active aggressors in times of war. I watch daily the events unfolding in Libya, and more particularly recently the involvement of peace loving nations who have somehow become caught up in acts of aggression despite their best intentions. Their citizens are quite rightly expressing their concern at what is happening.

It was timely, for me, to receive a comment in response to an earlier post, which brings to the fore this very issue.

As a child going to school in the 1960s I learned about the Moriori people, the peaceful early inhabitants of New Zealand. We were taught that the Moriori people had all but died out, but that their peaceful legacy was to be admired and upheld. The Moriori people, like many other peace makers, suffered for their principles. They were to be remembered and praised, but was left thinking that as a people they were, sadly, doomed. Their recovery as an identifiable ethnic group with a modern identity which still adheres to these principles is a wonderful example of steadfastness in holding to principles, determination to survive as a people, and of how one can successfully educate for a culture of peace.

This is the comment that came in response to the blog post showing Rachel Olsen's work.

Tena ko, I applaud this article as historically accurate. However, the author and indeed all NZers need to know that 500 years before Te Whiti o Rongomai, the Moriori people of Rekohu (Chatham Islands) had observed an ancient peace covenant that remains unbroken by Moriori to this day. Te Whiti would have been aware of the Moriori pacifist doctrine as it was his kinsmen (from Te Atiawa) who had invaded Rekohu and killed/enslaved Moriori in 1835.

Moreover, Moriori had been taken to Taranaki as slaves in the 1840s and 1850s. Moriori also wore albatross feathers in their hair as a symbol of peace and bales of albatross feathers were sent from Rekohu to Parihaka in the 1860s - too many coincidences for there not to be a direct connection between Te Whiti's pacifist doctrine and that practiced by Moriori for many centuries.

It would be nice for folk to acknowledge not just Te Whiti and Tohu as NZ leaders in Pacifism, but acknowledge that they in turn were most likely influenced by the ancient Moriori peace philosophy and practice.

Me rongo (in peace), Maui Solomon, (grandson of Tommy Solomon and GM of Hokotehi Moriori Trust - www.moriori.co.nz)

The Moriori website is a comprehensive one, and by following the links you can find useful education resources. The introductory paragraphs on the home page explain the ties with the Maori tribes which are not always understood as we glance over the past, sometimes making sweeping generalisations about passive and aggressive people in our own nation's history.

Remembrance is a useful place from which to develop and promote peace initiatives. The ancient philosophies of the Moriori people are behind the Parihaka International Peace Festival, a movement born from some of New Zealand's darkest days of bloodshed and horror.

Underlying the work of the Monte Cassino Foundation for Remembrance and Reconciliation, and Campagna della Pace, Cassino, under whose wider umbrella the Legato exhibitions evolved, is the Latin maxim "Pax in Spinus", translated into "peace from thorns". It doesn't matter what country you are in, or how bloody the history is, we strive to make peace a common concept. Remembrance is only the starting point; collectively we must educate for a culture of peace.

Looking Back, and Moving On

2011-03-12T04:02:00.000-08:00

This week Legato in New Zealand draws to a close. It is still several weeks until the Cassino, Italy (2011) version of Legato opens.

Unlike the first exhibition in Italy, the Wallace Gallery exhibition in New Zealand was partially selected, and had a striking variety of works included. Works too big or too heavy to send to Italy last year took their deserved places and added to the power of the display. The diversity reflects our nation, and the soldiers we are commemorating.

The decision to make the first Legato open to all comers rather than a selected exhibition came from the desire to raise awareness in New Zealand of the stories soldiers have held within them all these years, providing an avenue for communication between the generations. Soldiers returning to Italy make it clear that there is a time when these stories need to be told, when they need to make their peace and calm the images and memories they have carried with them for so long.

Research for Legato became a place where stories could be shared, unspoken questions answered, and history brought into families.

The variety of artwork that travelled to Italy was interesting, presenting a very satisfying challenge to pull it into a cohesive exhibition, and the result was a space for contemplation as well as for feeling another culture on foreign land. Entering past peaceful, reflective works the viewers were then drawn in to the personal, challenged to put themselves in the place of the soldiers and their families, and then drawn out again past paintings of the physical scars, recognisable and less haunting perhaps because they were tangible objects rather than personal stories.

But more interesting perhaps, certainly from a sociological point of view, were the emails that accompanied many of requests to be a part of the exhibition. Many families were seeking to understand the men who had returned to New Zealand, the fathers and the grandfathers who were tough, were aloof, or were in some other way unreachable.

Researchers now seek answers from diaries, from oral histories, and from memorabilia. We seek to understand how our nation has been shaped by this generation of silent, and sometimes violent, men. We don't often talk about the suicides, survivor's guilt, or the problems of rehabilitation. We ask about what it was like, being in the war. We hear selected memories, incomplete memories, white-washed memories. At times we hear stories that we know are untrue, where the pain has been so great that a new memory has been constructed, compensating for what cannot be faced. Nothing, however, can tell us what it really was like fighting this war.

Today, while researching a New Zealand Battalion for information for visitors coming to view the battlefields I came to this section:

That was the last day in this place. The two companies marched back to Sant’ Elia Fiumerapido, where the Rt. Hon. Peter Fraser, meeting the battalion on an informal visit, spoke about the 2 NZEF and rehabilitation plans. A few nights before this a battalion man had been yarning about prospects in a new job that was waiting him back home. Three or four comrades were sitting about in the calm dusk of an Italian evening. The conversation had drifted to news of home. This man pulled out his wallet and handed round photographs of his young wife and small baby, of his parents, and the new home which was waiting his return. ‘Somehow,’ writes Padre Sullivan, ‘we came to know the people he spoke about, and began to share something of their lives, and his.

‘The next morning at 7.0 a.m. we buried him. There were only three people at the grave, which was dug out on the top of a mound and overlooked a valley below, with whole fields of red poppies blowing gently in the breeze.

‘Just as the simple service began, up staggered one of his friends, who was en route to the front line. He stood there, a big, hulking fellow, heavily accoutred as for war, tin hat on his head, rifle in one hand, and in the other he clutched half a dozen wild red poppies. He was dumb and inarticulate, but this tribute he felt he must pay. There could not have been a simpler cortege. It is doubtful if there could have been a more splendid one.’

(From Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War, Volume: 22 Battalion by Jim Henderson, Chapter 10, Cassino. Available at: http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2-22Ba-c10.html)

Perhaps most powerful in any story is that which is left unsaid.

One of the unexpected things that has been achieved through Legato is that the Italians here now understand the importance of the poppy to New Zealanders and others. They know well that it is important to the Polish, but often questioned me about why we wear the poppy, and leave so many of them at the Commonwealth cemetery.

Several artists wrote and asked "is it being too obvious if I include a poppy in my painting?" No, it is not too obvious. The poppy which blooms so freely here is always going to feature somewhere. And usually the artists who asked the question were the artists who thought most deeply about their work and, whether they used the poppy symbol or not in the end, their works carried the message of remembrance well.

Prior to writing this blog post I had been sitting on the hillside above the Liri Valley, twenty minutes drive from Cassino, wondering how many land mines had been cleared from the garden below me. One killed the owner of what is now my apartment. He was on his way to assist a farmer down below, injured by another mine. I heard yesterday that he died under a fig tree. Was it the tree in my garden that I gather figs from every season? It probably was.

The scars of this war are far closer to the surface here. Some stories are told over and over, few remain hidden. Some injustices are still very much to the fore of people's minds. But back home in New Zealand, where noone else could understand what sights and smells and fears had been endured, where soldiers didn't want their loved ones to know how terrible the fighting really was, our soldiers simply buried these images and memories inside.

A favourite quote is from Michael Shepherd. I make no apology for having used it before.

…every time an action passes there is a memory
and thereafter the memory is about the memory of the action.
And slowly we have this fine silt, the stuff we call history.

Michael Shepherd, New Zealand Artist.

History is not confined to the pages of the books, the official records, the memorabilia in the museums. History lives within us, generation after generation, as we struggle to pick up the pieces left by war, and to find peace.

Ceremonies for Commemoration and Peace

2011-03-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

From Cassino to London, sharing the message of peace:
Italian Torch Party with cultural group on the steps at the Main Entrance, Westminster Abbey. (Photo: Kay de Lautour)

Wednesday 2 March was the Lighting of the Benedictine Peace Torch at Westminster Abbey, the beautiful Gothic cathedral originally established by the Benedictine monks in the tenth century.

From the Westminster Abbey website:

02 Mar 2011

A Service of Blessing for the Benedictine Torch took place at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 2 March at 12 noon.

In 1964, when Saint Benedict was proclaimed Patron of Europe, it was decided that the lighting of a torch would take place as a symbol of European heritage. The torch is now known simply as the Torch of Saint Benedict. Every year it has been the main feature of a pilgrimage beginning from the city chosen to light the torch and ending in Montecassino at the Shrine of St Benedict.

Westminster Abbey was the first non-Roman Catholic Church to host the lighting of the Benedictine Torch.

The service, in English and Italian, was conducted by the Dean of Westminster the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who said in his Bidding: ‘The Benedictine community of monks, who built this great church to the glory of God, whose worship of God echoed around these walls and whose tombs and memorials surround us, flourished here for at least 600 years.

‘Four hundred and fifty years after the dissolution of the monastery, their prayers and example continue to encourage us as daily we worship almighty God in the opus Dei of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and as we celebrate the sacraments of our salvation, above all the sacrament of the Eucharist, of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

‘It is a particular joy here in the coronation church, so central to the religious and secular life of our nation, to light the Torch of Saint Benedict that symbolises the light of Christ that shines at the heart of British and European civilisation, the light of peace and goodwill for all men and women in these islands, in Europe, and in the world.’

The Dean and Archabbot Pietro Vittorelli OSB of Montecassino washed each other’s hands as a symbol of welcome and hospitality.

Field Marshal The Lord Inge KG GCB PC DL read 2 Corinthians 4: 1-6 and the Right Reverend Timothy Wright OSB read Matthew 5: 1-16.

The Addresses were given by the Right Reverend Stephen Platten, Bishop of Wakefield and Chairman of Governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome; and the Archabbot of Montecassino.

Prayers were led by the Revd Dr James Hawkey, Minor Canon of Westminster.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by Robert Quinney, Sub Organist. The organ was played by James McVinnie, Assistant Organist.

Westminster Abbey, atatues above main entrance. Personal photographs are forbidden within the abbey. For more about the architecture click here. (Photo: Kay de Lautour)

Prior to the torch ceremony I had the privilege of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to remember the Commonwealth soldiers who fell in WWII. This was on behalf of the Monte Cassino Foundation for Remembrance and Reconciliation. This Foundation, like others, sees Cassino as an international meeting place where friendships have been, and are being, formed in the spirit of reconciliation and peace.

The following photos of the wreaths and the ceremonies inside the abbey are from the Facebook album by the tireless organiser, Michele Di Lonardo.

Later in the evening at an international conference for Peace and Reconciliation I was invited to speak and shared the vision of Legato with guests including veterans from Germany, Poland, England, and Italy. Thanks go to Michele Di Lonardo (Cassino) and Richard Wassell (Monte Cassino Foundation for Remembrance and Reconciliation) for this opportunity.

Legato Research Awards

2011-02-28T06:35:00.000-08:00

Two artist research awards were announced at the opening of Legato at the Wallace Gallery.

Merv Appleton is the first recipient of the Legato residential research award. Merv was awarded this opportunity for his contribution to Legato in Cassino 2010 and for his empathy and generosity to veterans in New Zealand.

TV3 captures a very special painting made by Merv for veteran soldier Watty McEwan.

The 2011 award goes to Regan Balzer (click for video link). Regan will travel to Cassino in May 2011 where she will be the featured artist for Legato, Italy, 2011. Regan's paintings honour the Maori Battalion in particular. Regan's invitation to make works for Cassino was the direct result of a request to me from the people of Cassino to see work by a Maori artist. Memories of the Armed Services Maori Culture Group performance in Cassino in 2004 for the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Cassino are strong.

I selected Regan because her personal research was very much in accord with social areas that concern us today, and could be considered to be a direct result of the losses suffered by New Zealand as a nation during WWII. Regan is currently developing works that explore the loss of potential leaders for Maori. One of my personal aims for Legato is to raise consciousness of some of the social issues that have impacted on societies even as far away as New Zealand as a direct result of our involvement in war.

Regan also writes: "...in regards to Legato, my great grandfather (Aubrey Balzer) is one of the last surviving officers of the Maori Battalion. He has told me many stories about his time with my grandfather and his younger brother in Italy during the WWII and remembers everything like it was yesterday. His younger brother died at Sangro River. It would be an honour to be able to represent on behalf of my grandfather and his brothers, by being involved in Legato. It would also be perfect timing for me in terms of my own work and having pieces that will be informed and relevant to the Legato exhibition".

The Legato Research Awards offer the selected artist three weeks accommodation for two in an historic village near Cassino, guided battlefield tours and access to an artist studio.

Legato in New Zealand 2011

2011-02-27T23:43:00.000-08:00

The Wallace Gallery is the venue for the 2011 New Zealand exhibition of Legato. The Gala Opening (click here for link) was held on Friday 18th February and was enjoyed by a "full house" of enthusiastic visitors. The exhibition fills the Main Gallery and Legato works by Morrinsville born Sarah Scott spill over into the Matamata - Piako District Community Gallery.

The curator's presentation in the Wallace Arts Trust Gallery outlined the background to Legato and the future plans for its growth. Photographs and explanations gave further insight into selected pieces and the talk included an indepth look at works which remain in the permanent collection in Italy or which have been retained to show again in Cassino 2011.

New exhibitors include artist Gilmore Wall, sculptor Dave Roy (guest exhibitor), illustrator-artist Lisa Allen, writer Glenda Kane, poet Robert Sullivan, quilt artist Lois Wine, and artist Regan Balzer who is the guest artist at Cassino 2011. Regan has preliminary paintings for her Cassino works in the Morrinsville exhibition.

An evening of live Italian music was provided by Alison Ham of Papamoa (keyboard) and Garry Osborn of Tauranga (clarinet). Service clubs and volunteers served canapes and drinks and all three adjoining galleries were used for the evening. Extra seating was provided by service clubs and sports clubs to accommodate all the guests in the adjoining Wallace Gallery for the presentation. This was concluded with the viewing of Nicola Blackmore's "Legato at Cassino".

Guests from the Italy Star Association saw a different presentation which included more photos of Cassino and the surrounding area on the Saturday.

The exhibition continues in its present form until 16th March. Gallery director Charlotte Giblin and her assistants are available to discuss the works. Curator Kay de Lautour has returned to Italy to finalise details for Legato (Cassino) 2011.

Poppies for Peace

2011-01-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

"Remember" (watercolour)
Sarah Scott, New Zealand portrait artist based in America, has chosen to represent the human aspect of war in her works for Legato. Sarah writes:
Both of my grandfathers served in the war and fought at Cassino. One of them lost his leg when serving in a tank brigade at Cassino, and the other, while sheltering in a dug-out behind Mt Trocchio, the Allied Observation Post, was buried alive. It's amazing to think of not only what strangers have gone through, but of what my own flesh and blood has endured.

The exhibition is in effort to remember the damage caused during the war and to continue forth with a message of peace. While it's very hard to imagine what the men and women went through at the time, I think it's very important that we try, and that we learn from our history.

I have submitted two works to the (Cassino) exhibition, 'Flowers From Rain' and 'Remember'. Rather than focus on a strong narrative background for my portraits I wanted to convey a story simply through facial emotion. The model I used was very different from my original concept but once I saw how expressive and haunted his eyes were, I knew I had to paint him. Of course I have included poppies in each work, to represent hope and peace, two things we must cling to whenever the world is dark and stormy.
"Flowers from Rain" (Watercolour)
For the New Zealand version of Legato at the Wallace Gallery in her home town of Morrinsville Sarah has painted a third portrait. She invites the viewer to join the young soldier in contemplating the bigger picture of the loss of life in battle, represented by the bed of poppies. This contrasts with the earlier work which references personal loss, and the first work which challenges the viewer to think about what he has seen, and to always remember those lost and the need for peace.

Rest in Peace

2011-01-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

.
The mixed media works by Sally Blyth invoke images of the thousands of tombstones in war zones.

Sally's works, incorporating her own photographs, contain an irridescent paint that shows up only in certain angles. In the second exhibition (Roccasecca (FR) Italy) these works were surrounded by red cemetery memorial candles and this caught the gentle glow of the work. Combined with some spirtually evocative music by Hirini Melbourne this added a very special and haunting place of reverence at the end of the long gallery space.

Below: "Remembering" and "Remembrance"

Of her works in general Sally writes: Inspired by countries, their cultures and various eras of time, I love sourcing new ideas and materials, and devising innovative ways of interpreting and using them. I often incorporate my own photographic images into my work.

My aim is to evoke a sense of actually being in a particular place and time, rather than recreate an image which can be captured on camera. A symbol, a colour, a word, an image, an impression, a mood ... if the viewer can recall the feeling of being in that place; gain the desire to be there; experience that moment in time again ... then the art has done its work.

I use acrylics, oils, inks, woodstains, metallics and all sorts of mixed media in my work, on canvas and board, as well as more unusual backgrounds. Colour, texture and iridescence are important elements in my work, and by adding subtle touches and embellishments, I hope you will look beyond your first glance.

Interestingly enough the evocative nature of Sally's work in the ancient gallery space was itself almost impossible to catch by camera so is not recorded in images here.

Soldiers and Italian Civilians Remembered

2011-01-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

Award-winning glass artist Lisa-Jane Harvey contributed three works to the Legato exhibitions. These are her works and text below:
“In War we find Peace” (White cross with red angels)

Even in war Humanity can exist. During the battle of Monte Cassino in the third attack, the evening of March 16 1944 soldiers witnessed an evening of sheer terror and open war fare. The following day March 17th German and Allied forces put down their weapons and observed a temporary cease fire to assist the wounded and honour the those fallen. During the window of peace in such a savage battle soldiers shared cigarettes, exchanged stories and placed wagers on who would win the war.

The Red Cross is the symbol of humanity and peace in any war, it seeks respect for those fallen and wounded. Angels who guide those who have fallen and protect those who are wounded choose no sides, they offer compassion, they give us a message of Peace and Commemoration.

“In war we find Peace” seeks to invoke a sense of respect.

White cross fashioned from the Medal of St Benedict to honour the destruction of the Abbey
The Red Angels form the Red Cross symbol of humanity
The Red poppies honour the fallen soldiers on both sides from the battle
The Centre Angel is a Message of Peace and commemoration

Hand-crafted glass lamp-work rosaries:
“Pray for our souls” (Red Rosary with Glass Cross)

Inspired by the beauty and significance of the Holy Rosary, “Pray for our Souls” seeks to honour and commemorate the thousands of women and children that were raped in the aftermath of Monte Cassino.

Montecassino was captured by the Allies on May 18, 1944. The next night, thousands of Goumiers and other colonial troops swarmed over the slopes of the hills surrounding the town and in the villages of Ciociaria (South Latium). Over 2,000 women, ranging in age from eleven to 86, suffered from violence, when village after village came under control of the Goumiers. Civilian men who tried to protect their wives and daughters were murdered without mercy. The number of men killed has been estimated at roughly 800.

The mayor of Esperia, a comune in the Province of Frosinone, reported that in his town, 700 women out of 2,500 inhabitants were raped and that some had died as a result. According to Italian sources, more than 7,000 Italian civilians, including women, children and some men, were raped by Goumiers
“Pray for our souls” seeks to not let this be forgotten

“Our Father who art in Heaven” (White Rosary with Angel)
In prayer we find solace. “Our Father who art in Heaven” is a tribute to all soldiers throughout the history of time that have lost their lives and passed over. The Rosary is symbolic of the power of prayer and the Angel seeks to send a message to God to end all war and protect our future. This is a tribute to my Great Grandfather Samuel Cash, who fought in BOTH World Wars.

World War Two connections
Lisa-Jane’s great grandfather, Samuel Cash fought in World War and was present at the Battle of Dunkirk and part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Samuel was sent home with injuries after being evacuated. His stories of bravery, fear and loss from the high casualties in the war are a reminder of the many men who gave their lives in the fight for freedom and human rights.

Paying Tribute

2011-01-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Linda Dickens, like many post-war children, grew up aware that the war films on television were not easy viewing for soldiers returned from war. Her father, Rudyard Dickens, says that he went to war a child and came home a "hardened old man". he signed up at 22, married his sweetheart and then set off for war.

By May 1941 he was serving in Sicily. When he was 25 his two brothers, aged 27 and 23, died far from home. The elder brother was killed in Tunisia, and the younger, wounded before that and invalided out, drowned when the hospital ship he was in was torpedoed by the Japanese in the Pacific Ocean. So close to home, but yet so far away.

Rudyard himself continued on to fight on in Luster Force with the 6th NZ Artillary. He achieved the rank of Seargent Major when he was serving in the Middle East. He returned to New Zealand in 1943 and was recalled to serve in the Pacific in April 1945.

Linda chose to pair a painting of text with her representation of Monte Cassino. Over the landscape hangs a painting of a banner bearing the words "In memory of the Battle of Cassino", translated into Italian.

Linda's research prior to painting these works was a journey of discovery. By applying to the New Zealand Defence Forces Personnel Records for his records, she was able to learn more about where her father was during the war. Her father had also been a keen photographer and had albums of photographs taken when on active duty.

Linda has very kindly donated her works of remembrance to be displayed in a public building in Italy.

Painting the Realities of War

2011-01-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

Work by Stan Blanch, New Zealand artist resident in Australia, notes the decision making and instructions leading to the bombing of the Bendictine Abbey on Monte Cassino.

In his second work Stan references Picasso's "Guernica" where the dead horse is a symbol of the death and destruction of war. Behind the horse are the ruins of the Abbey.

It was interesting to watch the reactions of viewers to these works at Cassino. Men pondered at length the work depicting the decision to bomb the abbey, while women reacted with horror at the clarity of the message of destruction when they encountered the work with the very graphically painted dead horse.

One work was a place for careful consideration of options and military strategy, the other an uncomfortable reminder of the grim realities of war. That some were also uncomfortable with the placing of the German flag beside the horse seems to indicate how far we have come with peace and reconciliation since the dreadful events of WWII.

Images that challenge certainly help to clarify one's thoughts and this was the case for some viewers with both of Stan's paintings.

More than one viewer checked with the curator and the catalogue to confirm that both works really were painted by the same artist, indicating how closely they were studied by the viewing public.

Fragments of Memory

2011-01-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

Lisa Taylor-King used family photographs and her own memories of Italy as the inspiration for her works for Cassino.

Lisa writes: My grandfather was Harry Domimico Sandri. He was born en route as his family moved from Trento to New Zealand. He later returned to Italy with the New Zealand Army Corps and fought at Cassino and Trieste. I often wonder how strange this "homecoming" was for him.

Harry married my grandmother after the war. Though he never talked about the war, we have recently rediscovered one small suitcase filled with photographs of his time in the Solomon Islands, Egypt, and Italy, and other mementoes. His war medals arrived separately in a little tin tobacco box. These half-lost relics smell like old things left behind, long stored away and forgotten.

Through my paintings for this show I have tried to reflect and understand just a little of this man's story. I have chosen to present some montages of images and medals from my grandfather's collection in honour of him. I have also selected two abstract landscapes that have their own sense of peace, freedom and space. They reflect a little bit of New Zealand and my impression of the Italian landscape. They are both but neither; instead they are the beauty of our natural environment, a bond shared by us all which will remain forever.

The second part of Lisa's contribution to Legato invokes a feeling of calm, allowing the viewer a space for quiet contemplation.

The Breath of Another Sunrise

Light Over the Horizon

At Peace
.

One More Is One Too Many

2011-01-13T06:08:00.001-08:00

Recent news of soldiers being killed in modern war zones brings to mind the mixed media work by Sophia Elise, "One More Is One Too Many"
Whether the numbers be few, and well reported in modern times of instant communication, or many, as in the war commemorated in Legato, one more death is one too many. Each soldier killed is a life cut short, a family in tears, distraught with grief, and another statistic reflecting the grim reality of war.

This work (one that is difficult to photograph but which drew many positive comments in Cassino) reflects those tears:
Title: Tears on Greenstone
Artist: Sophia Elise
Media: Acrylic and resin on canvas
Size: 38cm x 76cm

Sophia writes:
The inspiration for this piece came from the Tears on Greenstone at the Army Museum - (click here for link to this work).

On this "greenstone wall" that I painted are the names of family members and friends that have inspired many of the artworks in the Legato exhibition - there have been many tears shed by the participants of this exhibition and their families. This is in recognition of the tears of remembrance and the tears of loss and a reminder to us all to not let this happen again. We need to come together and work for world peace.

Thank you to all the artists who shared the names, stories and emotions with me on this very personal and heartfelt journey.

Title: Ripple Effect
Artist: Sophia Elise
Media: Mixed Media
Size: 60cm x 50cm

From Sophia's personal blog:
The title of this artwork says it all ....
Peace will spread like a ripple - starting small within ourselves and spreading outwards with our actions - Let every action be done with perfect gravity, humanity, freedom and justice, and perform it as though that action were your last. - Anon

It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. - Robert Kennedy

Title: One World
Media: Mixed Media and Acrylic
Artist: Sophia Elise
Size: 40cm x 50cm

Other images by Sophia can be viewed here: Legato Exhibition by Sophia Elise

Poignant Photographs

2011-01-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

Part of the larger composition (photograph above), the individual images by photographic artist Lorraine Beattie each tell a story and are worthy of time and attention to read them well. In the digital age these works stand out as recording traces of history but also as an artistic and very humanitarian interpretation of the realities of war.

Crossing all cultures and reaching out metaphorically were these delicate images. Their apparent simplicity provides space for the individual viewer to read what is personally relevant regardless of nationality.
"Finis"

"Spent"

The photographs of tombstones bring an international reading; Lorraine's travel and research covered many countries and military cemeteries. We are reminded that war crosses boundaries and the ultimate sacrifice does not depend on culture or politics but is a tragedy for all people in all nations.
"Forever Young"

The cover image for the 2010 Legato depliant is the photograph "Freedom" by Lorraine. This image seemed to say it all; the pain, the beauty, past and present, the quiet hope for a peaceful future.
Central to the message of the cross-form presentation of the works is the striking colour of this message of hope. "Reaching Out"

All of these works are Limited Edition Photography on Giclee Canvas.

(For more images please go to the Legato photo page here.)

A First-hand Account of Time at Cassino.

2011-01-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Artist: Kari Lindsay-Beale
Title: "Legacy of a Soldier"
Size: 45cm long (necklace) + pendant drop section of 8cm length
Media: Lampworked Glass / Wearable Glass Art

Artist: Kari Lindsay-Beale
Title: "Lest we Forget"
Size: 45cm long (necklace) + pendant drop section of 8cm length
Media: Lampworked Glass / Wearable Glass Art

Artist: Kari Lindsay-Beale
Title: "Fields of the Fallen"
Size: 48cm long (necklace) x 3cm wide at the widest point
Media: Lampworked Glass / Wearable Glass Art

Work by Kari Lindsay-Beale has a strength that belies the fact that it is made of hand-made glass beads. Each of her pieces has a story to tell, beautiful yet sad.

Kari supplied the following information to support her work for the Legato exhibition:

My Grandfather, Major John Henry Beale (called Harry), was born in 1912 in Great Britain. He grew up in an army family, and lived in several countries including Palestine, India and South Africa before leaving his family at the tender age of 16 to sail to New Zealand and set up a life for himself there.

When Britain declared war against Germany in 1939, he enlisted as Private in the New Zealand Army 20th Battalion. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant and embarked for the warzone in the 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force on active service to the Middle East.

In January 1941 he was promoted to Lieutenant and served in Greece, Crete (where he was wounded and much of his division killed), Egypt and Papua New Guinea. He joined the NZEF 11th Reinforcements in January 1944 with the rank of Captain, and was posted to the 26th Battalion in the battle on Cassino, Italy. He was then appointed to the Headquarters of the Allied Armies in Italy from September 1944 to May 1945 where he was raised to the rank of temporary Major.

When the war ended he returned to NZ, was raised officially to Major and served in the Army until he retired from it in 1961.

He was awarded several medals from his time in service, including: The MID Emblem, the 1939-1945 Star, the Africa Star, the Italy Star, the Pacific Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal 1939-1945, the NZ War Service Medal and the Efficiency Decoration (TF). After retiring from the Army, Harry owned several businesses until his death in September 1999.

At the time of his death he was in the process of writing an historical account of his war-time experiences. This book was not finished in time to be officially published and is a treasured memory now for all of his family. He was a man who always took a keen and active interest in politics and occurences globally. He was a man of dignity, a great conversationalist and a great listener and we his family miss him immensely.

Here is an excerpt from his book titled "The price must be paid":

"The 26th Battalion had once again suffered heavy casualties and had been withdrawn from the line to await reinforcements....We sat on the hill overlooking the Abbey when the massive air attack was launched that demolished the Abbey. Germans refuted the claim that it was used an as observation post and claimed the neutrality of the Abbey had been respected. However when the Abbey was overrun by the Polish Brigade, I entered the Abbey and there were German Machine Gunners dead beside their guns throughout. So even though it was not defended earlier, the Germans had certainly taken advantage of the rubble and in the final stages of the battle used the Abbey for observation and siting gun positions....
Now that Cassino had been captured, and the landings of Allied troops at Anzio had consolidated and moved inwards, the Highway 6 to Rome reopened. We moved north again liberating Italian villages as we went. It was a period of great relaxation, with Vino flowing and much celebration from the liberated villages. It was a great change to be part of a victorious army, where seldom was a German plane seen. What a turnaround from the early days of Greece when the skies were full of the enemy. I started to feel that the end of the war was in sight but there were still some hard battles to be fought."

(pg.78 & 79 of 'The price must be paid' by Major John Henry Beale)

My Grandfather found it difficult to speak of the devastating effects that the war had on him - he lost many good friends there and in order to cope he had to block many of these emotions. He always preferred to speak primarily of the tactical moves and the events in history that were involved at the time, but he did shed tears with us on occasion.

He found great solace and comfort in Psalm 23 and the Hymn "I vow to thee, my country":
"I vow to thee my country - all earthly things above
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love,
The love that asks no question: the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best.
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
And then there's another country, I've heard of long ago
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know
We may not count her armies: we may not see her king
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace."

A Family's Story

2011-01-04T11:06:00.002-08:00

Rex (Joe) McLellan

Jenny Bennett has shared with us photographs of her mother Gwenda Ruth Apsey (later McLellan) during the war when she was in the WAAC (Womens Auxiliary Army Corps) in Hastings, her mother's fiance, Theo, who was killed in action, and her father Rex. This is as much her mother's wartime story as her father's story.

Jenny writes: My father Rex (Joe) McLellan fought at Cassino and was wounded in action on the 15 March 1944. He was in the 25th Battalion. My husband’s father, the late Peter Parry Heath, fought in the 27th Battalion and was also at Cassino. Both survived the war. My mother’s fiancé, Edward Francis Theodore Mullinder (Theo) was not so lucky. He was injured and then died when his stretcher bearers stood on a mine [28 May 1944].

Edward Francis Theodore Mullinder (Theo)

Gwenda Ruth Apsey

Rex McLellan (back right) convalescing after the desert campaign.

My mother has recently died and amongst her possessions was Antonio Ridge’s book “For Love of Rose – Story of the creation of the famous Peace Rose.” This has inspired the work for Legato.. The rose was developed in France by the French Meilland and the Italian Paolina families and went on to be promoted by the American Rose Society who said “We are persuaded that this greatest new rose of out time should be named for the world’s greatest desire; PEACE.” Millions of Peace roses were planted over graves all over the world and also in hospital grounds, public parks and private gardens (including my mother’s ).

"Peace Rose for Cassino"
Like many New Zealand artists Jenny Bennett has used text with images to convey her peace message.

And So It Continues...

2010-12-31T05:37:00.000-08:00

"Cassino Requiem" 2010 (diptych) - Gilmore Wall

Today the newspapers report that another Italian soldier has been killed in Afghanistan. New Zealand too has lost another national in Afghanistan, killed earlier this month. And so it continues.

It is New Year's Eve, and time to catch up on some blog posts long overdue. I would like to be writing about the art works, the artists, the exhibition. I prefer to write about peace, not war. But, while war continues, it seems that we must work both for peace, and an absence of war. Newspapers question why we are fighting in these places. Others suggest that career soldiers are simply working in a dangerous job, and no more heroes than anyone else killed on a work site.

We say "Don't be a hero" when we are really saying "Come home safely". Is it no more, no less than this? There are people who perform extraordinary acts under pressure, but there is surely no heroism in fighting a war with military presence. Peace comes from building bridges, not bombing them.

While reviewing Legato artist statements for this blog I was struck by the lines at the end of this email from Gilmore Wall of Auckland. Gill's challenging imagery (photo above) bridges the 65+ years from WWII until today.

The Second World War had a major impact on my family with many uncles, cousins and my father serving in all three armed forces in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. The family lost one cousin in the Battle of Britain as a tail gunner in a bomber, another taken prisoner in the Pacific and my father was wounded in the battle of El Alamein, Egypt which ended his war.

Our uncle Lawrence Gilmore fought all three theatres with 2NZEF from North Africa including Cassino and made it through unscathed only to be sent to the Pacific where his brother (Robert) was. He is one of the last members of his generation of our family still living well into his eighties. He was away from home for five years. Like many of his contemporaries they speak little of their experiences during their time at war and so it remains difficult for following generations to fully understand what it was like. We can only speculate as to how horrific it must have been.

My father told the story of the day the war ended finally in the Pacific and he was on our grandparent’s farm, having just met our mother Isobel Jean (Lawrence’s sister), whence our grandfather collapsed and died in his arms from what must have been pure stress from waiting for his sons to return home. They never got to see their dad again.

My submitted artwork therefore depicts both my wife and my families’ connection with World War II and in particular Cassino. The imagery has been derived both from collections held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and from personal mementoes telling the story of the coming together of many cultures as one nation protecting our freedom as a way of life. Unfortunately this is a repeated theme in our lifetimes.

We must ask ourselves, as we start the new year, how many more lifetimes will we let it continue? Wouldn't it be great if we had to turn to museums and historians for information about wars, instead of simply picking up a newspaper and turning on the television to watch our bloody history being made?

Mother Theresa said "Peace begins with a smile". Happy New Year, artists and peace workers. We can all be peace workers, join any of the many movements around the world. Bring whatever skills you have, but all you really need to bring is a smile.

Christmas with the troops all over the world.

2010-12-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

While we think of the troops overseas away from families, fighting because they believe they must, so too are many peace workers away from home and in dangerous situations. Peace is more than a prayer at Christmas time, a fleeting thought amongst the festivities. John Lennon's "So This is Christmas" is sobering and challenging.

Working for Peace:
This group of young German, Italian and Polish students listen to the veterans, visit the battlefields and cemeteries and share prayers for peace (Cassino, October 2010).

The need to work for peace is greater than ever before.

*****

As we eat our Christmas chocolate, do we spare a thought for where it came from? It might be a shock to learn that the home of 40% of the world supply of cocoa is currently on the brink of war, or, depending on your definition, is at war. Your Christmas treats, hard earned, may cost you much more soon. It will hit your pocket, but will it also hit your heart?

Wars continue, often unnoticed as we pursue our busy lives. When it hits us in our wallets, or in our supplies of things we consider to be our normal right, does it bring it home to us a little more?

This link to the BIPPI website gives a glimpse of how much work needs to be done to have any chance of peace and harmony, for people to be able to live in peace. Peace is not merely an absence of war, but as fervent peace worker Bruno Picozzi puts it, "Peace is what happens when all peoples are free to develop themselves in the way they want, without having to fight for their rights." (Bruno Picozzi)

Yesterday I was reading of a war I hadn't even noticed evolving. Other nationals are being urged to leave the Ivory Coast as civil unrest verges on civil war. Power, it seems, was linked to cocoa production.

Today I made the usual Christmas treats, New Zealand recipes to take to Italian homes. Cocoa featured in many of them. The cocoa powder spilt on my bench "runner" refused to brush off easily, remaining for now a stain the colour of dried blood. It's not that I am bent on focusing on the brutality of war, in fact I much prefer to focus on peace. But living as I do between the Gustav Line and the Hitler Line, visited by historians and tourists wanting to know more about the history, it is difficult to extract myself from the sorrow of the history at times.

*****

My father tells of spending a wartime Christmas in Italy with his two brothers, where they celebrated by sharing a bottle of brandy. How lucky they were to be able to reach one another from their respective locations. My favourite story is his Christmas pudding story. This arrived too late for Christmas, so was being saved for a special occasion. That occasion arrived on the following Good Friday, when he survived being buried alive in an aerial attack on the Allied troops behind Mt Trocchio at Cassino.

So, this Christmas, let's not just look at the Christmas stories of WWII, but, as Katherine Jenkins does so beautifully, spare a thought for all those engaged in combat wherever they are, for what ever motive, this Christmas. This Youtube tribute to Katherine's work gives a glimpse of what continues today, from a more peaceful perspective. Art, music, writing... it all makes a difference. Whether or not troops should be where they are is for each of us to evaluate according to our own beliefs, but the fact remains that war continues and we must use every talent we possess to ease the suffering that continues today.

As I watch former foes greet one another as friends, German veterans and Polish veterans embracing as they remember their battles, I think of the magical song "Silent Night". In 1965 I learnt the original German version of Silent Night. Then only 20 years after the war, it was still too soon for Kiwi soldiers to be hearing it and was controversial for it to be taught in schools. Now we look at a peaceful Europe and wonder how could once have been so torn by war.

There is hope. But it seems that building peace takes more effort than going to war.

Music and Images for Peace

2010-12-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

As some of the artists know, getting art work out of Italy is a difficult and expensive process. Artworks are seen as cultural heritage, and the protocol to take any art out of the country is severe to say the least. Some very generous artists have chosen to donate their work to local venues, like senior citizens homes. The work of one artist in particular, Angela Laby, I am hoping to place in schools as this work has text in English that would interest the children. (See photograph above). A picture is worth a thousand words, but when one grows up with words of peace in a picture seen every day, one must surely remember these for a lifetime.

The decision to work also with schools was affirmed for me this afternoon. I was invited to a school in Cassino to watch the end of year concert (a middle school, children around 12 - 13 years old I guess). This was in a fairly typical school hall, with excited children and throngs of parents. But the programme was far from typical. It was not about success and achievement, not about the school year. The theme of all the dialogue and songs was of sharing resources and cultures, of working to end poverty and oppression, and for peace. The theme appeared to be that Christmas is a time for thinking of others, and for understanding the true message of Christmas. This programme was not a "one off", but is repeated six times over two weeks to ensure that everyone has a chance to see it.

Each part of the world was presented with songs and dialogue, and finished with lighting a candle of hope for the children at risk in these places. Europe was represented in both French and Italian. The Americas were presented with both negative and positive stories, and the song (in English) "What a Wonderful World". When it came to Oceania I watched with much interest. What would it be? Children with painted faces, brown skivvies and tights, and "grass" skirts appeared... and to my amazement they performed a very convincing haka. This brought the audience to life far more than any other performance, and an encore was called for, not once, but twice. Later, despite two intervening acts of song and movement, as the hall emptied I could hear "Kamate, kamate..."

I waited behind to speak with the instructor, and to my surprise he knew much about the haka, the history, the protocol. This was no "dance rip-off" like the controversial car advertisement, but a true cultural exchange. Such is the memory in the town of Cassino of the performance of the NZ Army culture group in 2004.

This, together with a lovely book and photographs in today's post from Canadian visitors to Legato who said in their letter "Keep up the good work", has given me much heart.

Legato is a lot of work, finding funding is difficult, and at times it is a very lonely journey. Occasionally I wonder why I spend so much of my time and energy on this project. Then, when I see the generosity of artists, see how the art works move visitors, and remember the stories told to me by visiting veterans, I am very sure that, despite all the difficulties and frustrations, "the show must go on".

Thankyou Angela, for responding positively to the proposal to donate works to the people of Cassino. Today I think I found the right place for your messages of peace.

They Died, for What?

2010-11-13T02:11:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow at Caira is a ceremony for the 20,000 German soldiers who lie, six to a headstone, on their bleak conical hilltop near Cassino. Two days ago it was Remembrance Day, with ceremonies in far-flung places, and more to come tomorrow, Sunday. It is a time to remember all soldiers, and civilians too, and consider that there are no winners in war. The surviving soldiers were victims too, and societies continue to suffer from events that happened more than 65 years ago.

I was browsing "Remembrance Day" and Google produced a Canadian story (click here) typical of scenes all over italy.

Once Armistice Day, and renamed after WWII as Remembrance day, the moment of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year is often commemorated on the Sunday closest to the 11th of November. This link has a comprehensive coverage of the history of the day, written for children. Please note the section added in grey, the text being:

We will remember all .....

Sadly, due to the current intensive operations, the names of many young men and women are now being added to war memorials throughout the land.

We give thought also to the many who are injured but, due to the miracles of modern medicine, are increasingly surviving with horrific injuries.

So, on Remembrance Day, we remember these people as well as those from the two great wars.

***

The challenging sculture by Dave Fowell asks what the civilians of Cassino would think, if they returned to look at the world now. Have we achieved the peace that "we" were fighting for when they lost their lives? Artists exhibiting in Legato had differing opinions.

Dave Fowell at Legato, Italy 2010 from Nicola Blackmore on Vimeo.

Dave Fowell suggests that nothing has changed, but argues that war is not the way to make changes for the better, while Averill Stuart-Head believes that soldiers able to return 65 years later would be satisfied that gains had been made and that the younger generations have better lives because of their sacrifices.

Quilted wall hangings by Averill, "Postcards to Peace" and "Doorways to Peace".

Averill Stuart-Head at Legato, Italy 2010 from Nicola Blackmore on Vimeo.

Averill speaks about her work and the soldiers who lost their lives.

Averill says that "Peace is so fragile, and we have to look after it". How easy it is to forget that, and how tragic the consequences when we do.

Works below: Collages by Averill, "Fragments of Peace"

Behind the Scenes

2010-11-05T03:24:00.001-07:00

Legato (Italy 2010) is now all in boxes, packed ready to return to New Zealand. Some work is already safely back in New Zealand, so my sincere thanks go to the artists who took work back with them, some also taking work for others. Some is in the post, some has been posted and bounced back to me from customs, and other works are waiting until the intricacies of exporting artworks can be negotiated - that is, until I can get it all signed off in Rome.

Some generous artists have decided to donate their works to public spaces in Italy, and as soon as the madness of olive picking is over I will place these works. It's not only my own olives causing hold-ups, but the whole region slows down as people return to the countryside to make wine or pick olives. Frustrating perhaps for outsiders, but it is part of the charm that is Italy. You can cross hundreds of years in a day, if you happen to pass a woman carrying her supplies on her head, or an old man leading a mule laden with firewood up cobblestone paths, then look in on an oil press where the latest of technology is gleaming next to cane baskets of olives. I need to talk to the vice-mayor about placing some of the works, but he happens to own the local olive press... pian-piano, as they say here, or (in NZ) "good things take time".

Next week I should be back at my own computer, and luckily my data was salvaged and survived the reformatting of the hard drive. Then I will be able to access more readily the photographs and data I need for this blog.

In the meantime, above are more photos of Janice Corbishley's work which went "on location" to the restaurant at La Locanda del Castello for an evening a few weeks ago, before it was safely delivered home to New Zealand by a travelling artist.

Legato in New Zealand

2010-10-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

The new Wallace Gallery, Morrinsville, will host Legato in 2011. The opening event will be Friday 18th February, and the exhibition will run until 16 March.

Before then, though, there are still works to be written about for this blog, and a new brochure to be compiled.

Each time I am ready to take the works down from the wires I get word that someone else is coming to see the exhibition. This weekend it was an Italian family of five, who were particularly moved by the watercolours by Sarah Scott. These powerful works were also appreciated by members of the New Zealand group who visited during the week. The paintings by Susan Edge also drew questions and comment as the Italian viewers appreciated the quality of the paintings and sought to understand the meanings behind the compositions.

The Kiwi visitors were so interested in the work and the history of the exhibition space and the battle of Cassino, and asked so many interesting questions, that I forgot to take photographs of the group in the exhibition.

A recurring theme coming up in discussions here, being volunteered by people who visited Legato in Cassino, is the passion and emotion in the paintings. Quite clearly the balance of works, the varied approaches, and the emotional links to the works is being read well by the Italian viewers. While a few works are standing out as being the most powerful, poignant or memorable for visitors, it is the diversity that creates a cultural richness in the exhibition.

On their way home.

2010-09-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

One of the most admired works in Legato is on its way back to New Zealand, travelling as precious hand luggage. This beautiful bust by Janice Corbishley is a fine example of the interweaving of memory, emotions, aesthetic appeal, and expert skills. More detail can be seen here on Facebook.

What has been interesting with this piece is that inevitably people who have been drawn to the work have also read every word of the text and the artist's biography, and I am sure will remember the link between the artist's uncle and the battles here in Italy.

If you are interested in seeing or commissioning more of her exquisite work Janice may be contacted through her website Mosaic Heirlooms or at the Red Peach Gallery.

Next Tuesday is the last day of the exhibition in Italy, and then other works begin to wend their way home.

Tea, Peace and Legato.

2010-09-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

This week we have been remembering "9/11". It is sobering to think how much time has passed since then with so little change in our politics and attitude to war.

Is war inevitable? I don't believe so.

If every government were to cut its military and defence budgets by half and contribute that half to peaceful works, to improving living conditions and to promoting cultural exchange and understanding, that must make a positive change over time.

If you think that this is too idealistic and that we can't make a difference, read Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin's Three Cups of Tea. One peace-loving man achieved what successive govenments have failed to do.

The text on the back cover of my copy of Three Cups of Tea reads:

"Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan), we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything - even die." Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan.

In 1993 a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Korakoram mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2. Moved by the inhabitants' kindness, he promised to return and build a school. Three Cups of Tea is the story of that promise and its extraordinary outcome. Over the next decade Mortenson built not just one but fifty-five schools - especially for girls - in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. His story is at once a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the humanitarian spirit."

*****

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

*****

Legato has almost finished in Italy for 2010. The last group of 30 (New Zealand) visitors is booked to visit the gallery on 28 September. The following day I will close the exhibition and make changes in the gallery. I will miss the Legato works, which I wont see again until they are hung for the New Zealand version of Legato in February 2011. Some works have sold, going to New Zealand and Italian owners. Some are already back in New Zealand, and others are about to be on their way.

October will see in the huge task of getting the remaining works packed, transported to Rome, then re-packed, signed off and sealed in front of customs so that they can be shipped back to New Zealand. While this is happening, Canadian and selected New Zealand artists are already planning their works for the 2011 Legato (Italy).

I am very pleased that the New Zealand version of Legato in February will also include works that didn't travel to Italy for 2010. Works by Lisa Allen, Glenda Kane and Dave Roy will bring different dimensions to the exhibition in the New Zealand venue. Lisa and Glenda are among the artists/writers who have accepted an invitation to exhibit in Cassino in May 2011.

Word of Mouth - and a Challenge.

2010-08-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Legato continues to spread its message. Despite the extensive newspaper, internet and television advertising in the province in April and May, the ongoing interest in Legato continuing into August proves that the best advertising is always word of mouth. Visitors are continuing to book appointments to see the exhibition over the relentlessly hot summer, and I am sure that is not because the gallery is a cool oasis in a scorched land. Recently while in New Zealand I received a phonecall from Italy, from a repeat visitor who had requested another viewing of Legato and wanted to comment on the different emotional power of the exhibition in the new venue.

Here in New Zealand three veteran soldiers looked at the exhibition photos and remembered, chatted, discussed many aspects of their time in Italy, and expressed their appreciation of the Cassino exhibition. Fingers lingered on the photograph showing Merv Appleton's work, the grave marked with the rifle having personal meaning for each of them.

A caller from Wellington shared with me comments from the Maori community who were grateful that their fallen were remembered in the exhibition. And so it goes on. It is now almost three months since the opening and it is still being discussed both in New Zealand and in Italy.

Another visit, where friends were talking about an article in the Waikato Times featuring Sarah Scott's contribution to Legato, saw a very animated and wide-ranging discussion about war, peace, and the current situation in Afghanistan. Dave Fowell's work was the most appropriate to discuss in that context, and it continues to spread its message from its lofty home in the historic Italian village. The conversation was passionate, and the word that stays with me from that conversation is "avarice". Our hostess very emphatically attributed the power struggles causing conflict to greed, unequal distribution of resources and love of power.

Now that New Zealand has lost a soldier in Afghanistan on active duty it is timely to remind ourselves that commemoration and respect is not enough. To truly honour our fallen we must not allow their sacrifices to be in vain. Those artists who choose to work for peace must make that step, from the exhibition at Cassino, to "making work that reflects today's conflicts, today's victims, today's political status." (author, Legato depliant, 2010). One "artist" doing exactly this is Lucy Adlington, in her novel for teenagers based on the Battle of Cassino, Burning Mountain. Others include New Zealanders Glenda Kane and Lisa Allen with their sensitively illustrated and poignant story, Anzac Day Parade. These artists and writers are using their time, talents, skills and creativity with real purpose, and in doing so are truly making a difference.

Another book that must be mentioned is Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. One person with drive and vision really can change lives.

An Emotional Space

2010-07-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Legato in the more intimate space in Roccasecca are finding it a very moving experience. Sunday evening was busy with 120 visitors to the gallery in four hours, the last couple leaving just after midnight. Yesterday a visitor was moved to tears as soon as she entered the space, and she continued her perusal of the works with tears and tissues. Other visitors were overheard debating the respective roles of men and women in war-mongering and peacemaking. All are requesting translations of the English text that is in some of the paintings, or, if they can read the English, are translating it into Italian for their companions.

The smaller number of works in each of the five viewing spaces allows visitors to pause and reflect more, often going around each space more than once, instead of being carried along by others as they sometimes were in the Cassino venue. Katherine Batchelor's "Specimens of War" holds the viewers for long periods of time as each dish is viewed and questions asked and answered.

The two more whimsical of the works by Susan Edge, along with the bright abstract poppies by Gail Boyle, are displayed in the entrance foyer outside the exhibition area. Here they seem to be taken more seriously, the meanings perhaps being more accessible when away from the more sombre works.

New Zealand medals and photographs linking New Zealand to a Roccasecca family were on display for the two days of the festival, but have been returned to their owner again. Works by Cath Sheard and Lisa Taylor-King are studied intently by men who ask if the soldiers in the photographs survived the war. Perhaps there is a greater sense of connection for the viewers when they can see real faces and families, a reminder of the very human tragedy that war is. As Jose Narosky has said, "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers".

Private viewings outside "gallery hours" are keeping the volunteers busy turning on lights and music, lighting candles and answering questions in a mixture of English and faltering Italian. The next week will bring visitors from a war museum in another region. They have booked to visit the exhibition with their visitors from Scotland.

My apologies for not posting the new photos and videos yet but the local internet connection was lost when a heavy storm hit the town. I will post them at the next opportunity.

Legato on Tour: Roccasecca (FR)

2010-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Legato opens again this weekend, having the honour of being the first official exhibition in a new gallery in Roccasecca (FR).

Stone walls well over 500 years old provide a very different context for the works, giving them a chapel-like setting.

Viewers coming down the stairs encounter first the powerful and poignant watercolour portraits by Sarah Scott. The reception area hosts the smaller, more personal works by Eleanor Wright and Kay de Lautour, while Ann Fletcher's work hangs peacefully over the piano, inviting quiet contemplation. Also to the left of the stairwell is the exquisite mosaic bust by Janice Corbishley, resting on a marble surface in front of an antique mirror which shows it to full advantage.

In the main gallery works by Margaret Piggott are grouped to tell a story. Theresa Cashmore's three works form one unified entity, adding a powerful message as the lights catch the gold leaf text and lead the viewer in to the many layers of messages. Across from this Ira Mitchell's "A Hero at Peace" is strong yet gentle as it offers solace to the bereaved.

The tombstone works by Sally Blyth are lit by candles in an alcove, picking out the softly incadescent glow not visible under the gallery lights in Cassino.

Late arrivals join the exhibition: Susan McPhee's work is on display for the first time in Italy and the four heart-shaped poetry/collage works by Beate Minderjahn combine to occupy one alcove of the gallery.

Other exhibiting artists include Margherita Giampietri, Frances Rookes, Pamela Tapp, Lorraine Beattie, Angela Laby, Rachel Olsen, Stan Blanch, Merv Appleton, Jon Stevenson, Helen Moore, Kari Lindsay-Beale, Lisa-Jane Harvey, Cath Sheard, Gail Boyle, Jenny Bennett, Katherine Batchelor, Linda Dickens, Lisa Taylor-King and Susan Edge.

Legato will be open to the public from this weekend, and may be seen by appointment throughout the summer.

(Photographs are a preview only, with some of the work not fully in place in these pictures).

Poppies for Remembrance

2010-06-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

Artist Gail Boyle chose poppies as the theme of two of her works for Legato. The bright and clear images not only drew on the theme of remembrance but also gave messages of hope and life and added to the distinctly New Zealand presence in the venue.
Remembrance IRemembrance II

Gail Boyle

Nato ed educato ad Auckland, dipingere e' stata una mia passione fin dall'infanzia.

E' diventata poi una forma di meditazione, nel modo in cui mi immergo profondamente in forme, colori, luci e tessiture.

Trovo incoraggiante lavorare con varie tecniche e stili: al momento sto sperimentando gli acrilici, anche se la mia tecnica favorita rimarra' sempre la pittura ad olio.

Il mio lavoro si sviluppa con le esperienze di vita, permettendo ad ogni dipinto di conservare la freshezza e la spontaneita' del momento.

Sono stato molto fortunato nel ricevere una carriera di successo, ad avere i miei lavori in buona vista grazie alle pubblicazioni sul mercato internazionale.

Amo condividere la mia passione con gli altri, attraverso mostre ed insegnando arte, in Nuova Zelanda e all'estero.

La maggior parte dei miei lavori viene creata nel mio studio/galleria in Browns Bay. Le mie opere sono tenute in collezioni private, di Businesses e Governative.

***

Born and educated in Auckland, NZ, painting has been a passion since childhood. It becomes a form of meditation as I deeply immerse myself in all shape, form, colour, light and texture. I enjoy the challenge of working in a variety of mediums and styles, but my favourite remains - timeless Oils. I am now totally enjoying Acrylics. My work evolves with life’s experiences, enabling each painting to retain the freshness and spontaneity of the moment.

I have been richly blessed with success throughout my career, my works being well sought after for publication on the international market. I enjoy sharing my passion with others, via exhibitions and teaching art groups both throughout NZ and overseas.

The majority of my work is held in my home Studio/Gallery in Browns Bay. My paintings are held internationally in private, Corporate and Governmental collections.

Gail's "Faith, Freedom and Fun" provided a bright splash of colour above the deep blue chairs in the venue, and the abstract work allows the viewer to explore the free movement and mingling of the fresh, vibrant work which lifts the spirits and brightens the exhibition with its splash of colour.

It was very clear that this collection of work was from another culture, and colour was one of the aspects that highlighted this. Another striking feature was the diversity of the works, both in subject and media, while all following the two themes of peace and remembrance.

Cool Kids Want Peace

2010-06-19T06:19:00.001-07:00

Cool Kids Want Peace

Cools Kids Respect Other Cultures

Cool Kids Use Kind Words

German-born Kiwi artist Beate Minderjahn supplied Legato with tee-shirts to be distributed to local children. These shirts were given to young visitors to the exhibition, and more will be distributed, along with the message of peace, in two weeks time. Some went to America with tourists, but most will remain here in Italy. The messages, written in English, are mostly understood by the public, although some of the grandparents visiting with little ones have asked for translations.

My sincere thanks go to Beate for her very generous gift and positive actions, quietly but effectively promoting the message of peace.

Try to Remember Everything.

2010-06-14T02:08:00.000-07:00

"Try to Remember Everything" by Susan McPhee is a deceptively simple piece, and photographs cannot do the sensitive acrylic/mixed media art work justice.

The artist explains her symbolism and inspiration:

The concept for ‘Try to Remember Everything’ is a New Zealand Totara tree growing in an Italian landscape. Private Jimmy Landreth, my husband’s uncle, of whom this painting is in honour, was born and raised in Owaka, The Catlins, surrounded by native bush. The totara is a valued and highly regarded tree, important for its long lasting qualities and mighty presence in the forest. On the totara I have mementos hanging which mimic a soldiers ‘dog-tag’. The mementos represent soldiers, civilians, family and also the brutal, senseless aspects of war. There are 23 in total - Jimmy’s age when he was killed in action at Rimini, Italy.

‘Try to remember everything lest we forget’.

Il concetto del "cercare di tenere vivo il ricordo di qualsiasi cosa" e' come una pianta di Totara neo zelandese che cresce in un paesaggio Italiano.

Private Jimmy Landreth, zio di mio marito, a cui questo dipinto e'dedicato, e' nato e cresciuto ad Owaka, nel Catlins, una zona circondata da alberi nativi. Il totara e' considerato un albero di gran valore, di una certa importanza, per le sue qualita' durature e per la sua maestosa presenza nella foresta. Ad un totara tengo appesi "souvenirs", simboli che ricordano le medaglie dei soldati. Gli oggetti dedicati alla memoria rappresentano i soldati, i civili, la famiglia e anche il brutale, insensato aspetto della guerra. Ce ne sono 23 in totale, come gli anni di Jimmy al momento in cui venne ucciso, in azione a Rimini.

"Cercando di ricordare tutto, prima che vada dimenticato"

***

L'arte per me e' l'espressione propria della persona che la crea. - e' il linguaggio visuale dell'anima. Ho sempre avuto un debole per la creazione dell'arte. Sin dall'infanzia mio padre mi ha trasmesso l'amore per il disegno, ma e' stato soltanto da adulta che mi sono sentita veramente attratta da una vita creativa. Nel 2006, dopo aver conseguito un Diploma in Arte e Creativita' alla Learning Connexion, ho messo su il mio studio da casa in Balclutha.

Come artista sono interessata all'espressione o alla cattura dell'essenza del soggetto da me scelto. La mia speranza e' quella di evocare l'impressione di un posto o di un momento, o di un pensiero o un sentimento – per creare una connessione emotiva con l'osservatore. Sono costantemente ispirata dalla natura e dalla bellezza naturale che mi circonda, che sia essere nel mio giardino circondata dagli esseri che lo abitano, piuttosto che in un campo del paesaggio del Sud della Nuova Zelanda. Sono orientata verso gli oggetti vintage che hanno una loro storia passata. Anche gli uccelli sono soggetti ricorrenti, elementi che tendono a ricordarmi della loro funzione “ il mantenimento dell'equilibrio tra cielo e terra”.

La mia tecnica si e' evoluta dall'uso unicamente dei colori al mescolamento di immagini in tecnica mista – compresi collages, texture, stampe, carboncini/matite e vernici. La pittura si sviluppa tramite vari livelli, che spesso prendono una loro propria direzione, e questo e' quello che piu' mi soddisfa nel processo creativo del portare questi elementi alla vita.

Adoro fare ricerca di materiali e riciclare, trovando sempre un modo per farne buon uso nei miei lavori. Le mie opere sono originali, uniche e piuttosto stravaganti.
In memoria di James Landreth, 22esimo Battaglione Nuova Zelanda 1921 – 3/10/1944
Credo nell'ascoltare i sussurri della propria anima. Quando mi e' stata proposta l'opportunita' di una mostra in Italia per la “Pace e la Memoria” , mi e' da subito sembrata una cosa giusta da fare.

Nonostante nessuno dei membri della nostra famiglia sia direttamente connesso alla battaglia di Montecassino, Pte James (Jimmy) Landreth fu ucciso in azione a Rimini, nell'Ottobre 1944. E' sepolto al Cimitero di Guerra di Cesena, Forli'. Sappiamo che fu coinvolto nell'attacco a Firenze durante il Luglio del 1944, pochi mesi dopo la battaglia di Cassino. Il ritratto di Jimmy in divisa da soldato e' tornato in nostro possesso solo recentemente ed e' ora appeso nel nostro ingresso. Aveva 23 anni quando venne ucciso ed e' un privilegio per me onorare il suo coraggio e fare luce sulle oscurita'.

Artist Statement:

To me art is the unique expression of the person creating it – it is visual language of the soul. I have always kindled a passion for the creating of art. From childhood my father fostered a love of drawing in me but it wasn’t until adulthood that I was once again inspired to live a creative life. In 2006, after completing a Diploma of Art & Creativity with The Learning Connexion, I set up a studio at my home in Balclutha.

As an artist I am interested in expressing or capturing the essence of my subject. My hope is to evoke impressions of a place or time, thought, or mood – to make an emotional connection with the viewer. I’m continually inspired by nature and the natural beauty that surrounds me, be it my garden and its inhabitants or further a field to the Southern New Zealand landscape. I am drawn to vintage things with a past life or history. Birds are also a reoccurring subject matter and I’m always reminded of the message they bring - ‘for balance between heaven and earth’.

My technique has evolved from using purely paint to combining painted images with mixed media techniques - incorporating collage, texture, printing, charcoal/pencil and varnishes. Paintings evolve through layers, often taking their own pathway and I gain much pleasure from the creative process involved in bringing them to life. I love sourcing and recycling materials and devising ways of using them in my work. My artworks are original, unique and often a bit quirky.

In Memory of Private James Landreth, 22nd NZ Battalion 1921 - 3/10/1944

I believe in listening to the whispers of your soul. When the opportunity to exhibit in Italy for 'Peace and Commemoration' was presented to me it just seemed so right. Although our family member is not directly linked to the Cassino battle, Pte James (Jimmy) Landreth was killed in action at Rimini, Italy, October 1944. He is buried at the Cesena War Cemetery, Flori, Italy. We know he was involved in the approach to Florence during July 1944, a few months after the Cassino battles. Jimmy's army portrait has recently come into our possession and now hangs in our hallway. On researching Jim'my's life history his character seemed to come alive. He was 23 years old when killed in action and it is my privilege to honour his bravery and 'light up the darkness'.

Sue McPhee
New Zealand

Specimens of War.

2010-06-08T04:46:00.001-07:00

Katherine Batchelor's work for Legato held the attention of the historians and the children of Cassino for a particularly long time. Each specimen dish contains images and memorabilia, building up snapshots in time that are both personal and universal. Children wanted to understand the significance of every dish.

Katherine Batchelor
Nata a Helensville nel 1965, Katherine e' un'artista di tecnica mista, diplomata nel 2006 in Arte e Artigianato presso la Hungry Creek Art and Craft school e che oggi lavora nello studio di casa a Red Beach. Le esperienze personali, i problemi socio-ambientali, si mescolano nella creazione di opere espressive e suggestive.

Lyall George Taylor, D.O.B 29/3/1920
Service No: 408459
Rank Private
Seconda Guerra Mondiale NZEF 24th Battaglione - Italy
Durata del servizio - 3 anni

Lyall George Taylor, marito, figlio, zio, nonno, nipote e amico di molti e padre di quattro figli, Frank, Denise, Quinton e la sottoscritta Katherine, non ha mai parlato molto con noi della guerra.

Ma noi abbiamo sempre percepito l'effetto che questa ha avuto sulla sua anima.
Lui era orgoglioso di difendere la propria patria e deciso a morire per il compagno che combatteva accanto a lui, ma c'era una profonda tristezza nelle cose di cui ha fatto esperienza.
E questi effetti negativi sono stati tramandati a noi, ai suoi figli, nel suo modo di esserci padre.
Prego per la pace nel mondo.

***

Born in Helensville in 1965, Katherine is a mixed media artist who graduated in 2006 with an Art and Craft Diploma from Hungry Creek Art and Craft school and who now works from a studio at her home in Red Beach. Personal experiences, environmental and social issues intermingle to create expressive and evocative works.

Lyall George Taylor, D.O.B 29/3/1920
Service No: 408459
Rank Private
World War II NZEF 24th Battalion
Theatre of War - Italy
Length of Service - 3 years

Lyall George Taylor, a husband , a son, an uncle, a granddad, a nephew and a friend to many, and a father to the four of us {Frank, Denise, Quinton, and myself, Katherine , never spoke much to us of the war. But we felt the affect it had had on his soul. He was proud to defend his country and willing to fall for his mate beside him but there was a deep sadness about the things he had experienced. And those affects have been passed to us , his children, in the way he fathered us. I pray for world peace.

Legato continues to spread the message

2010-06-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Legato is on the move. A proud but still incredulous bus driver managed to load his delicate cargo with skills that would make a tetris player weep!

Paintings were sorted into "large, small, well protected, less cushioned, works with glass, extra fragile..." and then slotted into the van with great care. There wasn't a cubic inch to spare, and in fact the back view was all cardboard, right to the roof. Once safely on the move the driver called his father to warn that the mini bus might well be stopped by the carabinieri on the way home, and on arrival he photographed his handiwork before we began the task of unloading. Feedback still comes in from people who have seen, or wished that they had seen, the exhibition in Cassino. While most of the work is safely in storage awaiting the next showing in Italy, various pieces have had to come out again as people ask to see their favourite items again.

Twelve works by six artists have new owners, others are "under negotiation" and some work has returned to New Zealand with the artists to pre-arranged sales or other exhibitions. The remaining works can (just) fit into a mini-bus and will be shown again in Italy at other venues.

More interesting to me though are not the sales but the comments. Several pieces have emerged as having really powerful messages, and are much admired. These are also the pieces that should remain in a public collection rather than private homes. One in particular has "almost sold" several times, then on reflection the would-be owners have decided that the work would disturb them too much as they looked at it daily. We can be sure that that image ("Ritirata" by Margherita Giampietri), along with other images, has left an indelible impression on many viewers.

Comments include (in translation)
"Our compliments, this exhibition has touched us deeply. Best wishes and happiness to you from a couple whose hearts you have moved so much".
"You can feel that the works have been made from the heart"
"Thankyou for sharing your culture in this fantastic exhibition"
"Magnificent"
"Truly touching and emotional"
"Of a high level, congratulations"
"Very moving, you can "feel" the message that this exhibition is about".
"Touching and thoughtful works"
"These works should stay together as a collection and travel further, wonderful exhibition"
"That soldier really speaks to me"
"Many compliments, it is a beautiful exhibition"
"Very, very beautiful"
"This exhibition truly "makes you feel" that it has been created with great feeling and passion".
"An exhibition that is really "poetic", my compliments to the artists and organisers".

Visitors included people from Germany, Poland, America, Canada, New Zealand and of course local Italians. Many of the people from Cassino and nearby towns returned several times, really getting to know the works and the messages behind them.

My heartfelt thanks go to those who continue to spread the message behind the exhibtion, keeping it alive even now the works are no longer on display.

And, for some of the artists, there was time to relax a little, enjoy some good Italian food in the host town of Roccasecca, and reflect on their experiences of cultural differences and similarities, and working together for a more peaceful world.

Legato at Cassino

2010-05-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

"It's the paintbrush versus the gun as the biggest ever collection of New Zealand art in Italy prompts the question: Can art change the world?"

Legato at Cassino from Nicola Blackmore on Vimeo.

Photos from Legato

2010-05-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to photographer Derek Bunn for these images.
Avv. Beniamino Papa (Assessore alla cultura Comune di Cassino), Kay de Lautour (organiser and curator of Legato), and Margherita Giampietri (exhibitor and translator).

Sophia Elise (exhibitor and New Zealand liaison) at the exhibition with Kay de Lautour, organiser and curator of Legato.

A glimpse into a corner of the exhibition.

The end of a very long day!

A Different Approach to Colour

2010-05-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

The moment you step into the room you register, either consciously or unconsciously, that this in an unusual exhibition in this part of Italy. The works are modern, colourful and diverse, despite being linked by a common theme. Although sombre and serious in message, they somehow combine to form a colourful and deceptively light-hearted show that has a distinctly New Zealand flavour.

Sculpture (below) "Siamo morti, per cosa?" by Dave Fowell.

The exhibition is up to version three, with fairly major changes in placement as new works arrive. All works get their day under the spotlight, but some of the earlier arrivals are now on display in the entrance foyer to make room for new arrivals under the lights. (The choice of being under the chandelier or under the exhibition lights is not a bad one, really!) These photographs are not in any particular order, nor do they show all the works on display.

Thoughts for the Fallen

2010-05-19T13:24:00.001-07:00

Splinters in Fingers.

2010-05-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

The final "official" part of the proceedings is over. Gifts have been presented to dignitaries. Long speeches have been delivered, translated and applauded. Official delegations from various countries involved in this week's Cassino commemorations have been lead through Legato. It's been a long week, and it's still only Wednesday here.

The New Zealand Embassy put on a nibbles-and-drinks reception on Monday night, at which most of the artists said their goodbyes and travelled on to sightseeing further south.

The exhibition, however, is still a work in progress. Paintings are still arriving, hanging issues are being tweaked, and updated price lists and artist details have been delivered to the venue. Everyone left here is quietly exhausted.

I have many more films to make, but this post will have to serve while the web-watchers are waiting for video. I'm the odd observer here; the one that makes the coffee, cleans the towels, buys toilet paper for the venue. I'm also a video journalist rather than an artist, and as I've talked to the participants I've gained an overall view of what's been happening.

Opinions, predictably for a large group, are divided. Some love where they've been placed, others are not as happy. Some are motivated solely by the promotion of peace, others are understandably desperate to sell to cover the costs of the trip. Some are glad and grateful to be here, others are home-sick, travel-sick or simply sick of Italian food.

There's a lot of culture shock, in both directions. It's not just the language, it's the way things happen here. We're in Southern Italy, where people don't drink without food, where tradesmen don't always turn up when they say they will. Some cultural mores are easy to adapt to: Italians flirt constantly and everyone enjoys the game of making each other feel wanted and happy. Artists have been adopted by various local families and over-fed with attention and regional food. But local political ructions impacted on the opening night, with the Italian invitations going out late and with the wrong time on them.

The good news is that the exhibition is busy despite this. The works are hung in the Italian way, with names and prices in a folder on the desk rather than by the art. People frequenting the cafe next door are spreading the word, and regular fixtures within the exhibition room and adjacent library means the eyeball count for the days so far is pretty good. It doesn't really matter if artists are focussed on profit or peace, both aims are served well by a busy exhibition with an impressive visual impact.

As for those still spending hours on the phone to customs or manning the exhibition, the view with the most impact is the inside of their eyelids...

20-something hands make light work...

2010-05-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Under way...

2010-05-17T05:04:00.001-07:00

Cassino is now host to not just 30 or so tired New Zealanders but the Legato exhibition, open and in full swing. Many of the artworks are strongly New Zealand, and it sometimes seems wierd to see them hung in an Italian way, with no names and a discreet book of information at the desk. It's also very Italian to wander through after a coffee in the bar beside us, inspecting every work carefully before coming back with friends. Legato is establishing itself as an event to pay attention to.

In a few hours there will be the promised video report on the opening day. We will also be posting photos of the exhibition as and when they come in. For now, it's off to the ceremony at the Commonwealth war graves in Cassino, followed by a visit to the exhibition by the NZ Ambassador to Rome. The day concludes with a reception hosted by the New Zealand Embassy.

Kiwi Invasion

2010-05-14T00:32:00.000-07:00

The Commander-in-Chief of this army of peace has given the job of blog to a lesser ranked communications officer. I'm Nicola, the videographer for the Legato exhibition, and on the eve of the opening I've taken over the writing of this blog. Please excuse the change of style. Kay is currently lost under lists of things to do and only the scent of tea or the sound of a cell-phone brings her to the surface.

Over the last few days the pace has changed from hectic to chaotic as wave after wave of kiwi artists (lugging tubes of rolled canvas and oddly shaped parcels) sweep into the small Italian village of Roccasecca. It's a bit ironic that an exhibition promoting peace has prompted such tumult and noise. "Legato" is demonstrating that peace can be a state of delight and laughter, not just calm. It is also showing that there is room for lofty ideas and philosophical chat alongside the mundane minutae of bedding, brackets and bolts, or breakfast in a foreign place.

By tomorrow night (Italian time) the artworks will be in place, the opening party will have started and those lucky enough to be here will be able to view the culmination of a huge amount of effort from many many people, all working towards the common goal of world peace and remembrance. We wish you were here to enjoy it too.

For those that couldn't make the trip I am hoping to have video highlights throughout the course of the exhibition available online, so keep checking this blog for updates.

Latest NZ Press Release

2010-05-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Organiser Kay de Lautour preparing for the NZ art exhibition in Cassino, Italy, this weekend.

Emotions of about 40 NZ artists appear on canvas at the big exhibition in Italy to mark Kiwi involvement in Battle of Cassino
By Word of Mouth Media NZ

The biggest Kiwi art exhibition in Italy and one of the most moving NZ art events overseas opens at Cassino in Italy on Saturday.

The event will be held at Cassino on May 15-29 to commemorate New Zealand’s involvement in the Battle of Cassino there 66 years ago.

Kiwi artists who have a connection with soldiers who fought in Cassino make up most of the entries. Italian-based Kiwi organiser Kay de Lautour Scott said it was their "busy time" of the year in Cassino with veterans groups, commemoration services and unveiling of new memorials.

The NZ art exhibition has attracted substantial interest in Italy and will be held in Cassino’s public library with a formal gala opening on Saturday. Many of the artists are depicting links between New Zealand and Italy, featuring their fallen relatives and other connections to the battle.

De Lautour Scott said works range from showing the destruction and horror of war (Merv Appleton of Auckland and Ronda Turk of Levin) to the tranquillity of the peace rose (Jenny Bennett of Whangarei).

Works by Italian born artists (now living in NZ) Margherita Giampietri (Whitianga)and Francesca Gallo (Auckland) reflect childhood memories and culturally integrated themes.

''American-based Sarah Scott's portraits have a challenging poignancy, showing the personal tragedy of war while the paintings by Chrissy Brook (Christchurch) and Rachel Olsen (Whitianga) bring a rich New Zealand flavour to the exhibition. Susan Edge (Waipu) has produced four works bringing a different perspective to the history she has explored.

Ann Fletcher (Opotiki) offers a space for contemplation in a delicately woven pencil work, while Frances Rookes (Taranaki) uses a genuine army blanket in her 3 dimensional textile and wire art. Eleanor Wright's (Auckland) delicate charcoals include a portrait of her grandfather in uniform.

It is evident that a lot of research has been done, and veterans have contributed to the stories being told in paint, glass, photography and sculpture. Other works are being sent over for display in Italy to bring a sense of closure to families and veterans.’’

About a dozen artists head to Cassino this weekend for the exhibition opening. Most of the contributing artists had grandparents, uncles and relatives who fought in World War Two, or who fought in Italy and some had parents, grandparents and uncles who were at the Battle of Cassino.

Artists taking part are from Patea, Christchurch, Upper Hutt, Waipu, Whitianga, the USA, Italy, Auckland, Mt Maunganui, Napier, Opotiki, Orewa, South Otago, Whangarei, Levin, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Oban, Pokeno and Wellington.

The NZ Ambassador to Rome Laurie Markes will tour the exhibition on May 17. The event has been organised by de Lautour in Cassino and NZ Art Guild manager Sophia Elise (in Auckland) without charging for any of their services.

Facing Realities

2010-05-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

This acrylic work, "Puzzled" by Margherita Giampietri, adds to the diversity of ideas that will be portrayed in Legato. There are almost as many different approaches to the themes of peace and commemoration as there are artists involved. The art is selecting itself into groups, or, as I prefer to see it, puts itself into imaginary "rooms" as different genres, colours and themes begin to emerge.

In the painting above Margherita refers to her father's confusion about the need for war. Please click on this post for more details in English.

Margherita writes:

Sono cresciuta con i racconti del tempo di guerra: facevano da corona ai lunghi pranzi natalizi e pasquali. Quando i "grandi" iniziavano a ricordare io riemergevo da sotto il tavolo dove mi nascondevo dopo gli antipasti, per evitare di mangiare. Noi bimbi conoscevamo gia' tutte le storie, ma non ci stancavamo mai di riascoltarle. Erano storie tristi, drammatiche, piene di dolore in cui a volte c'era la vena comica di chi sa di aver scampato la morte. Probabilmente non ce le hanno mai raccontate tutte.

Mio padre, Alfeo Giampietri, era Sottufficiale di Macchina a bordo dell' "Augusto Riboty ". Aveva 20 anni quando scoppio' la guerra.

Fu ferito gravemente durante un bombardamento a Trapani nel 1943, mentre era in libera uscita con due amici. Rimase sepolto sotto le macerie per due giorni ascoltando i lamenti dei suoi amici che morivano e invocavano la mamma...aspettando il suo turno. Fu fortunato, lo trovarono, lo estrassero dalle macerie, subi' un'operazione per ricostruirgli una gamba e infine lo mandarono a casa in convalescenza.

Non era finita: fu rastrellato dai tedeschi ( sulla linea Gotica) assieme a suo padre Giuseppe, i miei zii, parenti e tutti gli altri uomini del paese, per rappresaglia dopo il cambio di bandiera fatto dagli italiani, e spedito in Germania. Alla fine della guerra passo' nelle mani dei Russi che dopo un po' di tempo li lasciarono liberi. Rientrarono in Italia a piedi e con mezzi di fortuna.

La mia pittura e' semplice, disegno col pennello, ma cerco di rappresentare le emozioni che i racconti di guerra mi hanno instillato fin da bambina:

"PUZZLED" (Acrilico) e' un gioco di parole: e' un "puzzle" di volti di giovani uomini che si trovano, loro malgrado, a incrociare e incastrare la vita gli uni con gli altri, alcuni sono vivi altri non piu', ma "puzzled" in inglese significa stupito, disorientato, perplesso. E' dedicato a mio padre ed ai giovani costretti a combattere.

Forever Connected

2010-05-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

Chrissy Brook, che attualmente vive a Christchurch, dipinge da circa dieci anni esibendo i suoi lavori un po' in tutta la Nuova Zelanda. Il suo metodo preferito e' nell'uso di colori forti e tessiture. E' stata istruita per cinque anni dall'artista di Canterbury Robert McDowell, da cui tutt'ora segue lezioni ogni sabato presso il suo studio.

Chrissy usa spesso motivi artistici Maori che riflettono il suo background culturale. La tribu' a cui appartiene si chiamano Ngai Tahu e Te Atiawa. Suo padre Syd Mansbridge era membro del secondo battaglione neo zelandese, del 6^ Reggimento di Artiglieria, 48 ^Batteria, Don Troop, e fu di stazionamento a Cassino durante la seconda guerra.

Ha partecipato al 60^ anniversario della battaglia celebrata a Cassino nel 2004.
L'opera realizzata per questa mostra rappresenta la connessione che ancora oggi esiste tra le famiglie dei veterani e la comunita' di Cassino. La forma di un koru a Monte Cassino rappresenta un giovane uomo che ha perso la vita in quella battaglia e che per sempre e' rimasto in Italia, mentre il koru raffigurato nel cielo rappresenta il giovane uomo che e' tornato a casa alla pace e alla liberta'. Le parole sono prese da una lettera che il padre di Chrissy spedi' alla madre durante la guerra. Si sposarono nel 1946 e celebreranno il loro 60 esimo anniversario in Giugno, quindi giorni piu' felici li attendono in futuro.

“E' un onore prendere parte a questa mostra come tributo a mio padre, ai suoi compagni e al popolo di Cassino”

Chrissy Brook, who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, has been painting for ten years and has exhibited throughout New Zealand. She enjoys the use of bold colours and textures. She has been tutored by leading Canterbury artist Robert McDowell for five years and still attends his studio every Saturday morning.

Chrissy often uses Maori motifs in her works which reflect her cultural heritage. Her iwi are Ngai Tahu and Te Atiawa. Chrissy's father, Syd Mansbridge, who was a member the 2nd NZEF, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 48 Battery, Don Troop, was stationed at Cassino during world war 2. He attended the 60th anniversary celebrations at Cassino in 2004.

The painting represents the connection, which still exists today, between the families of veterans and the community of Cassino. The koru shapes in Monte Cassino represent the young men who died there and will remain forever a part of Italy while the koru in the sky above the mountains of New Zealand represent the young men who came home to peace and freedom. The writing is taken from a letter sent by Chrissy's father to her mother during the war. They were married in 1946 and will be celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary in June - so there certainly were happier days ahead! "It is an honour to be able to be part of this exhibition as a tribute to my dad, his comrades and the people of Cassino."

A Way with Words

2010-05-03T12:13:00.000-07:00

Auckland based Christian artist Theresa Cashmore began her career in Graphic Design, and she worked in that field for many years. Her most internationally recognized design work is the logo for the Rugby World Cup. Her paintings almost invariably contain text, and her work for Legato is no exception.

Painting above: "Remember", acrylic on canvas with 23ct gold leaf.

Diverse Works Resonate in this Village

2010-05-02T01:04:00.001-07:00

Works (and text in italics) by Helen Moore, glass artist.A Winged heart between body and soul
Flying for the love of God on wings of joy
Breaking free from the chains and barbed wire bullets
To the calm of the heaven blue beyond.
This piece is called the Tell Tale Heart, because when you look at all the symbolism that makes up each element it speaks for itself.
The heart is love, white is the colour of mourning purity and life. The poppy is the symbol of sacrifice, death, resurrection after death and renewal of life. Barbed wire is the graphic image of captivity, political violence and death. It is a wall without being a wall and it magnifies the distinction between inside and outside.

***

When Sophia Elise of the New Zealand Art Guild accepted my invitation to join this project I was still thinking in terms of paintings. The logistics of transporting and displaying other works was in my "too hard" basket. I hadn't really thought about the extent of the networking of the NZ Art Guild, thinking only that Sophia seemed to be very effective at getting things happening for good causes. Soon I was getting emails asking if 3D art, glass art and sculpture was suitable. I wrote back asking for the stories connecting these artists to Cassino.

If there is one thing that I have come to believe in recent years, it is that anything is possible. Having read the stories, cried through the emails, and thought about the exhibition and the artists, I said "Yes, we will find a way". So, above you see a handmade lampworked glass heart, wrapped in Sterling Silver wire, and handmade lampworked glass beads, combined with hand sewn glass seed beads. (The artist had no way of knowing that around my house is barbed wire left when my house was a fortified German bunker and supply depot, or that the post-war stories for the family in this home were tragic ones).

I am amazed at the range of works coming together in Italy - but mostly I am thrilled at how the New Zealand media has taken the project to heart and made it possible for veterans and artists to connect. The shared stories and the family histories that are emerging, then merging in the artwork, are a part of what makes us a nation. We are only four million people, and with the support of the media connection is so much easier. Legato is a vehicle for communication, before anything else.

Timeless Images

2010-04-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

"Santo Benedetto e le Columbe di Pace"Some of the artists involved in this exhibition have taken the opportunity to produce work different from their usual art. Artist Susan Edge, better known for her colourful, rather whimsical and always cheerful naive art, has used a recent photo of the statue of St Benedict and an ancient painting of St Benedict as her source (below) to produce a work (above) that is both old and new.

The statue is in the entrance cloister of the Abbey, and represents St Benedict in a moment of joyous rapture as he goes to meet God. St Benedict was aware that the moment of his death was approaching, and asked to be taken to his favourite cloister where monks supported him as he awaited death.

Susan has created a younger St Benedict, sharing joy with the doves, the symbol of peace. Doves do often waddle around in this cloister, completely unphased by the thousands of visitors who pass through every year.

(The doves above really did arrive one by one... like me choosing to stay in the shade rather than go out into the sunny grassed area by the statue where they usually congregate).

A Sense of Closure

2010-04-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

McEwan Grave, Western Desert.

Oil on canvas, painted from the descriptions told to him by veteran soldier Watty McEwan. This painting has helped to bring a family member home, metaphorically, in the absence of wartime sketches or photographs.
Thanks to artist Merv Appleton for permission to share this work. The recipient, in his 90s, says that this has helped to bring some peace and a sense of closure to his terrible loss, after nearly 70 years of a daily sense of loneliness.

Other acts of closure are being made, with a work commissioned in New Zealand especially to be shown in Italy and then returned to the family (artist Sharlene Schmidt), and Margaret Piggott will be returning a portrait work to New Zealand after it has been shown in Italy, at the request of the owner, to honour a family member from the Maori Battalion.

Please see this previous post for more details.

A Veteran's Story

2010-04-28T22:49:00.001-07:00

In light of my closing comments in the previous post it was wonderful to find this in my email in-box this morning.

It is never too late to make a difference in someone's life.

How does the expression go? At the end of the day, when we look back, the only things that we regret in life are the things that we didn't do.

Another maxim that I read recently claimed that when we look back on our lives we don't remember the famous, the people with money, the people with power, the people with titles. We remember the people who made us feel good about ourselves, the people who made a difference to us personally.

Are we too busy to listen, and share stories? Or do we care enough, and make a space to share?

Anzac Weekend

2010-04-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

This year I couldn't make it to the Commonwealth cemetery on Anzac Day because of other obligations. Instead I remembered the soldiers with local people who were keen to share their memories of the friendly and helpful young men from New Zealand. "Kiwis, we called them", said one. As I heard their stories I was very proud to be a Kiwi too.

Saturday saw me talking with a friend who remembers well the war in Roccasecca. Her large home was one of three owned by the family and taken over by the Germans to house a whole troop. While they (and all around them) eventually lost all their livestock and produce to feed the troops, in the early stages when Italy was on the side of the Axis powers it was a happy occupation. The soldiers played with the children, and, while far from being a normal life, it was relatively peaceful and safe for the children.

When Italy changed sides, so did the treatment of the family change. The women and children, while not sexually violated, were treated harshly and my friend, at the age of 5, was expected to do farmwork far beyond her capabilities to provide food for the soldiers. She says it still hurts when she thinks of how the soldiers she trusted, who carried her on their shoulders and played with her every evening, became tyrants shouting orders and treating her mother and the children so badly.

That's what war does to people. The young German soldiers, just teenagers towards the end of the war, were victims too.

Other troops were commented on but the Canadians and the Kiwis were the ones held in fondest regard. They were "people just like us" she said, "they didn't think they were better than us".

Sunday lunchtime was spent talking to an exhibitor at the local exhibition, listening as he shared his memories of occupation and the good things he knew about Kiwi soldiers. New Zealanders are well known here for their generosity with food.

Many of this gentleman's stories (he is now 81) had both of us near tears. He finished with a story about a clever pig to make me laugh. His mother had eleven children, and all their food and resources had gone to the German troops except a hidden cow and a pig. Money had no worth, and a little oil that they had buried was their currency for grain until that too was taken from them, and only mountain grass and milk was left to feed the family.

The cow was hidden in a dark underground space below the kitchen. The only way down to it was through hidden stairs from the kitchen itself. How they got the cow down there in the first place I simply couldn't imagine. The milk was all that the family had, and this was mixed with a coarse red maize crushed to make a meal that fed the family, or boiled for the babies. The mother had lost her own milk for feeding the babies because of the lack of food. Sometimes the maize that the oil was exchanged for was mouldy and inedible.

The pig was walled in, in a crumbling barn away from the house. Manure from the precious cow was mixed with water and painted on to the new wall to make it look old. The ruse worked. The smelly wall was never discovered or breached. There was no door into the space. There was what I think might have been a grate to allow air and light, and to drop food in, and this was covered when soldiers came. Apparently every time the family members came out to feed the pig it snorted and grunted as soon as it heard them, impatient for it's tucker. When German soldiers with their noisy boots approached the covered feeding hole the family collectively held it's breath. So, apparently, did the pig. In this case German searches were unsuccessful. The pig was never discovered.

Here there are so many stories that need to be told. Not to re-write history books, but to allow the people to express the grief and loss that still wells up inside them as they look at the past. It is the same in New Zealand. Let's listen well, and try to understand what makes us the people we are. New Zealanders. The "passionless people?" I think not. Or if we are, as Gordon McLaughlin suggested in 1979, the passionless people, maybe that is how we became, after the war. Perhaps there was a reason to be so, and now is the time to reverse that shutting down of emotions and remove the mask that says "Leave me alone, I'm OK".

Returning to a Different Society

2010-04-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Among my incoming emails is this comment: "...and those who fought so bravely and returned to a different society. A different kind of battle". (See below for context).

I have heard veterans speak with a little bitterness about returning home to a changed society, expected to fit in, and having to be taught by younger men who were at school while the soldiers were in the battlefield. Those at "home" had work, earned salaries, and had moved ahead while the returned soldiers came home without work, having been paid only a small allowance while they were away, and had to find their way back into a society that did not understand what they had been through. For some, having experienced trauma, and seen sights that no young person should ever have to see, they then had to take instruction and correction from "school kids".

One veteran said "We couldn't talk about it. You don't want your wife and children to know how terrible it was. Only the returned soldiers from the First World War had any idea of what we had been through. And you felt guilty that you had survived. When you saw someone who had lost their sons, you couldn't look at them. You didn't want to be there. It wasn't easy, coming home".

That there is still a huge legacy from this war in New Zealand is evidenced by the requests artists have had. Margaret Piggott writes:
".The Maori connection... I painted the transition of the soul after death, announced by fantails and passing through the Pohutakawa tree and along the land to Cape Reinga where it then goes through the roots of the Pohutakawa to the legendary "Hawaiki" I painted a portrait of Teresa with her whakapapa down the side. This work is not for sale. When she heard about this exhibition she insisted that this painting be shown as a tribute to her late father, who fought in Cassino and was a sniper in the Maori Battalion. He stands behind her. He was one of the youngest, having lied about his age and was so quick on his feet that he returned. Most snipers didn't. ... Teresa has many relatives who are watching this exhibition with interest and see it as an ideal way to remember fallen loved ones and those who fought so bravely and returned to a different society. A different kind of battle."

Artists, by sharing your stories, and talking with family and veterans, you are providing a much needed service in our country. We remember those who fell, but too often we forget that those who survived have been carrying a huge amount of grief, dreaming horrific images, and left alone to deal with a past that needs to be faced and put to rest, not buried inside them where it remains a sorrowful burden.

Merv Appleton's painting for Wattie McEwen (presentation recorded by TV3) must surely be one of the treasures that has come from this exhibition. I understand that the painting below is the one that moved the veteran to share with Merv the story of finding his brother's grave.

The Futility of it All

2010-04-22T08:33:00.001-07:00

During a pause on our path along the Gustav Line researchers shared with us photographs which highlighted both the futility and the human aspects of war. In this photograph (below) German and Allied combatants share cigarettes, conversation and pose for a photograph. On the back of the photograph it tells that this was taken during a pause requested by the Germans to retrieve their dead.
The numbers were so great that the Allies lent the Germans stretchers, which were duly returned to them at the end of the operation. Then, all this done in friendly and respectful fashion, both sides continued to shoot to kill.

Remember

2010-04-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

Today I saw this link, Ode to the Fallen, ANZAC DAY, on the Maori Battalion Facebook page. The images are a grim reminder of the realities of war.

***

Remember that there is open access to the Legato fan page on Facebook, where photographs are uploaded more frequently than on this blog.

From New Zealand's History

2010-04-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

(anche in l'italiano, vedi giù)
Painter Rachel Olsen writes:

It's difficult for me to imagine how it must have been for my father to go off to war in another country. I feel proud of his courage and bravery to fight alongside others to defend our future freedom. We are fortunate that he lived to return home and tell his stories of the contrasts of war - the best and the worst of times.

When deciding what to paint for the Cassino Exhibition and considering the destruction and heartbreak caused by war, I felt moved to explore other ways people have responded to violence and aggression in past conflicts.

Perhaps when conflict arises, if our desired outcome is for peace then we must come from a place of peace in ourselves so any action we take is in alignment with our goal of peace. Zen Master Thich Naht Hanh is a living example of this basic premise and has written of it in his many books, one of which is entitled 'Peace is Every Step'.

Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and Gandhi are all well known as advocates of peace, but not many people, even in New Zealand, have heard of Te Whiti, a Maori leader who practised nonviolent resistance against the British Empire in the late 1800's two generations before Gandhi. There is evidence that Gandhi was inspired by Te Whiti's philosophy and actions at Parihaka, Te Whiti’s small Maori settlement at the foot of sacred Mount Taranaki.

Te Whiti-O-Rongomai was the prophet, priest and revered chieftain of the Taranaki tribes, a man whose ethics were above all those of a peacemaker.

Taking as their symbol the white albatross feather or raukura, the chiefs Te Whiti and Tohu led Parihaka in one of the world's first recorded campaigns of passive resistance. The people of Parihaka held out against the encroachments of English settlers in a struggle that swapped the weapons of war for those of peace. They were known to wear white feathers in their hair as a sign of their desire to live in harmony.

The white feather is still displayed as a symbol of peace by the community of Parihaka which holds an international peace conference every year in memory of Te Whiti's passive resistance.

E' difficile per me immaginare come deve essere stato per mio padre andare in guerra in terra straniera. Sono fiera di immaginare il suo coraggio nel combattere a fianco di altri per difendere la nostra futura liberta'. Siamo davvero fortunati che lui sia tornato a casa sano e salvo e che ci abbia raccontato le storie ed I contrasti della guerra, dei momenti peggiori e di quelli migliori.

Al momento di decidere cosa dipingere per la mostra di Cassino e considerando la distruzione ed il dolore causati dalla guerra, sono stata mossa ad esplorare altri modi in cui le persone hanno risposto alla violenza e alla aggressione nei conflitti passati.

Forse quando nasce un conflitto, se il nostro desiderio e' per la pace, cio' vuol dire che veniamo da un luogo interiore di pace, cosi che ogni azione scegliamo di compiere e' in linea con il concetto di pace. Il maestro Zen Thich Naht Hanh e' un esempio vivente di questi presupposti di base ed ha scritto molti libri in proposito, uno di questi si intitola “La Pace e' in ogni passo”

Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King e Gandhi sono come ben sappiamo avvocati di pace, ma non molte persone, neppure in Nuova Zelanda, hanno sentito parlare di Te Whiti, un leader Maori che ha praticato la resistenza non violenta contro l'Impero britannico, alla fine dell'800, due generazioni prima di Gandhi. Ci sono prove che dimostrano come Gandhi sia stato influenzato dalla filosofia di Te Whiti e dai fatti di Parihaka, il piccolo villaggio di Te Whiti ai piedi della montagna sacra Taranaki.

Te Whiti-O-Rongomai era un profeta, un sacerdote e reverendo capo della tribu' di Taranaki, un uomo la cui etica era molto al di sopra di altri portatori di pace.

Prendendo come loro simbolo la piuma bianca dell'albatross o raukura, i capi Te Whiti e Tohu guidarono Parihaka in quella che fu la prima campagna di resistenza passiva
Il villaggio tenne testa contro gli Inglesi nel loro tentativo di comprare la popolazione con le armi. Erano conosciuti come quelli che indossavano le piume bianche tra I loro capelli, come segno del loro desiderio di vivere in armonia.

La piuma bianca e' ancora in mostra come simbolo di pace nella comunita' di Parihaka, dove ogni anno si tiene una conferenza internazionale per la pace, in memoria della resistenza passiva di Te Whiti.

A Contemplative Space

2010-04-19T03:19:00.001-07:00

Anne Fletcher: La pace e' la calma, il punto di equilibrio che sfida due poli opposti.

Io sono alla ricerca continua di questo posto e a volte mi chiedo: "e' la calma o e' la cecita'? " La differenza non e' sempre chiara con i percorsi contorti della vita vissuta e del tempo che offuscano e colorano il conosciuto. Ricordo un soldato che diceva che non andava alle feste di commemorazione perche' non passava giorno senza che lui ricordasse i compagni che persero la vita al fronte e che la guerra e' un triste atto d'accusa verso quelli chiamati leader dell'umanita'.

Ho riflettuto sulla profondita' del pensiero di quest'uomo; era impenetrabile dal mio comodo punto di vista.

Questo lavoro e' una tessitura di segni di matita. Uso migliaia di simboli positivi e negativi per calibrare i punti nel tempo. Giocando sulle variabili e lavorandoci sopra finche' "nella calma" appare una soluzione creativa.

Peace is the calm spot, the point of balance that challenges the extremes of opposing poles.

Between the Lines of Age. Artist: Ann Fletcher. (Pencil on paper)

Ann writes:
I constantly seek out that place and at times I ask myself “is it the calm spot or is it the blind spot.” The differentiation is not always clear as the twists and turns of lived life and time insistently shades and colours the knowing. I recall a returned soldier saying that he didn’t go to remembrance services because not a day went past that he didn’t remember the blokes who lost their lives on the front lines and that war was a sad indictment on the so called leaders of the human race.

I pondered the depth of this man’s knowing; it was unfathomable from my sitting down place in history.

This work is a weaving of pencil mark-making. I use thousands of positive and negative symbols to calibrate points in time. Playing the push and pull of variables and working them until a creative solution spoke to that calm spot.

Living in an occupied country 66 years on

2010-04-19T03:15:00.000-07:00

This isn't Italy as the tourist brochures show it.

Day two of Quattro Passi Sulla Gustav 2010:

The programme: DOMENICA 18 APRILE 2010
· 8,30 appuntamento al parcheggio multipiano ingresso Via Montecassino,
· 9,00 partenza per Villa Santa Lucia con piccoli autobus riservati, sosta in località “la
cicogna”,
· 9.30 partenza a piedi per Monte Castellone, visita a quota 702, Colle S. Angelo, Cresta del
Fantasma, quota 575 (I luoghi dell’attacco del II Corpo Polacco e la tana del 4°
“Hochgebirsjager”),
· 13.00 pranzo al sacco presso la Fattoria Albaneta,
· 14,30 partenza per quota 593 “Il Calvario” attraverso il sentiero dalla “Cavendish Road”,
· 17,30 fine manifestazione al Cimitero Polacco, in autobus riservato fino al parcheggio
multipiano.

We were a group of about 40 people, with several children of school age amongst us. The day turned out to be a much greater adventure than anyone could have predicted.
It is not uncommon to find bombs in these hills. Mostly, they are not live. Often, however, they are. And, after 66 years out in all weather, they are unstable. That's when it is good to have sharp eyes and follow the beaten path.

Quite often someone has carefully lifted the mortar onto a flat rock in the open so that there is no risk of it being trodden on accidentally. One hopes that they are then disposed of by an expert, but...

This (below) was the first or second we saw.This day we had plenty to worry about. Apparently these (below) might contain phosporous. We took turns at being "on guard" until all were safely out of harm's way. (Above) Roberto Molle, President of the Association and main organiser of the weekend, made sure that parents and children were aware of the unexpected dangers.

Some were, apparently, more volatile than others. This one (below) had the group organizer firmly planted until all had gone by; there would be no mistakes with this highly unstable American beauty. The bomb is at the central lower edge of the photo below. It would be easy to assume that it was a piece of rusty pipe, and treat it with scant regard. Soon I was losing count, and certainly keeping my eyes to the ground.

Not even our regular metal detector weekend trampers were prepared for this one! (Partially obscured between the trees, at a distance, photo below). It is the biggest anyone in the group had ever seen lying unexploded on the slopes around Cassino. I make no apology for the poor photograph; I wasn't going any closer, nor was I risking losing my balance, possibly sending rocks crashing down onto more nasty surprises, to use two hands to hold the camera and zoom in. I sent the photo to the friend who was leading us down this steep rocky slope and he replied: Dovrebbe trattarsi di un proiettile di artiglieria 205 mm americano (205 mm shell).

The descent was steep, with rocks crashing if people chose the wrong footing. My chosen path, grasping the trees and sticking to the rock face where fewer loose rocks were dislodged, was not the exact path taken by the leaders. It was raining, and slippery, and the first tracks were now too dangerous. I forged a new and less slippery track and was extremely cautious as I poked my walking stick tip in between the leaves and rocks.

It was strange, though, to realise that I felt no fear, only caution. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing!

Members of the group who live near this dangerous slope have contacted authorities, but it is highly likely that these hillsides will continue to be unsafe for a long long time.

To Kill or Be Killed.

2010-04-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

This morning saw the beginning of the 9th edition of Quattro Passi Sulla Gustav. This weekend in the battlefields is organised each April by Roberto Molle, President of L’Associazione onlus Battaglia di Cassino - Centro Studi e Ricerche (see the website, http://www.dalvolturnoacassino.it where you will find articles in English clearly marked).

In his opening address on the slopes of Monte Cassino Avvocato Molle reminded us of the plight of the civilian victims, one of whom was amongst us. He then proceded to talk about the the soldiers who were victims; not only those who were killed on the battlefields, but also those who had to make the choice to kill. To be put in the position where you have to take another life or die oneself is also to become a victim, no matter who, according to history, has won the battle. My translation may not be too accurate, but I was moved by his words as he painted a picture of the destroyed community and then acknowledged the young men who gave their lives, or their youth, to liberate Italy.

The civilian survivor who addressed us next was a teenager at the time of the Battle of Cassino. He will be attending the exhibition in May, and with the aid of a translator will talk with the artists. With his family he was living in a cave below the abbey for two months. They moved into the Abbey which was crammed full of people and he was there when it was bombed. He told how he went out to fill a bottle with water from the trough outside the walls, and found a leaflet advising of the bombing of the abbey. He described in detail the reaction of the people inside when the news was given. The women cried and many prayed, while the logistics of evacuating were discussed in some disbelief that this could possibly happen. That night, only the children slept. When they heard the approaching bombers he and his fifteen year old brother fled, and were on the first floor close to the door when the bombs struck. He still feels some shame at running, leaving his parents as he sought better shelter. The family survived, but many were killed. Talking with him later he said to me "I don't understand why I survived. Why did I survive?"

During his story he became emotional, and paused a few times. Later I overheard him say to another older man "After 65 years when I talk about it I still see it so clearly, I still feel it strongly. If 100 years pass I know it will be as strong".

Next on our agenda was a walk along a track behind the abbey, where we were "interrupted" by a re-enactor in full American uniform. Roberto Molle then described the participation of the US Forces, and gave a lesson on the uniform and the conditions the soldiers faced wearing little protection from the terrible wet and cold. Our next stop along the same track was to see more history, this time re-enactors in German uniforms, a paratrooper in full uniform and soldiers with communication equipment were set up below the track. It was a little disconcerting as two of the re-enactors looked very young, as the soldiers were, and made me think of the painting below. Often I am a little concerned when I see re-enactors apparently enjoying this activity as one would a sport; today it was good to see re-enactors educating us about the terrible conditions in which the battle was fought.

When you walk through the cemeteries it is the ages of the soldiers that affects me. And in every cemetery, no matter how many times I visit, I think "Each one of these soldiers had a mother".

I believe that a culture of peace begins in the home. I believe that it is the women who, with the help of men, will be the most prolific peace-makers. If every country sent out as many peace workers as it does soldiers into the world, how powerful a movement that would be. But when I see the interest men have in weapons and strategies (aside from history) I see again that it will be the women, the teachers and the peaceworkers educating the children who will make the difference.

We continued with various stops to learn more about what happened on Monte Cassino. At the summit of Point 593, the hill above the abbey, is the large white obelisk that is monument to 1000 Polish soldiers killed over a period of three days. On the monument, in four languages, is the following:

We Polish soldiers
For our freedom and yours
Gave our souls to God
Our lives to the soil of Italy
And our hearts to Poland.

Below: Watercolour by Sarah Scott entitled "Remember".

Another Perspective

2010-04-15T11:12:00.001-07:00

Susan Edge writes of her work:

I have employed artistic licence here, bringing the Peace door from inside the abbey to the outside

.
BIOGRAFIA:
L'artista neozelandese Susan Edge ha iniziato la sua carriera come artista tessile a Waipu nel 1980. La sua capacita' creativa e la leggerezza dei suoi collage di tessuto le hanno procurato acquirenti in Nuova Zelanda, Australia, Canada e USA. Ha esposto le sue creazioni all'Accademy of Fine Arts, Textile and Fibre Awards, National Gallery, North Shore City Art Awards e Marina Gallery.
Nel 1999 Susan e' stata Artist in Residence alla John F.Kennedy International School a Saanen, Svizzera, dove ha insegnato a bambini di diversi gruppi d'eta' a creare il proprio "pezzo d'arte" con i tessuti.

Susan al momento dipinge in due stili, naif e surreale, usando colori acrilici su tela ma utizzando ancora gli elementi dei suoi collage spiritosi. La sua capacita' di osservazione viene applicata soprattutto nei quadri in stile naif che mettono in risalto " l'essenza" della vita in Nuova Zelanda, nei quadri surrealistici e' messo in evidenza il suo senso dell'umorismo stravagante e il pensiero sociale.
"Memories on canvas" (Memorie su tela) sono quadri su commissione che rappresentano un momento o un posto particolarmente significativo nella vita di una persona e spesso sono richiesti come idee da regalo. Susan lavora in stretta collaborazione con i suoi clienti, visitando i luoghi significativi quando possibile o utilizzando foto.

Nel 2004 il suo lavoro" Waipu Cove - Lagoon End" ha vinto il premio Telecom ed e' diventato la copertina di 111.000 guide telefoniche nell'Isola de Nord in NZ.

Susan e' stata finalista nel Premio Waiheke, nel Premio North Shore City e nel Premio New Zealand Art Guild. I suoi lavori sono stato acquistati in Nuova Zelanda, Australia, Canada, USA, Inghilterra, Indonesia, Svizzera e Italia. Espone in tutta la Nuova Zelanda ed ha avuto diverse "personali" di successo.

La prima volta che Susan e' venuta in Italia era il 1999. In quella occasione lei e il marito si sono invaghiti delle colline umbre dove hanno avuto la fortuna di trovare una famiglia che, in cambio del loro lavoro,li ha ospitati. Vi sono tornati ancora nel 2001 per sei mesi, ed e' stato quando il loro amore per la cultura, la lingua italiana e il loro affetto per il Paese si sono solidificati.

Il padre di Susan era Ufficiale di Rotta nella Royal Air Force durante la seconda Guerra Mondiale. La speranza di Susan e' che ricordando la Battaglia di Cassino attraverso l'arte si mantenga viva la memoria della guerra, delle distruzioni che provoca e quindi dell'importanza della pace.

Biography:
New Zealand artist Susan Edge began work as a full time fabric artist in Waipu in 1980. Her inventive and light-hearted fabric/collage wall-hangings sold throughout New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA. She exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts, Textile and Fibre Awards, National Gallery, North Shore City Art Awards and Marina Gallery. In 1999 Susan was Artist in Residence at the John F Kennedy International School in Saanen, Switzerland, where she worked with children of all ages to create their own fabric art.

Still employing the elements of her witty wallhangings, Susan now paints in two styles, naive and surreal, using acrylics on canvas. Her fine observational skills are employed in the naive paintings, showing the essence of life in New Zealand . The more surreal paintings display a quirky humour and often wry social commentary.

In 2004 her work 'Waipu Cove - Lagoon End' won the Telecom Art Award and featured on the cover of 111,000 Northland phone books.

Susan has been a finalist in the Waiheke Art Awards, North Shore City Art Awards and New Zealand Art Guild Award. Paintings are in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA, England, Indonesia, Switzerland and Italy. She supplies galleries throughout New Zealand and has held several successful solo exhibitions.

Susan's first contact with Italy began in 1999 , when she and her husband visited , fell in love with the country and were fortunate to stay at a guest house high in the Umbrian hills, carrying out a few chores in return for a room. They returned in 2001 to spend six months there , when much of Italy's culture and language were absorbed and the affection for the country deepened.

Susan's father was a navigator in the R.A.F in WW2. It is her hope that by commemorating the Battle of Cassino, through our art, we can keep alive the memories of the destruction of war, and make all efforts to work toward world peace.

As Anzac Day Approaches

2010-04-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

This cropped image is from a British and Commonwealth service in Cassino, but could be any service, anywhere.
The German cemetery at Caira, near Cassino. The grassed area behind the iron cross is where the remains that could not be placed in a grave now lie, marked by words carved into marble.

The Commonwealth Cemetery in Cassino. The large panels are the memorial in the centre of the cemetery, each one filled with names of the missing or unidentified.
Many more still lie in the mountain ranges around Cassino, and are being located and returned to rest with their wartime companions. Time and weather changes the land cover and searchers with metal detectors locate belt buckles and other objects, and gently excavate to see if a soldier still lies buried in the hills.

From Taranaki to Lazio

2010-04-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

(Above) The suitcase in which the works will travel to Italy.
(Below) On display in Taranaki.

Artist Statement, Frances Rookes.

L'importanza della storia di famiglia aumenta via via che la nostra capacita' di ricordare diminuisce. Purtroppo molto va perso ogni volta che perdiamo un membro della famiglia, e quelli che rimangono mettono assieme frammenti sfocati che spesso non combaciano sulla stessa storia.

Nella mia ricerca per questa mostra sulla "Pace e la memoria....", come nipote di reduci della seconda guerra mondiale ( mio nonno e mio zio), mi sono ritrovata a cercare di capire quale era la vera storia e quale era l'involucro in cui era stata messa per evitare di parlare di qualcosa di troppo doloroso o di troppo traumatico.

Sono giunta ad una conclusione, il narratore ha il diritto di raccontare e di omettere cio' che vuole, sta a me rispettare, apprezzare la sua scelta e lavorare con quello che mi e' stato raccontato come verita'. La "verita' " mi giunge sotto forma di ricordi di guerra, fotografie, cimeli ereditati e il legame di cose tramandate da mia nonna e da mia madre che hanno saputo tenere vivo il ricordo. Il mio lavoro parla di queste cose.

Spero che un giorno si possa raggiungere la pace nel mondo, credo che dei cittadini con degli alti valori morali potranno raggiungerla.

Frances Rookes 2010

Family history increases in importance as our ability to remember it diminishes. Sadly much disappears from our reach as we lose family members, and those of us who remain, share faded and differing stories about the same events.

In researching for this Peace and Remembrance exhibition as the granddaughter and niece of surviving soldiers from WWI and WWII, I am left wondering which stories are actual and which stories are the gift wrapping around events that are too sad or traumatic to talk about.

The resolution I have come to is that it is the right of the teller to decide how or what is told, and what is not, and it is my business to respect and honour that and to work with what I have and know to be true. My truth comes in the form of war records, photographs, inherited memorabilia and the legacy of taught skills handed down to me by my maternal Grandmother and Mother who kept the home fires burning. My works speak of these things.

I hope for world peace someday, and I believe morally empowered citizens can achieve this.

Frances Rookes 2010

Artists Make the News Around New Zealand

2010-04-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

One Year Ago

2010-04-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

The following is a post I wrote one year ago. I sat at a computer in Alabama checking the Italian newspaper updates as the horror of the tragedy in L'Aquila unfolded. I reproduce it here as it reminds me of how precious life is.

I am on line reading the unfolding news of the tragedy in Italy. Sleep seems unimportant right now. (Earthquake date in Italy 6 April). Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this earthquake.

Growing up with earthquakes in the shakey isles I have never been afraid when they strike. People I knew had survived the 1931 earthquake. Pieces of china in my home held the story of this quake. As a child I marvelled that the land we drove over or landed on at the airport was once under the sea. As an adult I enjoy the art decor buildings that the make the new Napier famous worldwide. In 1966 the Gisborne quake left a lasting impression on me, but no lives were lost. in 1968 the Inangahua quake shocked the country, as did the 1987 Edgecombe earthquake which was shallow and destructive and also rocked most of the country. Gisborne suffered again in 2007.

Now, picturing my own little village with its ancient stone houses and its own earthquake history, and remembering the day the local school was closed because of a mild tremor, I view earthquakes differently. The tragedy of 2002 is not so far away. These are not lightly framed wooden schools and houses built to earthquake specifications as our New Zealand buildings are. Italy too lives with the earthquake threats, with higher risk factors with the population and ancient buildings. The history is a long one: the Abbey on Montecassino was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1349. The worst tragedy was as recent as 1980, with a terrible loss of life.

At times like this we are powerless to help those who have been lost. We can only support those who suffer, and take lessons from such tragedies, as nations and as individuals.

We often take life too lightly. Each day it would be great if we woke with the intention to enjoy every moment, to look on the bright side, to leave those we meet feeling better than we found them. Happiness can be contagious, positive energy can inspire.

It is sad that it often takes tragedy to remind us of the good; life is short and not to be wasted. Smile, when you look into the mirror. Dare to do something different. Live a little on the edge, but with excitement, not fear.

Coming Together

2010-04-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

The many strands of things involved in organising an exhibition are beginning to come together. The number and variety of works coming over is exciting to say the least. When I first set out to invite New Zealand artists to join me in this project I was a little anxious about how many would accept the challenge of getting work to Italy, of completing quality works in a tight time frame, and of the cost involved for travelling artists. Now that we are 41, with a large number travelling, I am hoping that the venue will be large enough. A friend is on the look-out for an additional venue, and I know that if all else fails we will be able to put some work in the Historiale di Cassino, an interesting place which aims to give some experience of the battle - the promotional material describes it as "not a museum, not an exhibition, not a film but a physical experience". Unfortunately for our purposes it is out of the way of foot traffic. Tourists rather than locals would see any work located there. Visiting artists will be welcomed to this "museum" during their stay in the Cassino area.

The painting above is one that I didn't ever quite complete before the museum Cassino War Memorial, where I was the designated "madrina" and a volunteer docent, lost its premises. Most of the exhibits went back to the private collections from whence they came, while those donated to the museum, along with my paintings, went into storage. In the early days of the planning for Legato I reassured myself that if there were not enough works coming from New Zealand I could pull my two large works out of storage and give them an airing for the two weeks. It certainly wont be necessary!

This work (above), oil on canvas, 180cm x180cm is the destroyed campanile or bell tower, the focal point of old Cassino with the beautiful old church and piazza, the bell tower being the image representing Cassino before the war.

New Zealand Monument, Cassino, Italy

2010-04-01T04:33:00.001-07:00

The railway station in Cassino, Italy, is the site for this monument. This was also the site of very moving scenes in May 2004 when a special service was held here for the Maori Battalion. German veterans joined with New Zealanders to pay their respects to the fallen.

First Works Arrive

2010-03-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

These charcoal works by Eleanor Wright are the first to arrive here for the exhibition. Eleanor is studying in Florence and was able to deliver her portrait of her grandfather and another two works in person and have a brief tour of the Liri Valley.

Eleanor writes:
My Grandfather (Poppa) was 2nd Lieutenant William Hastings Johnston of the New Zealand 18th Battalion and Armoured Regiment. He joined the Battalion in the very early days of the war in 1939 and served until leaving from Venice at the end of the war in 1945.

"Butch" as he was nicknamed served in the armoured tank division and saw active duty in North Africa and Italy. Prior to rejoining his Division in early 1944 he had spent 8 months at Sandhurst Military College at Officer Training School.

Butch rejoined his tank division and was present with the 18th at the battle for Cassino town and at the battle of Montecassino. The 18th joined with the Maori Battalion in the battle of Montecassino. My grandfather always said that the Italians and the Maori should not have been fighting against each other as they shared many of the same characteristics, a love of music and food, good humour and strong family ties. My grandfather died soon after I was born but he was always remembered as a passionate believer in the rights of every human and a larger than life personality.

I am proud to be involved in this exhibition and to present a portrait of my grandfather.

Mio nonno era 2ndo tenente William Hastings Johnston nel 18mo Battaglione e Reggimento Corazzato. Si era unito al Battaglione all'inizio della guerra nel 1939 e vi e' rimasto fino alla sua partenza da Venezia alla fine del conflitto nel 1945.

"Butch" era il suo soprannome. Ha fatto il suo servizio nella Divisione Corazzata e ha combattuto sul campo in Nord Africa e in Italia. Prima ri riunirsi alla sua divisione all'inizio del 1944 ha passato 8 mesi al Sandhurst Military College nella Scuola Ufficiali.

"Butch" si riuni' alla sua divisione corazzata e fu presente con il 18mo alla battaglia per Cassino e alla battaglia di Montecassino, a cui partecipo' anche il battaglione Maori. Mio nonno usava dire che gli Italiani e i Maori non avrebbero dovuto combattere gli uni contro gli altri perche' avevano molte caratteristiche in comune: l'amore per la musica, per il cibo, per l'umorismo e per i forti legami familiari. Mio nonno mori' poco dopo la mia nascita , e' sempre stato ricordato da chi lo circondava come un uomo appassionato per i diritti umani e con una grande personalita'.

Sono orgogliosa di partecipare a questa mostra e di esibire il ritratto di mio nonno.

Thoughts on Peace (In Italian and English)

2010-03-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Beate Minderjahn is a German-born artist who emigrated to New Zealand in 1999. Among many other beautiful things she makes tee-shirts with peace messages on them. Believing that she was not eligible to contribute to the exhibition she offered to donate a large number of these shirts for us to distribute to children here in Italy. On hearing from another artist that Beate is also an artist I invited her to be a part of the exhibition and to contribute her thoughts about peace along with her works. This is what she wrote (first in translation and then in English below):

Il concetto di Pace
Nel 1997, prima della sua scomparsa a causa di un cancro, mia madre mi racconto' molti dettagli della sua infanzia. Le sue storie, di cui non avevo mai sentito parlare prima di allora, mi hanno fatto improvvisamente capire molto su di lei, delle sue decisioni, spiegandomi il motivo per cui e' sempore sembrata ai miei occhi una donna timorosa degli altri e della vita.

Nata nel 1931, la prima di sei figli, e' cresciuta nel bel mezzo della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. Sua madre era molto spesso malata e suo padre aveva visioni politiche differenti da quelle del regime in Germania.

Certamente l'infanzia di mia madre ha influenzato la mia cresita, la mia vita e la mia personalita', cosi che adesso sto insegnando a mio filgio I valori che imparato e in cui ancora credo.

La pace e' uno di questi valori. Da quando ho iniziato a dipingere, e' un tema molto ricorrente nei miei lavori. Ho creato una serie di opere chiamate “Circoli di Pace”, ho scritto molte poesie sulla guerra, sulla pace e sulla liberta' da un punto di vista di un bambino, ed ho creato una linea di vestiti per bambini che riportano messaggi di positivita' , a dimostrazione di questi valori.

Credo che noi, come genitori, abbiamo il dovere di insegnare ai nostri figli il vivere in pace gli uni con gli altri. Dobbiamo insegnare loro con il nostro esempio, il modo in cui si interagisce con gli altri, nel modo in cui ci comportiamo con gli animali, cosi come nel modo in cui rispettiamo l'ambiente circostante e la natura. I nostri bambini osservano le nostre azioni e ci imitano, e sono loro I responsabili per la pace futura.

Possiamo insegnare l'amore, il rispetto, l'empatia e la compassione ai nostri bambini, aumentando in loro la conoscenza e la sicurezza nel fare la differenza nel loro mondo, dimostrando cio' in modi genitli e sensibili.

Possiamo creare un ambiente casalingo pacifico, possiamo insegnare loro il modo di ascoltare attentamente gli altri, come prendersi responsabilita' delle proprie parole, delle proprie azioni e conseguenze, come scusarci quando sbagliamo, come essere onesti, coraggiosi e affidabili. Se non siamo noi genitori a mostrare tutto cio' ai nostri figli, chi altro puo' farlo?

The Concept of Peace
In 1997, before my mother passed away of cancer, she told me many details of her childhood. Her stories, which most of them I had never heard before, suddenly made me understand many of her characteristics, decisions, and it also explained the fact that she seemed to be afraid of people all of her life.

Born in 1931, as the oldest child of six, she grew up in the middle of World War II. Her mother was often sick, and her father did not agree with the political situation in Germany.

Of course my mother’s childhood and her up-bringing influenced my childhood, my life and my personality very much, and now I am teaching my son the values that I learned and still believe in. PEACE is one of them. Since I started painting, it is a re-occurring topic in my work. I created a series of paintings called “Peace circles”, I wrote many poems about war, peace and freedom from a child’s point of view, and I created a line of children’s clothing with positive messages, which show off the values.

I believe, that we, as parents, must teach our children to live in peace with each other. We must teach by example, by the way we interact with others, by the way we treat our animals, as well as by the way we respect our environment. Our children observe our actions and follow our lead as they are the ones responsible for future peace.

We can teach love, respect, empathy, and compassion to our children, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference in their own world, and show them that kindness still matters.

We can create a peaceful home where they want to be, we can show them how to listen carefully to others, how to take responsibility for our words, actions and consequences, how to apologize, how to be honest, courageous and trustworthy. If we as parents don’t show our children the concept of PEACE, who does?

Something to think about

2010-03-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Why Wear A Poppy?

"Please wear a poppy," the lady said,
And held one forth, but I shook my head,
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care;

But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.
A boy came whistling down the street,
Bouncing along on care-free feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun,
"Lady," said he, "may I have one?"
When she'd pinned it on, he turned to say;
"Why do we wear a poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered; "This is Remembrance Day.
And the poppy there is a symbol for
The gallant men who died in war.

And because they did, you and I are free -
That's why we wear a poppy, you see.
I had a boy about your size,
With golden hair and big blue eyes.

He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird, he would race about.
As the years went by, he learned and grew,
And became a man - as you will, too.

He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,
But he'd seemed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away.
I still remember his face that day.

When he smiled at me and said, 'Goodbye,
I'll be back soon, Mum, please don't cry.'
But the war went on and he had to stay,
And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight
(I can see it still in my dreams at night),
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

Till at last, at last, the war was won -
And that's why we wear a poppy, son."
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said: "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.

I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me, you'd have done the same:
For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed,
Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!

And so, when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their country's call
That we at home in peace might live.
Then wear a poppy! Remember - and Give!

by Don Crawford

Blog author's footnote: One of the things provided with the funds raised in New Zealand through poppy sales was/is "stump socks". My late father-in-law lost a leg at Cassino, and required the fine seamless socks to cover the stump of his leg where it fitted into the artificial limb. The original purpose of such funding overseas was to provide the essentials of life for the widows and children of those who did not return.

Wikipedia link for Poppy or Remembrance Day.
There is a movement to establish a white poppy as a symbol of peace. Click here for the story of the White Poppy.

Painting above: Untitled watercolour and acrylic, 300gsm paper glued onto canvas, afternoon light catches a poppy growing in an olive grove in Caprile, Roccasecca, 2008.

Rural Italy

2010-03-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Most artists will be staying in Roccasecca. This link, to the beautiful palazzo where the reconstruction is almost finished, has little videos of the area.

The palazzo itself was home to first the German soldiers and then the New Zealand soldiers on rest. Last year I painted a watercolour of the palazzo and the view, and as I work with the restoration team I imagine what it might have been like for the soldiers resting there after their time at the front line. I was very reluctant to paint over traces of a stencil that reminded me of the markings on a wool bale as I was quite sure they could have been put there by Kiwi soldiers.

Locals told me that the German soldiers had painted a large sun on the ceiling, although I saw no trace of it; they would have occupied the village during the winter, while the Kiwis enjoyed it in the warmer months and could dance and sing in the garden and piazza.

An Interesting Point

2010-03-25T23:32:00.001-07:00

An email this morning asked the question "When has there ever before been a group of 42 New Zealand artists exhibiting together in another country?" I doubt that there has been, I can't think of any other. (We are at 41, last count).

Isn't it exciting, how a common theme can unite and inspire us?

This exhibition is a little different from most curated exhibitions, as the entry qualification was that artists be exhibiting artists with a link to the war in Italy or with a demonstrated passion for working as peace advocates. First preference was given to artists with a connection to the Battle of Cassino.

Many of the works will be about remembrance, but much of it is also about peace. In my email in-box last night was another artist's statement, and she chose to write about what peace means to her and her family. I look forward to sharing it. When we write or paint about the things we know, we have experienced, or things we are passionate about, we do it so much better.

The diversity of the work coming to Italy is fantastic. Not only is this an exhibition for peace and commemoration, but will also be a showcase of the diversity of New Zealand art. That is the unexpected, delightful side of this exhibition. (It might just prove to be a challenge when I come to hang it all, but challenge is what makes life interesting!) I am really lookng forward to receiving the works here in Italy.

Thanks to the team of translators half the artist biographies have been translated into Italian already. We are well on our way...

Views of the Abbey

2010-03-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken with my little camera on maximum zoom from a higher point behind the abbey. If you look carefully you can see the outline of Monte Trocchio, the Allied Observation Post, framing the abbey.
Here in peaceful gardens we see the reality of war. Every time I stand in these places I think "every one of these soldiers had a mother..."

This photo shows Monte Cassino after the fire in 2004. The Commonwealth Cemetery in the foreground is beautifully maintained, now by second generation caretakers from the same family. Temporary war-time graves were exhumed and all 4,271 Commonwealth soldiers, airmen and an Australian journalist killed in this wider area are buried here in Cassino. New Zealand airmen are buried alongside their crews in the British section of the cemetery. The large panels in the centre hold the names of all the unidentifed and the missing presumed killed who still lie in the hills nearby. This link shows other Commonwealth war graves in Italy. It is in Italian, but has many photographs and designs, well worth scrolling through.

Monte Cassino Burns Again

2010-03-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening there was a spectacular fireworks display atop Monte Cassino (to celebrate the saint's day, which is held on the anniversary of his death). Monday (yesterday) saw a large part of Monte Cassino and neighbouring hills burning again.

The last big fire there was in August 2004, although there have been smaller ones since then in our hot dry summers. These fires explode mortars left lying there after the war, and clear the undergrowth, so in the next few days military collectors will be out in force again looking for relics.

Artists travelling to Cassino for the May exhibition will see a more "war-time landscape" than they would have seen had the exhibition been last week.

It was a similar fire in 2004 that gave me the photographs that I later turned into works for my exhibition in 2005. That was the first time I had used photographs in my artwork, taking them into the computer, layering, altering, and finally drawing into them to form some of the layers of memories in the small pieces.

St Benedict and the Abbey

2010-03-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the festa of San Benedetto, the anniversary of the death of the monk who founded the Benedictine Abbey on Monte Cassino. St Benedict was a man of peace.

The English version of the official website of the abbey has a wealth of information about the life of the founder, St Benedict, and the history of the abbey itself. I don't find the website particularly user-friendly, and the legal note warns that images and text cannot be reproduced, other than for personal use, so I wont reproduce any of it here. However, if you have time to spend and don't mind lots of clicks, you will learn much about the abbey and St Benedict through the site.

The Catholic Online site has no copy-right warnings that I could find, so I have reproduced an extract about St Benedict from the Saints and Angels page:

In the fifth century, the young Benedict was sent to Rome to finish his education with a nurse/housekeeper. The subject that dominated a young man's study then was rhetoric -- the art of persuasive speaking. A successful speaker was not one who had the best argument or conveyed the truth, but one who used rhythm, eloquence and technique to convince. The power of the voice without foundation in the heart was the goal of the student's education. And that philosophy was reflected in the lives of the students as well. They had everything -- education, wealth, youth -- and they spent all of it in the pursuit of pleasure not truth. Benedict watched in horror as vice unraveled the lives and ethics of his companions.

Afraid for his soul, Benedict fled Rome, gave up his inheritance, and lived in a small village with his nurse. When God called him beyond this quiet life to even deeper solitude, he went to the mountains of Subiaco. There he lived as a hermit under the direction of another hermit, Romanus. After years of prayer, word of his holiness brought nearby monks to ask for his leadership. He warned them he would be too strict for them, but they insisted -- then tried to poison him when his warning proved true.

So Benedict was on his own again -- but not for long. The next set of followers were more sincere and he set up twelve monasteries in Subiaco where monks lived in separate communities of twelve.

He left these monasteries abruptly when the envious attacks of another hermit made it impossible to continue the spiritual leadership he had taken.

But it was in Monte Cassino he founded the monastery that became the roots of the Church's monastic system. Instead of founding small separate communities he gathered his disciples into one whole community. His own sister, Saint Scholastica , settled nearby to live a religious life.

After almost 1500 years of monastic tradition his direction seems obvious to us. But Benedict was an innovator. No one had ever set up communities like his before or directed them with a rule. What is part of history to us now was a bold risky step into the future.

Benedict had the holiness and the ability to take this step. His beliefs and instructions on religious life were collected in what is now known as the Rule of Saint Benedict -- still directing religious life after 15 centuries.

In this tiny but powerful Rule, Benedict put what he had learned about the power of speaking and oratorical rhythms at the service of the Gospel. He did not drop out of school because he didn't understand the subject! Scholars have told us that his Rule reflects an understanding of and skill with the rhetorical rules of the time. Despite his experience at school, he understood rhetoric was as much a tool as a hammer was. A hammer could be used to build a house or hit someone over the head. Rhetoric could be used to promote vice ... or promote God. Benedict did not shun rhetoric because it had been used to seduce people to vice; he reformed it.

Here is Wikipedia's entry, lengthy, interesting, but not so lyrical! Another interesting link is this one, from the Benedictine Sisters in Indiana, where the writer links the teachings of St Benedict to society today.

The question I pose, to you and to myself, is what are we, as artists, doing to put into practice what we are happy to preach? Probably living as a hermit in a cave is not the best option today, but the message of love and peace begins, I believe, with us in our personal lives. As dedicated peace worker Bruno Picozzi said to me, we can't change the world, many have tried and failed. But we can change ourselves, and as we change, so do those around us, and so it can spread, each of us becoming the best we can, and serving in our own small corners. (See blog link here).

Strong NZ - Italian links .

2010-03-20T04:08:00.000-07:00

From "The Coromandel Peninsula Post" 11 March 2010 page 4, Number 102. Copied from the section Artspace with Sheenagh Gleeson.
(See the edition as referenced above for the article with photographs of the three artists).

Art all the way from Mercury Bay to Monte Cassino
By Sheenagh Gleeson

Margherita Giampietri used to play under the table during her Italian family’s long lunches at times like Christmas and Easter. But when the meal neared its end, she and the other children would gather round to hear their family’s war stories. Some were tragic, some were touching and some were funny. The children knew them all and would plead with the adults to tell them their favourites ones.

Last year Margherita went back to Tuscany in Italy and heard her uncle’s war stories again. She wrote them down and brought them home to Whitianga. Not long after she’d returned she learnt about an exhibition of New Zealand artists being organised at Monte Cassino. Artists with connection to the World War 11 battle of Monte Cassino or the war in Italy were invited to take part. The timing seemed like magic to Margherita. She applied and was accepted and is now working on two paintings she’ll take with her to the exhibition, which opens on May 15. Two other Mercury Bay artists, Rachel Olsen, from Cooks Beach, and Dave Fowell, from Flaxmill Bay, will also take part.

Margherita’s connection to the war is through her father and other family members, including her uncle and grandfather. Her father , who was in the Italian navy, was badly injured during an air strike while he was on shore leave. He ended up lying on top of his dead friend under a tone of rubble. He was rescued, his shattered leg rebuilt and he was sent home to recover. When the Italians changed sides, he and his father, along with all the men in their village in Massa-Carrara, were taken to a prisoner of war camp in Germany.

One day an Italian escaped and the Germans picked out 10 men to shoot in retaliation. Margherita’s father was chosen but his father managed to replace him in the line. At the last moment, the escapee was found and the men weren’t shot. Margherita’s father was so shocked, he was struck dumb for a time.

She says her father was puzzled by the war. “The thing I remember is ‘why’. That’s what he would say.”

She’d like to capture some of that feeling in her paintings and is planning to take one work in watercolour and one in acrylic. Although she’s always loved art, she didn’t paint seriously until she came to Whitianga 14 years ago, following her husband Giorgio Allemano.“I was so homesick … I saw a sign for the Arts Centre and I thought if I’m going to stay here, I am going to do some art.”

She joined the Whitianga Art Group, learning much from people there and trying to fit in her art around raising two children and helping develop Villa Toscana into luxury accommodation and an event venue.

Two years ago she began studying art at The Learning Connection and is loving the correspondence course. “It’s very demanding but it has changed my mind. Now I do what I like not what I think someone else will like.”

She has joint New Zealand- Italian citizenship and will take part in the Monte Cassino exhibition as a Kiwi, although she’ll be helping with translation. She’s delighted that Dave Fowell and Rachel Olsen are taking part. “I know Italians are very critical, so it will be nice to hide among my Kiwi friends.”

Sculptor and painter Dave Fowell will create his exhibition entry in France. He’s leaving Flaxmill Bay at the end of this month to try his luck living and working as an artist in Europe. His connection to the war in Italy comes through his wife.
Denise’s Italian father was drafted into the army when he was 17 and was engaged in clearing bombs in the Genoa area. When Italy sided with the Allies, he joined the Partisans and fought the Germans. He too had his share of horror.

Dave is planning a piece of sculpture which will combine the suggestion of a war-ravaged building with the colour and fun of the Pacific.

Painter Rachel Olsen isn’t sure yet whether she’ll go to Cassino but will at least send a painting. She too has heard lots of war stories from her father, who spent 18 months in Italy during the war in New Zealand’s 21st infantry battalion, number 9 platoon, A company.

He fought along the Gothic Line, the German’s last major line of defence in Italy. He survived being buried under the remains of a bombed Italian farmhouse and being injured crossing the Senio River. In 1975 he revisited a town called Morro in the Marche region which he’d visited on leave during the war.

Rachel is still thinking through some ideas for her entry in the exhibition, which has a theme of peace. Thirty seven artists are presently listed as taking part in the show, which marks the 66th anniversary of the liberation of towns around Cassino.

Monday 22nd, World Water Day

2010-03-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

This time a serious blog post about water. In wartime Cassino there was too much water, at times, leading to terrible problems with trench foot as men were in wet boots and clothing for months. There was frozen water, snow, and ice, and some died frozen in the trenches where they fought. And later there were bomb craters filled with water that supported the malaria mosquito. There were many times soldiers and civilians were also without water. A German veteran tells of the time that the fighting on Montecassino was so intense that they could not go back to the abbey to get their water supplies. Instead they drank from a puddle, only to find in the morning that there was a dead mule in the water they had been drinking.

Water is a resource that many of us take for granted. But water is a profitable and essential resource, and like all resources the equitable distribution of it is essential for world peace.

Today's newsletter from the International Medical Corps has some sobering figures:

This Monday, March 22, is World Water Day, a day to call attention to the scarcity of clean water and sanitation in the developing world.

Currently, 20% of people around the world lack access to safe water and an additional 5 million die each year from waterborne illnesses, such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea. That adds up to more than 6,000 people, mostly children, dying every day from preventable diseases.

We believe that clean, safe water, access to sanitation and knowledge of good hygiene practices are necessary components to public health and we’ve worked to include water and sanitation into our community development programs around the world. To learn more about these types of programs, as well as World Water Day, click below to watch our video:

World Water day 2010

In the wake of January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are displaced from their homes and living in makeshift camps outside Port-au-Prince. The sanitary conditions in these encampments are abysmal, and the lack of access to clean water creates the potential for a second humanitarian crisis in Haiti. In order to prevent this type of tragedy, we deployed our water and sanitation expert to Haiti immediately after the earthquake.

Recently, International Medical Corps partnered with UNICEF to build latrines in camps in Petit-Goave, Carrefour and Boloisse, preventing harmful waste contamination. We are working with the Haitian government to promote good hygiene through public education efforts. We’ve also been educating local health workers on the importance of sanitation and teaching them how to recognize and treat symptoms of waterborne illnesses.

We believe that access to clean water is a right, not a luxury. We hope you recognize World Water Day this year and join us in the fight to prevent a global water crisis.

All the best,
International Medical Corps UK

Room for one more...

2010-03-19T01:39:00.000-07:00

We have 39 contributing artists. I like round figures :-)
There's room for one more; this is Italy, where everything is possible!

***

How many minutes later? Not more than ten or fifteen minutes later I checked my emails.

Artist number 40, who had to pull out earlier because of other committments, is back in again!

Now (excluding myself) we have Kiwis from Italy, USA, and Australia (that I know of) as well as Italians and a German artist from New Zealand. All networking for peace. Excuse the informality, but I feel like shouting out loud "ARTISTS NETWORKING ACROSS THE WORLD FOR PEACE. HOW COOL IS THAT??" (and, a little more softly, ARTISTS ROCK THE WORLD!)

Now, Kay, this is a serious blog. Sensible hat back on again...

Another artist article

2010-03-18T23:23:00.001-07:00

Mosaic artist Janice Corbishley featured in a Napier newspaper recently.The exhibition will include a very diverse range of art and promises to be very interesting from both the artistic and the philosophical point of view. Now when I wake my thoughts are not "What stories will be in my in-box this morning?" but "How can we progress this so that every artist who is working for this peace project can turn this passion into for peace into something tangible to touch others, to educate, to be proactive about changing that aspect of mankind which wants power and resources beyond the common good?"

If organising this exhibition has skipped a stone across the water, causing ripples that touch many people, how can I progress those far-reaching ripples so that they gain strength in their journey and don't diminish once the initial splash has disappeared?

Timeline

2010-03-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Below is a timeline I made when trying to get some sense of how things evolved before and during the war. It might be interesting to help put the Battle of Cassino in a much wider context. (I have included a disproportionate amount of detail for Cassino).

I am a little ambivalent about posting it, as I would rather post about peace than war. Peace is more than the absence of war. But for every war there is a background, a history, and if we look at all the trouble spots in the world today each one will have a similar story. That is why we must be proactive, educating for a culture of peace, working with children, schools, families, teaching respect and love and ensuring that they are not just empty words.

World War II Timeline

1933
Hitler becomes the Chancellor of Germany
Germany becomes a National Socialist State under the leadership of Hitler and the Nazi Party
Italy under the leadership of Mussolini is allied to Nazi Germany
With Japan, these countries form the “Axis” powers

1934
August 19 Hitler becomes the Führer of Germany

1935
March 16 Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles by introducing Military Conscription.
September 16 Nuremburg Race Laws remove the tights of the German Jews

1936
February 10 German Gestapo is placed above the law
March 7 German troops occupy Rhineland
May 9 Mussolini’s Italian forces take Ethiopia
July 18 Civil War in Spain
October 1 Franco head of Spanish State

1937
June 11 Soviet leader Stalin begins purge of Red Army generals
November 5 Hitler reveals war plans during Hossbach Conference

1938
March 12/13 Germany announces union with Austria
August 12 German military mobilises
September 30 British Prime Minister Chamberlain appeases Hitler in Munich
Czech government resigns

1939
May 22 Nazis sign “Pact of Stealth” with Italy
August 23 Nazis and Soviets sign Pact (Nazi Soviet non-aggression pact, this paving the way for WWII as Germany then has only one front to fight)
August 25 Britain and Poland form the Mutual Assistance Treaty
August 31 British fleet mobilizes, Civilian evacuations in London
September 1 Hitler invades Poland
September 3 Great Britain, followed by the countries and Dominions of the British Empire, declares war on Germany

1940
France falls to the Axis powers, Italy declares war on Britain
July 23 Soviets take Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
August 3-9 Italians occupy British Somaliland in East Africa

1941
Germany invades the Soviet Union
Japan attacks the US fleet at Pearl Harbour

1942 Allies agree to give priority to the defeat of the German forces

1943 North African war ends
July 10 Allies invade Italy landing at Sicily
July 25 Benito Mussolini deposed; new Italian government established under leadership of Marshal Pietro Badoglio
September 3 Units of British 8th Army land on Italy’s Calabrian coast
September 8 Italian armistice with Allies is announced
September 9 United States 5th Army lands at Salerno
September 12 Mussolini is freed by German Paratroopers

1944
January 17 American Forces commence first attack on Cassino
January 22 American Forces land at Anzio in an attempt to go beyond the Gustav Line
February 5 American Divisions are replaced by 2nd New Zealand Division and 4th Indian Division at Cassino
Feb 15-17 2nd Battle of Cassino New Zealand (Maori) Battalion at railway station, Indian Division at Cassino
March 15-16 3rd Battle of Cassino (New Zealand and Indians )
May 11-18 4th Battle of Cassino (Polish Division captures Abbey). Germans withdraw to avoid being cut off by the French breakthrough in the Aurunci Mountains and British forces now in the Liri Valley
June 6 Second front in France

1945
May 2 German forces in Italy surrender
May 4 German forces in North West Germany surrender to Allies
May 8 V-E Day (Victory in Europe). Far East war continues.
August 15 V-J Day (Victory over Japan)

Pittrice

2010-03-17T01:53:00.000-07:00

Sharlene Schmidt e' un'artista contemporanea autodidatta, che vive a Shannon, Nuova Zelanda.

Sharlene ama creare diversi stili di opere con una vasta varieta' di tecniche. Principalmente dipinti ad olio e acrilici, i suoi lavori sono ispirati dai territori che la circondano e da il suo amore per la natura e la famiglia.

Sharlene ha venduto arte intorno alla Nuova Zelanda e internazionalmente, e' stata coinvolta in molte mostre e raccolte di fondi. Sta attualmente studiando per una Laurea in Arte, ed e' stata recentemente selezionata per trasformare alcune sue opere in gioielli per la Compagnia Americana Bajidoo.

La famiglia di Sharlene sta ancora combattendo contro gli effetti della battaglia di Cassino, essendo uno dei loro cari stato sepolto qui, durante quel periodo.
“E' importante ricordare quelli che non sono riusciti a tornare, tanto quanto celebrare quelli che sono tornati a casa, che hanno visto cose di cui nessuna persona merita di fare esperienza.”

Sharlene e' onorata della possibilta' di partecipare alla mostra e poter visitare questa bella terra, non solo a nome della propria famiglia, ma anche di tutte le altre centinaia di persone le cui famiglie sono state affette dalla guerra.

The Liri Valley

2010-03-16T02:25:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Liri Valley in peace time. This photo is taken from the ruins (now an archaeological park) above Roccasecca in the general direction of Cassino, and shows the beautiful village of Caprile, frazione di Roccasecca.

Artists will be visiting and exploring Caprile where Kiwi soldiers are well remembered... good walking shoes, cameras and sketchbooks absolutely essential!

Pax (Latin), pace (Italian), peace (English).

2010-03-15T01:04:00.000-07:00

Ronda Turk's painting of the Pax (peace) door at the abbey on Monte Cassino shows the past and present, with the rubble from the destruction of the abbey encroaching on the present, "just as memories still stay with us after we have rebuilt our lives and buildings after war".

Today in Rome

2010-03-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

Approximately 4000 people have been evacuated during the removal of an undetonated 250kg bomb lying undiscovered near the railway lines for 66 years. How unstable will that be?

The Abbey on Montecassino remains to this day the one building that has taken the biggest tonnage of bombs in the history of all wars.

When the town of Cassino was bombed, an area of approximately 400 x 1400 square metres received an estimated 1000 tons of bombing. Historians have calculated that for every German defender in the town, 4 tons of explosive was used.

A beautiful town was reduced to rubble, tanks could no longer use the roads to proceed up the Liri Valley, and the town was still not secured by the Allies.

The legacy? Poverty, hunger, malaria thriving in the water-filled bomb craters, and a town rebuilt with post-war apartment blocks. In this once thriving, beautiful place only one stone building remains.

A glimpse

2010-03-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

... inside the Benedictine Abbey on Monte Cassino.

15 March 1944

2010-03-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

The Battle of Cassino was, in effect, four battles. The third battle, involving the New Zealanders, began on the 15th of March when the town of Cassino was bombed. Here is a summary of the battles, with New Zealand involvement highlighted in bold. (The Gustav Line stretched from coast to coast, and passed through Cassino. Montecassino was the peak that commanded views and control of the Liri Valley, through which passed the road to Rome.

The four battles of Cassino, 1944:
January 17 American Forces commence first attack on Cassino.
January 22 American Forces land at Anzio in an attempt to go beyond the Gustav Line
February 5 American Divisions are replaced by 2nd New Zealand Division (including 4th Indian Division) at Cassino.

Feb 15-17 2nd Battle of Cassino New Zealand (Maori) Battalion at railway station, Indian Division at Montecassino.

March 15-16 3rd Battle of Montecassino (New Zealand).

May 11-18 4th Battle of Montecassino (Polish Division of Allied Forces). The German troops withdraw to avoid being cut off by the French and British forces now in the Liri Valley.

In the third battle the aim was to take Rocca Janula, or Castle Hill, a defensive position above the town on Monte Cassino. The previous attacks involving New Zealanders were in the town itself.

15 March NZers (D company of 25th Battalion) came via Parallel Rd and Caruso Rd. Because the town had not been cleared of Germans the NZers had to change plans, and come up via a ravine north of Castle Hill.

In its attack up the cliff face, McNiece and Stockwell went ahead and surprised the German sentries, throwing grenades into the pill box to take out the Spandau and bring about the surrender of 25 paratroopers. Two were killed. Both NZers were awarded the Military medal for this attack. From this attack, the Germans came to life. Involved then were also the Essex regiment, the Rajputana Rifles and the Ghurka rifles.

***

The German history books talk about three battles of Cassino. Most other nations refer to four battles. I maintain that there were in fact five battles; I include one that lasted until 1947 and is scarcely touched on in the history books.

The fifth battle at Cassino: Malaria.

When the front moved on at the beginning of June, 1944, and the civilians who had survived the battles and those who had been evacuated returned to their homes, they found a new and deadly enemy, malaria, had occupied the entire area of their town.

Conditions resulting from war damage suited the spreading epidemic: the earth left uncultivated and abandoned, the thousands of craters filled with water, the lack of hygiene and the roaming domestic animals, conditions which attracted the harmful mosquito “anophele”.

This became known as “the other battle of Cassino”, fought by the common people who had been left with nothing and who thought that now the fury of war was over they could concentrate on rebuilding their homes.

In the period between 1943 and 1946 45,000 people would contract malaria. This battle was fought mostly thanks to the contribution of Doctor Alberto Coluzzi, who with the massive use of DDT succeeded in controlling the disease in 1947.

(Malaria text from a panel for the Cassino War Memorial Museo, translated by blog author).

Italian-New Zealand artist for Italy

2010-03-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Francesca Gallo
“Ci sono molte che continuano a stupirmi, in quello che era cominciato solo come un viaggio verso la Nuova Zelanda, nel 2007, e che e' poi diventato una residenza permanente, e quindi molte cose a tenermi qui.

L'ultima sorpresa e' stata la possibilita' di una visita a Cassino per la mostra sulla Pace e la Memoria, dopo venti anni dall'ultima volta. Si, proprio venti, avevo dodici anni l'ultima volta che ho seguito i miei genitoi a Sud, a Cocuruzzo, il paese natale di mia nonna, e il luogo dove molti miei parenti ancora vivono.

Ed avevo solo sei anni quando mi portarono in visita all'Abazia di Montecassino, ma e' come se fosse un momento piu' vicino, dato che e' difficile per un bambino, dimenticare tutta quella infinita distesa di bianche pietre tombali anonime

Come posso rappresentare al meglio il mio ricordo di questo posto e la mia esperienza? Sotto quale “abito” posso ritornare come artista neo zelandese?

Non sapevo del coinvolgimento di truppe neozelandesi e giovani Maori nella battaglia di Montecassino. Ho scoperto tutto arrivando ad Auckland e visitando il Museo del Domain.

Sono rimasta cosi colpita dalla connessione tra la citta' in cui avevo deciso di venire a vivere e i territori di origine di mia nonna, che ho quasi pensato che questo fosse il reale motivo della mia scelta, anche se ne ero inconsapevole. Mia nonna Filomena si ricorda benissimo della fuga sotto i bombardamenti, e degli aiuti dei giovani soldati, che parlando Inglese, lei ha sempre pensato provenire dalla Gran Bretagna, non certo dalla Nuova Zelanda, un Paese di cui probabilmente lei come altri, non ne aveva neanche mai sentito parlare. Mi sento adesso io in dovere di rendere il favore, celebrandone almeno l'identita'.”

***

Francesca e' nata a Livorno, dove ha conseguito il Diploma d'Arte. Dopo aver frequentato ed ottenuto un Certificato sull'Immagine aziendale e culturale, ed un Certificato di Grafica e serigrafia, ha lavorato come Graphic Designer dal 2000 al 2005.

Ha poi iniziato un lungo viaggio in Australia tra il 2005 e il 2006, che le ha aperto la possibilita' di esprimere la sua arte altrove. Tornata in Italia per qualche mese, e' poi ripartita una seconda volta per l'Australia e la Nuova Zelanda, diventandone residente nel 2007.

Ad Auckland dove vive, Francesca alterna lavori come grafica, ad altri piu' convenzionali come commessa, e come comparsa nell'industria televisiva e pubblicitaria.

Dipinge con l'utilizzo di foglie secche e materiali naturali, resina ed acrilici su tela, e fotografa, soprattutto collezioni di moda.

The view today

2010-03-11T03:00:00.001-08:00

This photo is from amongst ancient ruins near the top of Monte Trocchio, the Allied observation post, looking towards Cassino, with Monte Cassino and the Abbey behind. The highest mountain in the photo is Monte Cairo, which was under heavy snow during the battles of Cassino.

A visiting veteran soldier once told me that from Trocchio they thought they could see everything, but after the bombing when he stood in the ruins of the Abbey he was astounded at how much more the Germans had been able to see from Monte Cassino and Point 593.

Point or Hill 593 is the map name assigned to the hill behind the abbey. Today, while still giving 360° views, is the site of a particularly poignant Polish monument.

In the news today

2010-03-10T12:03:00.001-08:00

More explosive devices from WWII have been located, this time in central Rome. There will be major disruption to services on Sunday as the area is closed off for the removal of the device. The area is Scalo Tiburtino, so I wonder if it is from the bombing of the railway lines 65 years ago.

It is not so many weeks ago that a collection of mortars was located during excavations near the abbey on Monte Cassino.

In far away New Zealand it is hard to imagine what this area was like when it was occupied and the frontline was stalemated in this region for 5 months. This region took more than its share of pummelling.

On a beautiful sunny day it is hard to picture, even here, until you go tramping and find a mortar wedged between the rocks, or placed carefully in a very visible cleared spot, awaiting disposal. Less frightening are the remains of the ration tins near a fortified look-out post that suggest that soldiers were camped in that spot for a while, but even near some of these friends with metal detectors find live mortars and small bombs.

The headlines like that of today, "Ordigno della seconda guerra mondiale scoperto allo Scalo Tiburtino" (Explosive from the second world war uncovered at Scalo Tiburtino), remind us that even 65 years on we can't assume that we are safe from the perils of that campaign.

Suo padre avevo combattuto a Cassino

2010-03-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

Nata a Helensville nel 1965, Katherine Batchelor e' un'artista di tecnica mista, diplomata nel 2006 in Arte e Artigianato presso la Hungry Creek Art and Craft school e che oggi lavora nello studio di casa a Red Beach.

Le esperienze personali, i problemi socio-ambientali, si mescolano nella creazione di opere espressive e suggestive.

Lyall George Taylor, D.O.B 29/3/1920
Service No: 408459
Rank Private
Seconda Guerra Mondiale NZEF 24th Battaglione - Italy
Durata del servizio - 3 anni

Lyall George Taylor, marito, figlio, zio, nonno, nipote e amico di molti e padre di quattro figli, Frank, Denise, Quinton e la sottoscritta Katherine, non ha mai parlato molto con noi della guerra. Ma noi abbiamo sempre percepito l'effetto che questa ha avuto sulla sua anima. Lui era orgoglioso di difendere la propria patria e deciso a morire per il compagno che combatteva accanto a lui, ma c'era una profonda tristezza nelle cose di cui ha fatto esperienza. E questi effetti negativi sono stati tramandati a noi, ai suoi figli, nel suo modo di esserci padre.

Prego per la pace nel mondo.

press release

2010-03-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

37 NZ artists entered in Italian event

Media release – March 10, 2010

37 NZ artists entered in Italian event to mark Kiwi involvement in the Battle of Monte Cassino

Thirty-seven Kiwi artists have entered in the Italian art exhibition to commemorate New Zealand’s involvement in the World War Two battle of Monte Cassino.
(Photo: Ira Mitchell Participating Artist)

Entries have closed for the May 15 to 29 event at Cassino. Organisers Kay de Lautour (in Cassino) and Auckland’s Sophia Elise said the exhibition would be the biggest single New Zealand art event ever held in Italy.

Most of the artists have grandparents, uncles and relatives who fought in World War Two, or who fought in Italy and some have grandparents and relatives who were at the Battle of Monte Cassino. A number of artists are heading to Italy for the exhibition in May and staying at nearby Roccasecca, a town over 1000 years old where the Kiwi soldiers are well remembered.

The commemoration art event has been labelled the Legato exhibition. De Lautour said legato in Italian meant intertwined, like strands of rope, giving it strength.

"Of course it is also a great song, and in that context the image is beautiful; and so it is with Italy and New Zealand, with so many friendships formed between families during WWII and maintained after the war.

"Now, two generations later, the grandchildren of the Kiwi soldiers are returning to Italy to visit these families, and young Italians are moving to New Zealand. Every year hundreds of New Zealanders visit the graves of their countrymen who remained here.

"The horror of war has passed into memory, but the friendships are alive and vibrant. Nationally this connection may feel stronger in New Zealand where almost every family has a direct link to Italy, whereas in Italy there are many areas where other nations played a similar role and have these same ties.

"Legato means tied together. The legacy of war is part of our common heritage. Now it is our task to make a lasting peace the focus of that heritage. Kiwis are held in high regard around here. They are remembered for feeding the children, providing clothing, stealing army blankets for the cold,’’ de Lautour said.

The NZ art exhibition will be held in Cassino’s public library complex in the centre of the town with a formal gala opening on May 15.

New Zealand Art Guild manager Sophia Elise said the guild was overwhelmed with interest from artists to take part in the special event.