Asleep with the Fishes
Firstdraft, Sydney, 2023.
18th August - 1st October 2023
Presented by Firstdraft in Partnership with Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) Gallery
Asleep with the Fishes takes its name from a Sicilian quote made popular by the film The Godfather (1972). To “sleep with the fishes” is to have one's corpse disposed of in a body of water.
The work reflects on the legacy of Teresa’s late father, who was born on the Mediterranean archipelago nation, Malta, and migrated to South Australia by boat. Throughout his adult life, her father lived and worked as a diver, fisherman and criminal. Malta, a country of staunch Catholic faith and a long history of adaptation, assimilation and cross fertilization of beliefs, is also notorious for political corruption.
Teresa's interest lies in exploring the blurred lines of morality and the subjective nature of judgments.Teresa explores this duality, questioning government propaganda and symbolism, this exhibition considers authority, corruption and how social class affects moral judgement and ways of living.
Asleep with the Fishes weaves together Teresa's memories, personal beliefs, and family history with elements of fantasy. Using repurposed materials, including a salvaged boat, she employs assemblage and sculptural techniques, drawing connections with religious iconography and deities, while exploring her own place in the Maltese diaspora.
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The work reflects on the legacy of Teresa’s late father, who was born on the Mediterranean archipelago nation, Malta, and migrated to South Australia by boat. Throughout his adult life, her father lived and worked as a diver, fisherman and criminal. Malta, a country of staunch Catholic faith and a long history of adaptation, assimilation and cross fertilization of beliefs, is also notorious for political corruption.
Teresa's interest lies in exploring the blurred lines of morality and the subjective nature of judgments.Teresa explores this duality, questioning government propaganda and symbolism, this exhibition considers authority, corruption and how social class affects moral judgement and ways of living.
Asleep with the Fishes weaves together Teresa's memories, personal beliefs, and family history with elements of fantasy. Using repurposed materials, including a salvaged boat, she employs assemblage and sculptural techniques, drawing connections with religious iconography and deities, while exploring her own place in the Maltese diaspora.
Read:
“...here, amongst this collection of artworks, we are asked: Who determines right from wrong, and why? What is a lifetime of seeking prosperity for your family by any means at your disposal, if not some kind of holy expedition?”
Ruby Rose Pivet Marsh,
Studios: 2023, exhibition publication.
“...here, amongst this collection of artworks, we are asked: Who determines right from wrong, and why? What is a lifetime of seeking prosperity for your family by any means at your disposal, if not some kind of holy expedition?”
Ruby Rose Pivet Marsh,
Studios: 2023, exhibition publication.