Occupazioni: The Perpetual Dialogue

Twelve cushions, each shaped as a distinct petal, form a circular carpet conceived to inviteparticipation and facilitate, indeed, the perpetual dialogue suggested by the title. Encircling thisare twelve wearable tents,each with small eyelets, which delineate the spatial boundaries of theinstallation whileallowingparticipants to physically stepand interact withthe narrative.Complementing these elements, Grossi Maglionipresenteda fabric book,further enriching thetactiledimension of the story, and an audio track where this is narrated in the voice of a child.Thespace was activated through a workshop, where children could explore and re-enact the narrative,deepeningtheir connection with the themes and characters in a participatory manner.

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Occupazioni: The perpetual dialogue, 2021, Mixed media, dimension variable. Detail exhibition view at Magic Carpets Landed, Kaunas, Ph.Gintarė Žaltauskaitė. Courtesy Grossi Maglioni

TheCreature’sPerspectiveWorkshop2021In the workshop, Grossi Maglioni worked with a group of9and10-year-oldstore-enact the storyOccupazioni, encouraging them to see thenarrativethrough the eyes of the creature. As theyacted out scenes, they explored themes of identity, transformation, and the bond between thecreature and theBeast Mother. The children brought the events and locations of the narrative tolifeas they manipulated the elements of the installation to immerse themselves in the characters’emotions and experiences.This hands-on approach allowed them to actively participate in thestorytelling, making the abstract elements of the narrative more tangible and meaningful, whilealso connecting with the story’s deeper emotional and symbolic layers.