‘Oubliette’ is a new work in progress by Seedpod Ballarat artist Gemma Cavoli. Taking its cue from the French verb oublier – to forget – the work interweaves stories of hidden occupancies, silenced voices and marginal spaces.
Through her Seedpod residency, and with audiences as ‘proof readers’, Gemma will examine, revive and conjure up past voices into a presence.
The Basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is layered with the presence of the Goldfields’ past. From within this liminal space, Gemma invites audiences to detect and reveal the stories and presence of 19th Century figures whose voices have been historically silenced.
Join us for Gemma’s work in progress presentations:
Friday 9 May: 6pm
Saturday 10 May: 2pm
Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Access: Ballaarat Mechanics Institute is a heritage building with stairs and steps. Some doorways are less than 1 metre wide.
Oubliette is created and produced through Punctum’s regionally based Seedpod residency program with the generous support of Creative City Ballarat and Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.
Oubliette’s creation and presentation is taking place on the lands of the Djaara and Wadawurrung people. We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present and their living culture.
