Emma Talbot “The Age” at Collezione Maramotti, Reggio Emilia
Emma Talbot's exhibition, "The Age/L’Età," presented at Collezione Maramotti, is a compelling and thought-provoking body of work that delves into themes of representation and ageing, power and governance, and attitudes towards nature. As the winner of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, Talbot's exhibition offers a striking vision of a future world grappling with the disastrous consequences of late capitalism and seeking ancient, holistic ways of belonging and surviving.
Central to the exhibition is a mesmerizing twelve-chapter animation, a medium Talbot taught herself during lockdown. In this animation, the protagonist embarks on trials akin to The Twelve Labours of Hercules, but rather than resorting to destruction and violence, she employs productive, care-centered, and sustainable solutions inspired by the principles of permaculture. This compelling reimagining of ancient myths challenges prevailing notions of power and agency, offering a hopeful and transformative narrative for contemporary society.
Talbot's exploration of ancient Etruscan ceramics and classical mythology, undertaken during her Italian residency, has influenced the silk panels on display. The large-scale hanging silk works depict near-future landscapes of ruins and volcanic terrain, through which the central figure moves and resides. Inscribed with texts addressing the exhibition's themes, the silk works invite viewers to question their perceptions and engage in a dialogue about ageing, power, and the climate crisis.
The exhibition also features a life-size sculpture of the elderly figure, manifested through stuffed soft fabrics. Talbot collaborated with Imax Max Mara’s knitwear division to create the figure's thick elderly outer skin, resembling both wrinkles and armor. The sculpture, inspired by depictions of Hercules and scenes from ancient Etruscan pottery, stretches towards a portal or net, crafted in collaboration with Modateca Deanna. This portal signifies the figure's journey towards a new world, alternative energies, and a renewed way of being.
Throughout "The Age/L’Età," Talbot's dedication to sustainable practices is evident, incorporating recycled fabrics and using sustainable resources within her work. This not only adds layers of depth to the artworks but also prompts viewers to contemplate life cycles, renewal, and agelessness.
The exhibition is anchored in Talbot's six-month Italian residency, which took her to Reggio Emilia, Catania, and Rome. This unique experience allowed her to explore textile craftsmanship, permaculture, classical mythology, and historic sites, culminating in an evocative and multi-dimensional body of work.
"The Age/L’Età" is a testament to the Max Mara Art Prize for Women's significance, which supports UK-based female-identifying artists to have their solo survey exhibitions. Talbot's artistry and vision, honed through her residency and research, have resulted in an exhibition that challenges perceptions, celebrates nature, and proposes new ways of engaging with power and representation.
As visitors immerse themselves in Talbot's world, they will undoubtedly be captivated by her ability to reimagine ancient narratives for a contemporary context, intertwining animation, silk panels, drawings, and sculpture into a cohesive and profound artistic exploration.
Accompanied by a book and a short documentary documenting Talbot's residency experience, "The Age/L’Età" is a testament to the power of art to provoke meaningful conversations and inspire transformative thinking.
In conclusion, Emma Talbot's exhibition is a poetic and visionary exploration of age, power, and nature. Through a masterful fusion of animation, silk panels, drawings, and sculpture, Talbot presents a world where ancient wisdom intertwines with contemporary challenges. "The Age/L’Età" invites viewers to reflect on our relationship with the environment, the dynamics of power, and the potential for positive change. As we delve into Talbot's world, we are offered an opportunity to embrace a future that embraces our past.
