Viaggio Italiano brings the soul of Italy to Carlton

The bond between Melbourne and Italy is one of the city’s most enduring cultural exchanges – a constant flow of people, history, food and ideas that keeps the two connected across continents.

For artist Moses Tan, that connection is fertile ground for creative exploration, and his latest exhibition, Viaggio Italiano, now showing at CO.AS.IT in Carlton, seeks to bring Melbourne even closer to Italy’s heart.

Born in Malaysia and educated in Melbourne, Tan has developed a deep affection for Italy, this being his second exhibition dedicated to the country. Known for bringing “an acute eye to the unexpected”, he invites viewers to look beyond the postcard images and discover beauty in the everyday.

“An art exhibition is always a celebration – in this case, of a country that means so much to so many,” Tan says.

It’s in the alleyways, the cobblestone streets, the ancient bakeries and the half-hidden ruins that Italy’s true essence emerges – places you don’t find on a tourist itinerary, but stumble upon by chance.

“What is wonderful about travelling in Italy is that art and history abound in every nook and cranny,” Tan says. “I’ve often wondered myself when my love affair with Italy began – blockbuster films as a child, later in life classical music, and then of course the visual arts.”

For Tan, the Renaissance remains one of history’s greatest bursts of creativity.

“It can be said that the world would be considerably impoverished had that great ferment of artistic endeavours not taken place,” he said.

The exhibition also speaks to Melbourne’s strong Italian diaspora.

“For those who have settled here, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with their country – even if vicariously through pictures. They would almost certainly be curious as to how a ‘foreigner’ presents their homeland.”

Viaggio Italiano runs until September 25 at CO.AS.IT, 199 Faraday St, Carlton. Entry is free.