Giuseppe Bianchi outside his home. (Photo courtesy of the estate of the artist.)

GIUSEPPE BIANCHI: A Man and his Museum is a retrospective of the work of the late artist behind Smithfield’s late Abruzzo Museum.

The museum was built beside his home in a suburban street in Smithfield.

Using paper mache, enamel paint, found materials and electronic contraptions,
Bianchi recreated memories of his beloved Italy.

His work ranged from models of the Vatican, local men and women from Abruzzo in traditional costumes, a home town church where he was married, a self-portrait and a statue of Mussolini to water fountain features, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Rome’s Romulus and Remus.

The show is ultimately about a migrant’s journey to Australia and his deep love and longing for his homeland.

This exhibition is curated by local contemporary artist David Capra, who has long had an interest in Bianchi’s work.

Exhibition dates

22 November – 7 February 2015.