A fine artist book in a limited edition of 12,
consisting of 9 etchings and 12 poetic texts
exploring the textures of contemporary narcissism,
with particular focus on how recent technological
forms inherit a classical and mythological lineage.
Through the acerbic intricacy of Jiri Tibor
Novak’s masterful etchings, and the lyrical ironies
of esteemed Australian writer Gregory Day, ‘a
smile at arm’s length’ surveys the continuities and
disjunctures between the Narcissus figure of
classical mythology, the blown-hand stencils of
aboriginal Australia, and the follies and pleasures
of 21st century digital obsessions with the self-
reflected image.
In 1880s Marvellous Melbourne, at La Signora
X’s bordello on Crossley Lane beside current day
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, a young Sicilian
woman, working under the name Sapphire, meets
and falls in love with an Italian artist.
Meanwhile, Ricciotti, a labourer and family man
whose station in life belies a powerful family
heritage, is suffering from sleep deprivation due to
the city’s extended heatwave. He discovers a
soothing antidote.
Set over a single summer’s day and night, Marisa
Fazio’s beguiling and lyrical novella, Piazza
Garibaldi, will forever refresh the way you see
Melbourne, Italy and colonialism.