Italian-born multimedia artist Mario Rizzi is slightly hidden behind his laptop when he introduces himself to the audience. The 35 participants of the Be[com]ing Dutch Eindhoven Caucus have just had lunch and a short break to clear their minds from brain teasing discussion points brought in by the morning panel. They listen silently to the man that has acquired international recognition by collecting other peoples life stories.
Mario’s projects start as small ideas. He focuses on subjects that have to do with identity and multiculturalism. He approaches people that find themselves in special situations: ‘I try to find the exception of exception’. Than he starts to investigate the story behind the individuals. His work is a reflection of the everyday life (of people trying to survive) but is also to be seen in a bigger prospect of cultural differences and values. He follows singular individuals but ‘every story leads to the next one’ and together they form the whole of a multilateral humanity.
On a huge screen behind him Mario shows the audience parts of his latest (six pieced) video project: Israeli-Palestinian Neighbours for which he travelled to Palestina/Israel. In 2001 Mario had already realized an art project named ‘The Gift’ in that area. Afterwards he felt he had to go back because of his growing interest and concern about the relationship between Israeli Jews and Arabs.
After showing several videos Mario leaves the audience with a written text on the screen, to read and think about. The sentences have once been written by Edward Said, who was a professor of comparative literature at Columbia University. He wrote the book ‘Orientalism’, published in 1987. Through his writing and his speeches he became a leading voice in the Palestinian struggle.
In May 2008 a not yet realized work of art by Mario Rizzi will be part of the Be[com]ing Dutch exhibition. The project will be developed in cooperation with the Van Abbemuseum as a contribution by one of the internationally invited thinkers/artists/curators to Be[com]ing Dutch.
For more information about Mario Rizzi, check his official website.