A Slon Swan Song by Charlie Cauchi

A Slon Swan Song by Charlie Cauchi 2024

A Slon Swan Song by Charlie Cauchi

 

Charlie Cauchi, a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker, offers a nuanced perspective in her work, blending documentary techniques, research, and fiction to explore the intricate ties between identity, memory, and place. With cultural roots in both the UK and Malta, Cauchi’s vision is deeply influenced by Mediterranean history and traditions, themes which recur in projects such as Marble of the Senate, Sand of the Coliseum (2024) and Backlot (2023). Her work invites audiences to engage with complex themes like migration, emotional connection, and the shifting landscapes of modern life.

In Slon, Cauchi arrived with an open approach, drawn to the village’s sense of community and enduring traditions. “I didn’t come to Slon with a clear idea in mind,” she notes. “It was essential for me to find authentic ways to spend time with the community and learn about the people here.” Embracing this openness, Cauchi immersed herself in conversations and encounters with traditional objects, each enriching her vision and culminating in a multimedia piece by the residency’s end.

Cauchi’s experience in Slon highlighted rural traditions, particularly wedding rituals from a feminine perspective. She explored communal spaces such as salons, markets, and small shops, examining how these places shape the daily lives of villagers and reinforce community bonds.

During her residency, Cauchi also led a creative workshop for Slon’s children, introducing them to the art of making small zines – handcrafted pamphlets made from a single A4 sheet. This workshop transformed a simple activity into an engaging experience that celebrated each child’s unique perspective, encouraging them to explore their creativity and imagination.

A pivotal moment during Cauchi’s stay was her encounter with a 90-year-old village resident who had never left Slon. This meeting inspired the artist to reflect on belonging and the impact of time on individual lives. Through this woman’s story, Cauchi explored the depth of a life rooted in one place, portraying a powerful relationship between an individual and their landscape.

The resulting work, titled A Slon Swan Song, interweaves memories, rituals, and encounters, offering audiences insight into how identity and memory are both shaped by, and shape, a community. Cauchi’s piece not only honours the life story of this remarkable woman but also invites viewers to reflect on the enduring connections that define us, the importance of roots, and the significance of cultural heritage in a world often valuing mobility over stability. Through A Slon Swan Song, Cauchi invites contemplation on belonging, identity, and the resilience found in the traditions of close-knit communities.

Artist: Charlie Cauchi (b. UK, based in Malta)

Sending Organisation and Curator: Unfinished Art Space / Diyalog and Elyse Tonna
Residency Host: META Cultural Foundation (Slon village, Prahova County, Romania)
Practice: Multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker

Collaborating Artists: Anastasiya Ivanova, Ruxandra Nițescu, Mihai Smeu
Curated by: Raluca-Elena Doroftei

 

Curatorial text by Raluca-Elena Doroftei