M HKA Ensembles

Installation, variable dimensions.

Collection: Courtesy of T293, Naples/Rome.

This family portrait in three parts was first shown at Kunsthalle Lissabon in Lisbon, which it co-produced with M HKA. All three installations contain something alive, contrasting with crafted soft objects that unambiguously refer to Di Massimo’s own family members. They have all been assigned the ‘M’ in celebration of the first person singular accusative (and of Mum’s appearance as a resplendent red oversized tassel). There is a live canary bird in the cage next to the bolsters that have collapsed in a mikado-like formation on the floor, embodying Dad. The denim cushions look like those in Sister’s bedroom in the family house. There is a secret space inside the pile where a female performer can crouch and poke her extremities out through the tassels and fringes. (AK)