‘Not as simple as it sounds’ by Ivan Lupi

‘Not as simple as it sounds’ is a participatory device branching from historical events and functioning as a mournful/celebratory yet playful ‘opera’ divided in 11 happenings. Presented in 2023 Melbourne.

Performance artist Ivan Lupi offers an intimate yet powerful act of mourning dedicated to each one of the estimated 100,000 homosexuals who have been arrested, abused and killed during the Holocaust. The artist repeatedly plays a triangle instrument for eleven days, in order to reach 100.000 strikes and beyond. The public are invited to come and witness, as well as participate in playing the hanging triangles. 

The open ended improvised nature of the evolving soundscape, paired with the sense of extreme challenge taken by the artist are the main features of this work, where time, bodies, history and sound collide producing echoes of meaningfulness and making us reflecting on ‘why should we care’ about such poignant topics.

This iteration of the work was supported by Melbourne City Council, The Institution of Italian Culture Melbourne, Testing Grounds, Scott Lawrie Gallery and Midsumma Festival Melbourne.