Laura Mega is an accomplished artist who studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and the University of the Image in Milan. Her work uniquely blends drawing, text, and embroidery to explore themes of femininity, emotional, social, and political issues, often with a touch of irony.
Through her art, she elevates the traditionally undervalued medium of embroidery, challenging its status as a minor art form and asserting its place in the realm of visual arts alongside painting and sculpture.
At the 2023 Larnaca Biennale, her piece “The Dreamcatcher,” installed in Larnaca’s Medieval Castle, featured a hand-embroidered American Immigration logo within a dreamcatcher. This work reflects the struggles of Dreamers in the U.S., with the text “AT LEAST I CAN KEEP DREAMING OF HOME” highlighting the ongoing hope for a home amid displacement.
Reflecting on her experience at the Biennale, Mega expresses deep admiration for Larnaca and the event’s unique atmosphere. Her message to future participants is clear: attending the Larnaca Biennale is a rewarding experience, both artistically and personally, that should not be missed.
Who is artist Laura Mega? Share with us a few things about you and your work in general.
I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and at the University of the Image in Milan (a school centered on the five senses created by the photographer Fabrizio Ferri), after that, I lived for several years in New York, and now moved back to Italy. My practice combines drawing, text, and embroidery.
Through a simple, and contemporary language, I transform the symbols of a portrayed and predefined femininity into works capable of transmitting and investigating emotional, social, and political issues, where sometimes a subtle irony leaves the observer responsible for a different interpretation.
I use the textile medium – and in particular embroidery – redeeming the negative declination of the feminine which for centuries has decreed its definition as a minor art, attributing to it the dignity of the language of visual art at the same level as other more consolidated, and recognized ones such as painting or sculpture.
Tell us about your selected work ”The Dreamcatcher” that was located at Larnaca Medieval Castle as part of the Larnaca Biennale.
For the 2023 Larnaca Biennale, the theme of which was ‘Home Away From Home’, I submitted my work “DREAMCATCHER” installed inside the Larnaca Medieval Castle. It is a dreamcatcher, the kind that hangs on the headboards of the bed.
In this case, in the center is the American Immigration logo, hand-embroidered, with the power to deny or approve entry to Dreamers, those who come to the United States following a dream for a change and Dreamers are even undocumented young people brought into the country by illegal parents and forced to live like ghosts without the possibility of requesting documents to legalize themselves.
The caption around the circle “AT LEAST I CAN KEEP DREAMING OF HOME” reminds us that the hope of having a home, of losing it or finding a new one wherever it is, continues to live in dreams. Although torn from our roots, although expelled from our home, and separated from our loved ones, we continue to dream of that familiar place, our home.
You have visited Larnaca for your installation procedures. What was your overall impression of Larnaca and Larnaca Biennale?
Larnaca remains in my heart. A truly international place with welcoming people that I have found in a few places visited over the years.
The Larnaca Biennale is unlike any other biennial I have taken part in. There is attention and care not only to the artworks but also to the artists who are all considered as if they were part of a large family. The staff of the Biennale is professional but also open to collaborations, with a strong sensitivity and respect for the artist’s work.
The Larnaca Biennale follows a different format from the usual formalities found in the artistic field and, even if there is a lot of work and effort behind the organization of this wonderful event, the result is a relaxing and familiar environment that makes you appreciate every moment spent in Larnaca.
A message you would like to send to artists that will apply in the future for participation in the Larnaca Biennale.
It is an experience that I recommend to everyone and, if possible, go in person. You won’t regret being part of this wonderful event where the entire city, and beyond, comes with a great turnout to celebrate art.
