¶ AN EXHIBITION exploring the story of terrazzo flooring and its cultural significance will open at the Collie Art Gallery on Saturday.
Created by artists Penny Bovell and Gabby Howlett, Underneath/Overlooked highlights the artistry of Giuseppe and Anna Scolaro, whose handcrafted terrazzo tiles have been a feature of WA residences since the mid-20th century.
The Scolaro family, Italian immigrants, established the Universal Tile Factory in Fremantle in 1952.
Giuseppe, a self-taught artisan, transformed materials, including marble chips, cement and vibrant pigments, into intricate and bespoke designs.
The exhibition tells a story about art, immigration and cultural heritage, featuring silk reproductions of Scolaro tile patterns, an interactive pattern-making activity, photographs of the tiles in people’s homes and items from the Scolaro family archives.
“Giuseppe brought colour and joy into people’s homes,” Ms Howlett said.
“When you look at all the floors together, they’re true works of art.”
Ms Bovell and Ms Howlett are calling on Western Australians to help uncover more terrazzo floors.
Scolaro tiles were originally thought to exist in just 30 homes, but have since been identified in over 110 properties.
“We’ve found them under floorboards and covered with glue,” Ms Howlett said.
“Every new discovery adds to this incredible story.”
All are welcome to join the artists for the opening, from 2pm to 4pm.
The exhibition will run through to February 23, showing Thursdays to Mondays, 10am to 4pm.