Elisa Giardina Papa's 'She Flickered In and Out of History' at ICA London
From summer 2026 until September 6, 2026, London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) will present Elisa Giardina Papa's installation titled 'She Flickered In and Out of History', which combines video and mixed media. This work draws inspiration from the 1831 volcanic eruption in the Mediterranean between Tunisia and Sicily that formed a temporary island, delving into themes of geology, mythology, and politics in the region. This installation is part of a trilogy that includes 'U Scantu: A Disorderly Tale' (2022), showcased at the 59th Venice Biennale. The piece incorporates a large LED screen, glass sculptures, and a Sicilian poem set to music by duendita, reflecting on the island's creation and historical volcanic events.
Key facts
- ICA London presents 'She Flickered In and Out of History' by Elisa Giardina Papa
- Exhibition runs until September 6, 2026
- Work inspired by 1831 underwater volcanic eruption between Tunisia and Sicily
- Island vanished five months after emergence
- Part of trilogy including 'U Scantu: A Disorderly Tale' (2022)
- Filmed on Mount Etna, Stromboli, and submerged slopes of Mediterranean volcanic islands
- Video presented on large LED screen with glass sculptures
- Poem by Megan Fernandes, score by duendita
- Sculptures use hand-shaped glass and 'cotisso'
- Work explores geological, mythological, and political temporalities of the Mediterranean
Entities
Artists
- Elisa Giardina Papa
- Megan Fernandes
- duendita
Institutions
- Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Sant'Ignazio
- Sicily
- Italy
- Tunisia
- Mount Etna
- Stromboli
- Mediterranean
- Murano
- Caribbean
- Middle East
- Sant’Ignazio