Embers: Opening Night at Romulus Folio Gallery
Last Friday evening, August 15th, we opened Embers, an exhibition by contemporary abstract artist, Angelina Mirabito at Romulus Folio Gallery. The show also features a video art piece by Scott Ross and select works by workshop participants.
The opening coincided with The Gladstone’s monthly social night, creating a beautiful gathering of local residents, community members, art collectors, fellow artists, and the extended Romulus family.
We deeply appreciate the presence of Councillor Alex Makin (City of Port Phillip) and Kate Spenser (FBIdeas), whose support and encouragement strengthens our vision for this evolving dynamic arts hub.
Angelina Mirabito, Kate Spencer, Alex Makin, Scott Ross
Embers is particularly significant, marking a turning point for both Angelina and Romulus Folio Gallery. During the creation of this body of work, Angelina’s 95-year-old grandmother, Maria Fonti, was hospitalised, and for a time, her recovery was uncertain. With the fierce resilience that has carried her through life, Maria not only recovered but attended the opening of the Embers exhibition, experiencing the collection dedicated to her, including the piece, ‘My Grandmother’.
Maria Fonti, in front of the painting in she inspired, ‘My Grandmother 95’
Maria is Angelina’s last living grandparent. She migrated from the islands of Sicily to Melbourne, enduring hardship and cultivating strength along the way. Maria lost her father at three, worked in cotton fields from the age of four, and attended only a handful of school days. Works such as ‘Child’ and ‘Mother’ reflect on Maria’s experiences at different life stages and how her quiet, and at times, not-so-quiet, embers of strength continue to burn through her daughters and granddaughters.
Connie Mirabito (Angelina’s Mother & Maria Fonti’s daughter)in front of the painting ‘Mother’
Joseph Mirabito & Angelina Mirabito (Connie Mirabito’s children & Maria Fonti’s grandchildren)in front of the artwork ‘Child’
Maria’s faith in herself and in God has carried her through WWII, migration, and the challenges of building a new life without language, wealth, or connections. Though many difficult stories remain unspoken, their presence endures across generations. Through art, connection, and memory, these threads find expression and renewal.
Ray Mirabito & Connie Mirabito in front of impact wall titled ‘Wildfire’
Romulus Folio Gallery itself draws on the spirit of myth and migration. Named after Romulus and Remus, the gallery nods to homeland while celebrating multicultural life in Melbourne. Since its inception, Romulus has hosted monthly exhibitions, with Embers marking Angelina’s fifth show as the principal artist and artist in residence with open studio. Her sixth exhibition ‘Whispers from the Grove,’ will follow next month, concluding her series of nearly solo shows and opening the way for Romulus to enter its next chapter.
Looking ahead, Romulus will present group exhibitions, support artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, and establish a stable of 6–8 contemporary artists whose practices we nurture and champion. Alongside exhibitions, we will continue workshops such as Kathryn Farrell’s Returning to Roots, connecting community through creativity and shared heritage.
Kathryn Farrell’s next ‘Returning to Roots’ workshop will take place 20th September 3pm-6pm
As Romulus grows, we are beyond thrilled about the upcoming transition to a new director and the opportunities for sustainability and growth this will bring for the gallery, community and artists.
The embers of memory, migration, and transformation continue to glow brightly at Romulus Folio Gallery. We thank everyone who joined us for this opening and look forward to all that lies ahead.
