Summer arts party with Mofo twist

WE’VE reached the pointy end of Mofo 2018, with the highly anticipated “Weekend at Walshy’s” party kicking off this morning.

After venturing to Launceston for the first time last weekend, Mofo has returned to its original home of Hobart and will take over Mona’s Berriedale site from today, for three days and nights of challenging art and music, Australian exclusive performances and world premieres.

Gates open at Mona at 10am today and main stage action will start at 3pm with a performance by Argentinian feminist folk-rap trio Femina, who count rock legend Iggy Pop among their fanbase.

Sisters Clara (guitar) and Sofia (percussion) Trucco and childhood friend Clara Miglioli (vocals) grew up in the Patagonian mountains before forming Femina in Buenos Aires in 2004 and taking their mashup of musical genres to the world.

Other main stage highlights today will include performances by Philadelphia punk protest poet Moor Mother and collaborator Rasheedah Phillips; Chicago soul singer Jamila Woods; and acclaimed Canadian art-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, who will perform tracks from their latest album Luciferian Towers after providing the live score for The Holy Body Tattoo’s dance work monumental in Launceston last weekend.

And it wouldn’t be Mofo without an array of oddities on the program — today, check out the inner workings of Queensland mezzosoprano Eve Klein’s throat as she gives the world premiere of Vocal Womb; and drink a toast to Los Angeles performance artist Breadwoman as she speaks to the crowd in the language of the loaf.

“The messages range from pure abstract form to blatant protest and a few stops in-between. Even the food, wine and beer are idiosyncratic,” Mofo curator Brian Ritchie said.

“Some artists are visiting Tasmania for the first time. Others have moved here as immigrants or refugees.

“Some of our artists are world-famous exponents of their vision and others come from the margins of society.

“Even from cultures where they would not have been allowed to create until recently. Mofo will give everyone an equal platform and a chance to be heard.”

Three-Day Mona Passes ($139— $179 plus booking fee) and single Day Passes ($55—$69 plus booking fee) are still available, go to www.mofo.net.au