Impirioso, 2013, HD video, 35 min. Trailer, 2.40 min.
Supported by Arts Council England for UH Galleries, University of Hertfordshire, Museum of St Albans, and Hatfield House.
An 80s TV mini series episode made by an artist Sarah Baker, Impirioso explores luxury, idolatry, scandal, and the constructs of dramatic television. A cursed logo of a famous family-run fashion brand instigates infidelity, betrayal, incest, and murder.
Baker creates a fictional brand, Impirio Rosso, and portrays the sordid affairs of luxury-obsessed Luccia Rosso, brought to life by actress Olivia d'Abo (Conan the Destroyer, The Wonder Years). Inspired by Patricia Reggiani-Gucci, who served time in prison for killing her husband, Maurizzio Gucci.
Impirioso is exhibited at Sarah Baker's solo show, January- April 2013, at University of Hertfordshire Gallery at Museum of St. Albans, curated by Matthew Shaul. Impirioso was shot with the University of Hertfordshire Film and Television department led by Howard Berry.
Starring:
LUCCIA ROSSO: Olivia d'Abo
ROCCO ROSSO: Doug Rao
FIORELLA: Jessica-Jane Clement
FAN SHU: Christopher Goh
BRUNO: Michael Malarkey
TANYA BELL: Maria De Lima
VITA: Hannah Lederer
ELECTRA: Hannah Lederer
BENEDICT: Peter Saracen
ANGELO: Andrew Mullan
MAURIZIO BERNINI: Anthony Edridge
FLAVIA: Laura Ainsworth
ZHANG WEI: Andy Cheung
music by Joe Rozler
The artist and UH Galleries wish to thank Hatfield House, Luton Hoo Hotel, The Bethnal Green Town Hall Hotel, Departure Lounge Contemporary Art (Luton), Jill & Don Shaul, Contemporary Wardrobe, LG éventails, Jessica Broas Millinery, IBC Digital, For Weddings Fun or a Funeral.
sarahbaker.com
