Immigrant Songs is based on the remnants of Marte's late father’s belongings. Leaving behind only a small bundle of personal effects on his death, her father’s modest possessions formed the basis of her inspiration to create an ode to his life. The work reflects the life of a poor peasant man who came to a strange land with his family to begin life anew. Throughout his life, he maintained the values of his poverty-stricken upbringing, namely frugality, self-reliance and a strong faith in religion.
Exhibited at Gasworks Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, 2009