When Gods Walked the Earth is a project developed through a series of artworks inspired by René Girard’s mimetic theory, and developed through an intellectual dialogue between artist Mauro De Giorgi and philosopher Diego Bubbio over the past few years. The intent is to highlight everlasting themes that are prominent in our culture and society, such as the mimetic nature of desire, violence, sacrifice and scapegoating.

De Giorgi’s art combines Asian, Japanese aesthetics and techniques with Western themes and insights. The encounter between De Giorgi’s art and Girard’s mimetic theory is insightful and powerful: in a whirlwind of evocative and moving images, we travel across ancient myths, Christian symbolism, and contemporary suggestions. Through this aesthetic experience, we can meditate on our own deeply mimetic nature, and on the imperative need to reject scapegoating and violence.

The exhibition launch on 10 October will feature the presence of the artist Mauro De Giorgi as well as an introduction by Dr Chris Fleming (Western Sydney University) and commentary by mimetic theory scholar Prof. Paolo Diego Bubbio, who will provide an aesthetic and theoretical analysis of each artwork in the exhibition, emphasizing the way in which the visual and artistic representation of mimetic theory concepts can help us understand the mimetic victimage.