Victoria farewelled renowned and celebrated artist Mirka Mora in a state memorial service in St Kilda on Tuesday.
Master of Ceremonies Julia Zemiro shared a mixture of joy and sadness with the packed auditorium at the Palais Theatre.
“You can always hear [from the Palais Theatre dressing rooms] the squeals of delighted children as they’re going up and down the rides at Luna Park,” she said.
“And I think that’s very apt, to hear the sounds of children associated with this theatre and certainly with Mirka.”
Members of the public arrive at the Palais Theatre for the State Memorial Service of artist Mirka Mora. Picture: Lisa Divissi
In his address to the ceremony, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Mirka would be remembered above all for her warmth.
“At a time when across the world we’re being swayed towards suspicion and animosity, fear and resentment, she was a bright light that encouraged us to be a little more open, a little less afraid, a little more Mirka,” he said.
Other speakers included Victorian cultural leader and philanthropist Carillo Gantner, celebrity chef Guy Grossi, and representatives from the Heide Museum of Modern Art.
The crowd also heard from Mirka’s children, who thanked the public for their support and love of Mirka throughout her life.
“On her birthdays it became a ritual for her to smash the cake into her face and say that anyone who did not eat the cake did not love her,” her son Phillipe said.
“I invite you all to have some cake.”
A crowd gathers outside the Palais Theatre in St Kilda after a state memorial service for Mirka Mora. Picture: Lisa Divissi
Speaking to City Journal after the event, Gantner said he was pleased with how the service went.
“Look at the crowd. I don’t recall in my lifetime another state funeral for an artist, so it’s really fitting and wonderful,” he said.
(Feature image: A State Memorial Service was held for artist Mirka Mora on Tuesday. Photo: Lisa Divissi)
