Unveiling the Unconventional World of Pakkyōne and Valerio Mirone

In the realm of art and performance, there are those who break free from convention and craft experiences that defy expectations. Pakkyōne and Valerio Mirone are two such creators who invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey into the realm of the unconventional.

Pakkyōne: A Puppet of Unconventional Beauty

Pakkyōne is not your typical puppet. It is a creation dressed in tattered clothing, adorned with safety pins and rags that were once discarded in a small, abandoned farmhouse. But what sets Pakkyōne apart is not its appearance; it's the way it communicates. This unique puppet doesn't use words but speaks in an odd language, a language made of sound graphemes and head tilts.

Pakkyōne's vocal cords are a marvel of ingenuity, stitched together with twine and soaked in resin, infused with the essence of mint leaves. When it "speaks," the air around it comes alive, and the vibrations it creates are both enchanting and bewildering.

But Pakkyōne's creativity doesn't stop there. From the wood of a hollow tree, it carved a perforated zither, an instrument that emits otherworldly melodies. It assembles bizarre knick-knacks by beating stone, copper, and molten lead, creating a cacophony of sounds that defies description.

What's truly intriguing is that Pakkyōne has no face or eyes of its own. Instead, it occasionally borrows masks of various shapes, allowing it to observe the world and navigate its surroundings without stumbling.

Pakkyōne is the brainchild of Valerio Mirone, a noisemaker and singer who revels in pushing the boundaries of art and performance.

Valerio Mirone: The Maestro Behind the Magic

Valerio Mirone is a multi-instrumentalist and a scholar of throat singing and overtone singing. His artistic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He began as an actor and composer for the Teatro del Baglio di Villafrati, where he recorded a triple album dedicated to Stefano d'Arrigo's epic "Horcynus Orca."

Mirone's talents extend beyond the stage. He imparts his knowledge as a Japanese language teacher in high schools and is a member of Lelio Giannetto's Contemporary Sounds Unity. His collaborations include working as an external contributor at the Italian Cultural Institute in Tokyo and with the Curva Minore cultural association for contemporary music.

Today, Mirone wears many hats as a translator, musician, and performer. His musical journey includes projects like Utveggi, which boasts four albums and a tour in Japan. And of course, there's Pakkyōne, with an album set to be released in 2023, accompanied by an upcoming European tour in November and December.

Monogatari and the Wadi Ensemble of the Merz Foundation are just a few more names in the extensive list of projects Mirone is part of, each a testament to his relentless creativity and innovation.

If you're curious to witness the enigmatic world of Pakkyōne, be sure to visit the Pakkyōne YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook page.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the extraordinary, the unconventional, and the utterly unique when you enter the realm of Pakkyōne and Valerio Mirone.