Project Category: Art

Problem Solved

April 8, 2024 | 

Centred in the artwork is the figure of the newly-sworn-in President Myriam Spiteri Debono, digitally edited to sit on the otherwise empty chair, a direct nod to Austin Camilleri’s controversial installation “Siġġu,” which featured an empty throne in front of Queen Victoria’s monument in Valletta’s Republic Square. While Camilleri’s commissioned work – the centrepiece of the second Malta Biennale – sparked wide discussions on neocolonial mindsets and the invisible forces shaping Maltese society, this digital creation takes a different trajectory. The digital collage is based upon the showcase photo presented on Camilleri’s social media, thus it is requalified as an artwork itself. At the same time, “Problem Solved” overturns the original thematic by symbolising and suggesting resolution, bridging divides, and thus, metaphorically addressing and “resolving” the issues underscored by Camilleri’s “Siġġu.”

President Spiteri Debono, depicted with a posture of dignity, resolve, and approachability, embodies the aspiration for a leadership that is both visible and accessible, echoing her own words upon taking office. Could her presence in the chair be the answer to the hundreds of arguments that “Siġġu” provoked? With an informal posture, her feet dangling over the pedestal’s grandeur, she symbolizes familiarity and instills hope for governance centered on dialogue, integrity, and the well-being of the Maltese people above all else. That is what the Maltese are hoping for.

This piece sets itself apart from the Malta Biennale’s conservative thematic pursuits by ironically intertwining the modern historical context highlighted by the state-backed festival with the pressing contemporary issues facing the nation. Despite the artist’s optimistic aspirations for resolution, this hope is continually undercut by the pervasive stories of corruption and political turmoil that afflict Malta on a daily basis. Thus, the conversation surrounding national identity, governance, and collective ambition must evolve to acknowledge a present tainted by recent adversities.

This artwork is not merely a visual representation but a call to action. It invites onlookers to reflect on the significance of moral values, the importance of safeguarding these principles, and the role of leadership in fostering a society where dialogue, compromise, and respect for the constitution reign supreme. It is a visual manifesto, urging both citizens and political leaders to embrace a future where governance is not a seat of power but a seat of service to the people.

“Problem Solved” thus becomes more than an artistic creation; it is a symbol of the collective resolution of the Maltese people to move forward, leaving behind discord and division. It represents a hope for a new dawn, one where the wounds of the past and the scars of corruption, are acknowledged and healed through concerted efforts towards unity and integrity. The artist provocatively questions the spirit of a nation and whether it is ready to fully embrace its identity, learn from its history, and work towards a future that honours humanitarian principles and the values of the nation, as represented by the role of the President of Malta.

It was originally posted on the artist’s Facebook Page on April 4, 2024. It was also shared on the artist’s personal Facebook profile himself sparking various reactions.

thirty three

March 6, 2023 | 

“thirty three” offers a captivating collection of works to challenge the canons of the classical mediums and stimulate viewers’ senses through a striking aesthetic.

By utilizing reappropriation and digital manipulation techniques, I deconstruct, alter, trace and reassemble existing images into dynamic compositions that challenge the audience’s perception of reality and the traditional expectations of visual art. The works being presented explore deeply contrasting emotions like lust, sorrow, depression, desire, rejection, and sociality, reflecting both my personal evolution and the broader human experience.

While the female nude and self-portraiture feature prominently as a favourite subject, they serve as a means of expressing what’s within and beyond me, rather than an end in themselves.

I delve into the psychological, political, and spiritual aspects of human existence through layered fields of colours and textures, stripped-down abstractions, and bursts of action drawing, encouraging viewers to ponder their own lives and the world around them.

The exhibition is open from March 3, 2023 till April 1, 2023. Opening hours of the gallery are:

  • Monday to Friday from 08:30 till 14:30 and Saturdays from 09:00 till 12:00.
  • Wednesday, March 8, the exhibition will also be open between 17:30 and 19:30.

Visit the Facebook event page here

The Media

Portrait of Jesmond Mifsud

September 21, 2022 | 

Creating this portait of Jesmond Mifsud wasn’t an easy feat. I didn’t know the man much and only spoke to him in few instances. The last time we met was in St Lucia Street, right opposite the family shop. He called me “zi” and when I asked why he explained it was because my uncle Noel who was his friend, used to call him so.

Jesmond left this world on January 16, 2020. His faith and love for Jesus was no secret as he used to preach Jesus whenever possible even through the most painful days. An exemplary and positive member of the Valletta community, Jesmond is missed till this very day.

This portrait depicts Jesmond as an elegant soul through a dark background adorned in gold and copper textures. The focus of the composition is the radiance on the subject’s face. The work is now showcased in the family shop turned wine bar by Jesmond’s elder son. May it warm the heart of his family and help the remembrance of this gentleman and all his goodness.

Portrait of Sandro Lapira

August 6, 2022 | 

When George Lapira contacted me to commission this graphic work of his late brother, various emotions flowed through me. Even though ours wasn’t a deep friendship, with only a few moments shared during festa and the occasional chat on Messenger, Sandro did inspire a lot of good vibes in my life especially in the past 15 years since I got directly involved in the Pauline community.

A true son of Arċipierku, Sandro was a succesful man with a passion for football, fashion, Valletta, AC Milan and our patron saint, Paul of Tarsus. I recall clearly his excitement and his starry eyes when I interviewed him for a brief comment about our festa. His passion for life and complete trust in God were exemplary and a true inspiration for me. Sandro passed away in October 21, 2021 leaving the Valletta community in deep grief. Beautiful memories about this man flowed on social media following the sad news.

Portraying such an icon should have felt like a task, yet as soon as AC Milan claimed the Serie A title 2021/22 in May 22, 2022, inspiration got the best of me. The final work represents Sandro in his typical smile – his way of spreading love and offering comfort to all. Graphic references link to his passion for football, Valletta and the Pauline community in Valletta. May this work bring joy and beautiful memories to his family and friends. May it help to keep alight the rememberance of this great soul.

Pavlus

May 1, 2022 | 

The world of art has always been captivated by portraiture, a genre that continually evolves with the changing times. In January 2021, Maltese artist Pawlu Mizzi created a digital portrait of Paul of Tarsus, which captures the essence of this significant figure within the Christian traditions. Mizzi’s synonymous artistic techniques involve digital collage, layering, and manipulation, and give a contemporary twist to portraiture by presenting the viewer with the chance to read further into the works.

This artwork is not merely a simple portrait but an intricate iconography that tells a tale of St. Paul’s legacy within the Maltese community. Mizzi’s digital artistry blends elements of traditional portraiture with contemporary techniques, creating a compelling piece of work that captures the spirit of the subject.

The Valletta landscape, with its typical Maltese wooden balconies and imposing fortifications, serves as a layered background and texture to the overall composition. A sharp edge that runs close to the face represents the sword, synonymous with St Paul’s iconography, which represents both his martyrdom and his message of spiritual warfare and the power of the Word of God. As the viewer’s gaze moves upward, the artwork reveals a panoramic view of the Pauline Parish in Valletta, with the dome of St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church dominating the skyline. Mizzi skillfully incorporates decorative elements of the titular statue by Melchiorre Cafà, residing within the same Parish Church, including details from the drapery patterns and the metal halo.

This digital artwork presents St. Paul as a beloved mascot of the Valletta Pauline community’s cultural identity, representing its history, values, and traditions. The penetrating look of ‘Pavlus’ – the word depicted in between layers – suggests a direct encounter with the viewer who is faced with questions about their true faith. The image portrayed is not the conventional representation of a saint, but rather a portrayal of a virtuous individual with a moral compass, who guides others to make decisions and take actions that promote a culture of empathy. Overall, this digital artwork is a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Paul and the timeless relevance of his teachings.

Mizzi’s artwork serves as a question about the true relevance of faith and spirituality in the modern world, and it challenges viewers to reflect on their beliefs and values. It is a striking representation of how traditional subjects and themes can be reimagined using modern artistic techniques, underscoring the vital role of art in creating cultural and spiritual identity.

This artwork was featured as a book cover for ‘L-Għaqda tal-Pawlini – L-ewwel ħamsin sena’, published in 2022 by Għaqda tal-Pawlini A.D. 1970 of Valletta.

Portrait of Liana

October 10, 2021 | 

The composition and the colours focus on an introspection of the character, defining the spiritual reality of human essence. This was achieved through the feedback of the client who accompanied the creative process with his observant insight of the subject. It is indeed a pleasure that results were loved by the client and the subject herself.

Vella Family Portrait

August 17, 2021 | 

Following the exhibition Wiċċ Imb Wiċċ held in April 2021, a dear friend came around requesting a family portrait that would imitate the style. The portrait features the husband, wife, daughter, grandmother, grandfather and dog. It reflects upon, story-tells and uncovers the terminology of family by giving an ephemeral form to all the intergenerational and interracial facets that make up that which we call family.

Daphne

July 30, 2021 | 

Mizzi never endorsed Caruana Galizia’s journalism, especially due to statements deemed offensive by Maltese individuals with a leftist political philosophy. This sentiment was shared by many. While some, including the artist, opted to boycott her blog, others targeted the journalist with harsh comments and even demonization.

When the events of October 16th unfolded, some were not surprised while others were shocked. The artist remembers being at work at the Valletta 2018 Foundation when the news broke. Most colleagues present at the office were horrified, but some were almost relieved.

This artwork created in 2021, symbolises the deep-seated divisions within Maltese society. In the wake of Caruana Galizia’s brutal murder, many people in Malta were sharply divided over their opinions of her and her work, with some celebrating her death as the end of a supposed “the witch from Bidnija,” while others saw it as a tragic example of a society that has lost its moral compass.

The artwork, with its sharp cut that seems to tear Caruana Galizia apart, reflects the stark divide between these two groups. For some, the cut represents a victory over a perceived enemy, while for others, it is a painful reminder of the violence and hatred that has torn their society apart.

Despite its potent symbolism, the artwork failed to attract any buyers when it was auctioned off at the 2021 Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation online art auction. Nevertheless, it has since gained international recognition and was featured in a 2022 documentary about Malta’s contemporary issues titled “Malta: Small islands, big issues for Europe” by France 24. The documentary is presented by France 24’s European affairs editor Catherine Nicholson, produced by Johan Bodin, filmed on location by Stéphane Bodin, with Luke Brown.

In December 2022, the artwork also received a certificate of artistic achievement in the Luxembourg Art Prize 2022, underscoring its significance as a poignant commentary on the challenges facing Maltese society today.

In October 2023, Mizzi bestowed ‘Daphne’ upon the Office of the President of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where it became part of the permanent collection.

Il Maestro

May 22, 2021 | 

Last Tuesday one of the greatest artists the world had the pleasure to host passed to the next phase of the existence he contemplated through every breath on this earth. Following my impromptu writing to salute the life of this immortal genius, here is a visual tribute to Franco Battiato’s inspiring soul. It is a unique edition print. Bursting warm colours represent Battiato’s thirst for the Truth. He transpired passion and creativity though his art and acted as a public testimonial for the Truth in this alienated society. Thank you maestro. May we all listen.