This was part of an initiative by 24 Art Collective – an improvised collective of designers, photographers, illustrators and typographers who joined efforts and created limited edition artworks in reaction to the earthquake at Acumuli and Amatrice (IT) that took place on August 24, 2016. All proceeds from the sales of these prints were meant to go towards a fund set up by SOS Malta for the areas affected, yet the project took long to be launched and eventually dissolved. Any sales of this artwork will still be donated to SOS Malta.
Anemone symbolizes the grief around Acumuli and Amatrice as these two communities cried the deaths of around 290 people. Hope is here depicted as a nude female who rests on solid structure, whilst stepping on the crevasse of the 24/08 earthquake. Adorning her hair is an Anemone flower; which is also a metaphor of excitement for a prosperous future and the arrival of the first spring winds.
A commissioned portrait of Marouska Farrugia.
Portrait of Sabrina Calleja Jackson of Birżebbuġa
This work was one of the precursors for the Kobba concept and its creative phase but was left out of the final collection. In line with the concept behind Kobba, it raises questions about attachments, intimacy and relationships with the self and beyond.
Each work is a contemplation about life, beginnings, ends and what’s in between.
Je Suis is a compelling set of digital collages produced in February/March 2015 that invite viewers to explore the intersection of gender, identity, and spirituality through striking visual narratives. Three female figures take center stage in these thought-provoking compositions, each embodying a tragic iconography reminiscent of Christian rituals and symbolism.
The title “Ecce Homo” draws parallels to the solemnity of the Passion of Christ, prompting viewers to question the societal constructs that define and confine the individuals depicted. The use of Christian references, such as the crown of thorns, evokes themes of suffering and sacrifice, challenging the status quo behind the person being represented.
“Salve Regina” delves into the delicate balance between holiness and mundanity, questioning the notion of what makes someone holy or revered. The collages compel viewers to contemplate the standards and expectations imposed on individuals, particularly women, in society.
In “Je Suis Paul,” the artist’s personal crisis of identity takes center stage. By reclaiming his original legal name Paul, the artwork confronts the thorns that punctuate life’s journey, exploring the challenges of self-discovery and self-acceptance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of introspection and authenticity in an ever-evolving world.
The triptych culminates in a forth piece: “Je Suis Pawlu,” a concluding self-portrait. The artist, wearing headphones and facing the viewer, invites us to reflect on our own identities and the need to listen to ourselves amidst the cacophony of external influences. It symbolizes the ongoing journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of a genuine sense of self.
Inspired by Carmen Consoli’s evocative track “Vorrei Dire” from her debut album Due Parole, this portrait embodies a raw and urgent need to speak out and demand to be heard. Through its intense composition, the work captures the frustration and defiance that arise from being silenced or ignored. Reflecting both personal and universal struggles, the piece resonates with themes of resilience, voice, and the unyielding pursuit of expression, echoing my ongoing exploration of the human condition through digital manipulation and poetic visual language.
A digital portrait of Enrique’ Tabone of Qormi, artist and designer.
It featured in the first “The National Portrait Gallery Of Malta” (ISBN 9-789995-737122) published by Nicholas De Piro.
A digital portrait of Enrique’ Tabone of Qormi, artist and designer.
