Project Category: Art

Kaxxa

November 2, 2011 | 

Rinaxximent (Renaissance)

May 31, 2011 | 

Inspired by Earth Garden’s ‘Water’ theme the life-giving element was reinterpreted into a philosophy of life. The struggle for the discovery of the true self, the change/experience/growth and the transition into a dance are the three phases represented by the female figure.

The Gut: a multimedia tribute to Strada Stretta’s golden era

May 13, 2011 | 

The Splendid lounge bar and guest house in Valletta was transformed into an art exhibition space in 2011 as part of the ‘Strada Stretta’ revival exhibition. The event was a collaborative effort between 15 artists, designers, and photographers aimed at creating a cultural incubator in Valletta which is a UNESCO World Heritage city. The ‘Strada Stretta’ exhibition was part of a European project funded by the Med Territorial Cooperation program and organized by Fondazzjoni Temi Zammit (FTZ), a regional development agency at the University of Malta.

The exhibition was held in the Splendid, a venue with an evocative atmosphere that perfectly suited the showcase of the remnants of its former glory. The space was adorned with vintage furniture, tattered upholstery, nostalgic trinkets, decaying toys, a deteriorating staircase, and neglected clothing, all waiting for a revival. As visitors walked through, they were transported to a time long gone, and the ghosts of the past seemed to whisper mysterious stories.

“The Gut,” a multimedia performance showcased at the Strada Stretta bar, featured an interactive video installation by Danjeli Schembri, Julian Mallia, and Pawlu Mizzi. Visitors were invited to sit at an old piano, supplied by Pawlu Mizzi, and “play the notes of the Splendid” by a handwritten invitation hanging from a bulb in the middle of the room. Each unique combination of piano keys played revealed a digital, animated projection of a character from times gone by in a surreal composition. The piano acted like a dream machine, bringing to life the characters that gave Strada Stretta its identity. The exhibit allowed visitors to experience the lifestyle of the Gut, and its striking visuals, typography, and presentation made it an instant hit among visitors. The project evolved over time, taking on a surreal tinge that characterized the chaotic, cheerful, and lively feel of Strada Stretta. The musical collage by Danjeli, the disproportionate size of illustrated characters by Mallia, and the typographic arrangements by Mizzi along the walls, all contributed to this effect.

The Splendid project received considerable attention from visitors, with hundreds of people exploring the nostalgic rooms during the opening night alone. The event was widely deemed as successful, and the Splendid was established as one of the most coveted cultural venues in Valletta. Despite this achievement, the revival of Strada Stretta to its previous splendor never came to fruition, as a contemporary catering and entertainment enterprise took over the street, leaving much to be desired.

Media References
  1. Lisa Gwen – Coming Strait from the gut – The Times of Malta. April 28, 2011
  2. Rosianne Cutajar – Strada Stretta tiehu l-hajja mill-gdid… – ONE TV. April 17, 2011
  3. Pamela Hansen – Strada Stretta

Eden

March 23, 2011 | 

A portrait of Maria Caligari

Jien kif ġie ġie

February 27, 2011 | 

“Jien kif ġie ġie” (Me, at random) was an artwork made into a Facebook profile picture. A first for the Maltese Islands. The image was later re-worked for a print to feature in the artist collection.

It featured in the first “The National Portrait Gallery Of Malta” (ISBN 9-789995-737122) published by Nicholas De Piro.

andifiwasyoursbutimnot

August 19, 2010 | 

In this printed digital artwork, a female figure emanates a sense of pride entangled with a profound wellspring of emotions. With hands confidently resting on her hips and an air of regality, the young woman, in her nudity, embodies an unwavering self-assurance that personifies the essence of oneself. The artist’s passionate response to the lyrics, “You say, ‘Can we still be friends?’ If I was scared, I would. And if I was bored, you know I would. And if I was yours, but I’m not,” (2010, Arcade Fire, Ready to Start) serves as the inspiration behind this portrayal of self-awareness, symbolizing a heartfelt reaction to a friendship request that falls short of the desired connection.

Beneath the composed surface of the subject lies a restrained anger, subtly enhancing a sense of pride and reflecting the artist’s own amalgamation of emotions and longing. It reveals a complex mental shield employed to safeguard oneself from emotional pain and letdowns.

A delicate line of golden light traces above the subject’s breasts, acting as both a luminous symbol of protection and a radiant representation of the artist’s fortified elevated state of consciousness. It signifies an unwavering resolve to shield the self from the anguish of emotional vulnerability.

Through the incorporation of a dissolved environment, luminous reflections, and subtle distortions of lines, the artwork captures the interplay of emotions within the artist’s inner realm. ‘andifiwasyoursbutimnot’ invites contemplation of the intimacy within human relationships, the transformative power of consciousness amidst emotional setbacks, and the profound yearning for meaningful connections.