ISSUE#25 JUN-AUG 2021 - encore.com.mt
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ISSUE#25 JUN-AUG 2021 encore.com.mt
WHERE TRADITION MEETS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Introducing our new Card Designs Talk to us | 2131 2020 | bov.com Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c., 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is a public limited company regulated by the MFSA and is licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta).
ENCORE > EDITORIAL
It has been another tough few months for the creative sectors
as, with everyone looking forward to getting their momentum
back we had to face another tough set of restrictions at the
end of January, restrictions that meant every single museum,
art gallery, cinema and theatre had to once again physically
close down.
I’ve said this already, but this time I feel more confident saying
it. Better times are ahead. As the promise of
warmer weather kicks off and the vaccination
drive continues, the future looks to be better.
Warmer weather opens up endless possibilities
for al fresco events, which as we saw last
summer worked out fantastically. And let’s not
dawdle and drag our feet if any of you still need
to book their vaccine. It is the one thing that is
scientifically proven to fully combat COVID-19,
bringing us back the normality - the enterprise,
events, business and livelihood - that we have
waited for so long.
This time it’s on us to help give the creative
sector the kiss of life it so strongly deserves.
Meantime, we are seeing a cautious return
to live events on the part of many cultural
organisations. The start of summer would be
nothing without the Malta International Arts
Festival that we look forward to so much -
Festivals Malta, I am glad to see, have gone all
out into presenting a hybrid of live and streamed
events that will certainly help assuage all the sadness of the
past months - and right after that, there’s a live Malta Jazz
Festival to look forward to.
Moreover, community outreach events also look set to be back
with a bang. We may not yet have a set date for the large-scale
mass happenings that we usually associate our summers
with, but we adapt and we prevail.
The future is bright indeed, and we need to safeguard it and
make sure it stays so.
#getvaccinated #staysafe
01
04 TO BE OR NOT TO BE? TO
GO LIVE, OR TO GO ONLINE?
Malta’s national centre for creativity believes
24 GIRLS & BOYS
A major work by Israeli choreographer Roy
Assaf signals the return of ŻfinMalta to a
the answer to that might be ‘both’ live audience
06 MALTA INTERNATIONAL
ARTS FESTIVAL
Summer means Malta International Arts
26 AN EDUCATION
PROGRAMME FOR ALL
Accessible, inclusive and evocative, Toi Toi
Festival season, and this year a hybrid Education Programme has built a legacy to
programme is set to celebrate all art forms be proud of
10 L-ISTORJA TAL-GAWGAW...
IMMA MOD IEĦOR
Xogħol Mikiel Galea u Ġużi Gatt, il-Komiks
30 THIS JPG WAS SOLD FOR
$7.57 Million
Blockchain and artists may make strange
tas-Sikkina jiġbru flimkien il-karattri tal- bedfellows, but the rise of digital art and
fantasija li hemm moħbija fl-ilsien Malti NFTs says otherwise
14 REGENERATION OF
HERITAGE AND THE ARTS
As the pandemic wreaked havoc on the creative
34 MPO’S DREAM MACHINE
Four young musicians nurture their
dreams and talents within the national
sectors, innovation has been key to survival orchestra’s Internship Programme
15 A GORGEOUS
TRANSLATION
Trevor Żahra’s short stories paint out a
36 IN THE NAME OF R&D
As Teatru Malta kicks off an eclectic
programme, theatre is back and stronger
delightful conglomeration of characters and than ever
situations from everyday life
16 TAKING MALTA’S ARTS TO
THE WORLD
38 GUIDO RENI’S MASTERPIECE
HOLIDAYS IN ITALY
Risen Christ embracing the Cross
Arts Council Malta’s Strategy exports joins some 300 other masterpieces in
Maltese excellence and turns it global celebration of Dante’s artistic vision
20 FEMALE CHRIST AND
MALE VIRGIN
Ruben Zahra’s videodance production based
40 MASTER OF SOUNDS
Mapping the birth of Malta’s first DIY
synth-building device
on Michalengelo’s Pietà
02
ENCORE > CONTENTS
Publisher Encore Publishers
ISSUE#25 Directors Ruben Zahra & Reuben Spiteri
Editor Ramona Depares
Sub-Editor Tricia Dawn Williams
Strategy Soundscapes
Creative Director Daniel Borg
Design & Layout Kuluri
Photographers
Ascraf, Elisa von Brockdorff, Stephen Buhagiar, Albert Camilleri, Dominic
Catania, Daryl Cauchi, Maria Galea, Justin Mamo, Emma Tranter, Dragana
Rankovic, Ruben Zahra
Contributors
44
Warren Bugeja, Laura Bonnici, Ramona Depares, Kate Fenech Field, Guzi Gatt
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER... Front Cover
Credits: Artwork by Luca Azzopardi as part of Spazju Kreattiv programme
Malta Libraries rolls out the digital 2020 | 2021 brand concept.
experience for all members. Back Cover Jean Pierre Gatt - Coastal Fragements - www.jpgatt.com
46
Printers Print It
MINN FUQ L-ISPALLA - Contact info@encore.com.mt • sales@encore.com.mt
IT-TAQBIL FIL-FESTI
It-taqbil ta’ devozzjoni jew ta’ pika li jingħad
waqt il-festi
48 HONOURING A
PUBLISHING PIONEER
50 years, over 1300 titles and some of
Malta’s literary giants are definite cause for
celebration for Klabb Kotba Maltin
50 REMEMBERING THE 1551
SACKING OF GOZO
While the Great Siege of 1565 saw Malta
emerge victorious, the 1551 Siege was a
CulturalHeritageDirectorate
catastrophic event to the island of Gozo
54 THE GOLDEN AGE
OF CINEMA
Cinema is more alive than ever, offering
a night out that goes beyond watching a
Hollywood blockbuster.
56 PAWLU GRECH
A tribute to musician, artist and teacher
Pawlu Grech
Encore Partners
Arts Council Malta • Bank Of Valletta • Direttorat għall-Wirt Kulturali Għawdex
59 EVERYTHING'S
Festivals Malta • Heritage Malta • Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti • Malta Libraries
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra • Merlin Publishers • Spazju Kreattiv • Teatru Malta
GONNA BE Teatru Manoel • ŻfinMalta
ALL RIGHT! Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is
prohibited. Opinions expressed in Encore as well as its content do not necessarily reflect
Earth Garden’s Seaside Sessions those of the publisher or editor. Even though attention has been taken to ensure truth and
accuracy, the editor and the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions
in articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations. © 2021
03
ENCORE > SPAZJU KREATTIV
WITH THE CONSTANT ADAPTATION MANY CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE
HAD TO MAKE FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, AT SPAZJU KREATTIV WE’RE
ASKING, BUT WHY NOT BOTH? WORDS BY AUDREY ROSE MIZZI
I don't think Shakespeare ever imagined having Same goes for Żfinmade which was a new initiative by
his infamous phrase adapted like this, but it’s the ŻfinMalta last November. Under the artistic direction
question most visitors keep asking themselves when of Paolo Mangiola, seven Maltese based, emerging
deciding on what to do for the evening or for the choreographers were invited to each create six new
weekend. I understand that experiencing a visual arts solo works with one of the company dancers. This
exhibition in real-life is far better than seeing it online co-production with Spazju Kreattiv, in collaboration
through an online gallery; the same goes for a theatre with Valletta Cultural Agency, put a challenge on
performance or a music concert. both entities as to how to encapsulate the emotion,
ambience and body of work and translate it well into
However, as much as I love being surrounded by the an immersive digital experience.
creative arts, I prefer having access to something
rather than nothing. And, Spazju Kreattiv is balancing Music concerts like most theatre performances have
the scales by providing both and increasing their had the same adaptation as we’ve seen with Brikkuni,
accessibility for the arts - from theatre performances, the Busker and now with Joon’s upcoming concert.
to music concerts, art exhibitions and many more. Joon’s concert will be an electronic solo project from
Maltese producer Yasmin Kuymizakis. She taught herself
Annually, Spazju Kreattiv hosts the Master of Fine some software and started composing and producing
Arts Exhibition which showcases the final projects of music leading to opportunities such as her debut single
the student cohort following the MFA in Digital Arts E.T. being chosen by fashion's favorite sound director
degree programme organised by the Department of Michel Gaubert to soundtrack the first ever Animal
Digital Arts at the University of Malta. As a graduate Crossing digital fashion show, hosted by Vogue.
show, the body of work is the culmination of practice
directed research and this year each student will At the moment, Spazju Kreattiv is holding monthly
make use of a variety of technologies combined online information sessions titled IKKREA for all
with multiple materials and processes such as creatives from all across the cultural sphere. These
photography, 3D printing, videography, sculpture and sessions are run by Spazju Kreattiv’s very own
mixed media installations in order to communicate programming team and it’s a way for creatives to
the meaning of their artwork. meet up and discuss their prospective projects.
Spazju Kreattiv will be hosting the MCAST Institute Within the same remit, these sessions provide
of Creative Arts Festival (ICA) in which an annual information on the strategic vision and more
exhibition by MCAST’s Institute for the Creative Arts importantly give insight into what you can expect
will be put up, with the website becoming an archive when working with Spazju Kreattiv. This ongoing
in which you learn more about these projects and the process allows Spazju Kreattiv to virtually network
people involved behind the scenes. and connect with creatives within the cultural sector.
The same treatment applies to theatre performances. So, what’s going to happen when all of this is over?
One might be sceptical and question how a performance While Spazju Kreattiv continues to champion this hybrid
can be done for screen. Let’s just say there’s a sweet method for the arts, it’s also essential to note that one
spot (and, also teamwork involved). They Blew Her Up by does not replace the other, it’s merely a relationship
Herman Grech, at the end of February, is a testament where one boosts the other. Projects which have had a
that when film and theatre meet, both can be done in physical presence before, are now being enjoyed by a
a unique way for one not to trump the other. And, this wider audience both locally and internationally.
hybrid relationship pushed Maltese theatre into an
international sphere, something Maltese theatre hasn’t www.kreattivita.org
achieved digitally before.
05
Guilhem Desq
ENCORE > FESTIVALS MALTA
For an arts world reeling from the sudden impact and health authorities,” explains Festivals Malta CEO,
limitations of COVID-19, the switch from live to virtual Annabelle Stivala.
performance – and often, no performance at all –
was, by necessity, practically immediate. Indeed, like “Artistic Director Ruben Zahra, alongside the
others around the globe, the 2020 edition of the Festivals Malta team and our artistic advisors
Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) was held Francesca Tranter and Marc Cabourdin, has planned
exclusively online. a hybrid programme that celebrates different art
forms, with a focus on promoting local talent as well
Now, as the measures surrounding the pandemic are as collaborations with international artists.’
gradually lifted, the possibility of the return of live
arts performance moves ever closer, with this year’s MIAF does not only “programme” events but also
edition of the long-running arts festival leading the “curates” new productions. This strategy creates new
way. The ambitious MIAF 2021 hybrid programme collaborations, fosters interdisciplinary expression
presents live public events as well as online video and connects local talent with international artists.
productions by both local and international artists. A good example of this approach is MAD (Music &
Festivals Malta is pioneering what it means to safely Dance) - a residency programme by dance artists
produce cultural events in keeping with the continued Gaby Davies and Pamela Kerr leading to three new
measures against COVID-19. choreographies set to piano works by Theodore
Antoniou, Béla Bartók and Olivier Messiaen. The
“The past 12 months have been challenging in terms music will be performed live by Konstantinos
of planning events. Nevertheless, Festivals Malta has Destounis - a young Greek virtuoso who has been
adopted a formula whereby multiple scenarios are invited to present concerts in prestigious venues
prepared to fit the current measures indicated by the around the world including the Royal Albert Hall in
Moveo Dance Company
07
ENCORE > FESTIVALS MALTA
distinctive timbre on movie soundtracks. One good
example is the title track of the TV series Black Sails.
The hurdy-gurdy is a medieval instrument played by
turning a crank which rotates a wheel acting like a
violin bow. The Maltese public can now appreciate
the live performance of this instrument through a
vibrant performance which embraces a wide variety
of genres including traditional European folk, Middle-
Eastern music, contemporary rock, hip-hop, electro,
heavy metal, and house.
London, the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, the Llewellyn
Hall in Canberra, and the Glocke Saal in Bremen. In 2020 most of the festivals around the world had
Similarly, MOVEO Dance Company will present a new to shift to an online platform and MIAF took on
choreography by Italian dance artist Sara Accettura the challenge producing 12 video productions of
set to the music of Steve Reich performed by the commissioned new work. One of the highlights of the
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) under the baton 2020 online edition of MIAF was a new arrangement
of Czech conductor Pavel Šnajdr. by Kris Spiteri of the Maltese classic Kemm Hu
Sabiħ performed my MPO musicians and sung by 17
The MIAF 2021 is set to kickstart on June 18 with different local singers, portraying a wonderful collage
Guilhem Desq - a truly unique musician from France. of voices evoking unity and solidarity. This truly
Desq has been nicknamed the ‘Hendrix of the hurdy- stunning video by Three Wise Men Productions reached
gurdy’ … and although we may not be familiar with over 15,000 views in 2020. As a result, this year, MIAF
the name of this instrument we’ve all experienced its is working with the same team to produce yet another
Konstantinos Destounis
08Video shoot of Fejn il-Bahar - Photo by Ruben Zahra
music video of the classic Down by the Water by The Forever is a family-friendly performance which
Characters in its Maltese version under the title presents excerpts from all of Beethoven’s nine
Fejn il-Baħar. symphonies, accompanied by customised digital
animation. Actor Chris Dingli will take the audience
“The online video format is a highly creative medium, on an exciting journey through some of the most
when used artistically,” explains MIAF artistic memorable symphonic passages in Western classical
director Ruben Zahra, “We decided to include new music, accompanied by a narrative of illustrations
video productions in this year’s edition of the festival created by Julian Malia and animated by
whereby each production is curated, directed, Malcolm Ricci.
filmed and edited as an artwork not merely as
video documentation of a performance.” The MIAF “During the selection process to curate MIAF, I am
collaboration with ŻfinMalta will present three new scouting for innovation, artistic excellence as well as
videos with choreographies set to contemporary accessibility,” concludes Zahra. “MIAF challenges the
chamber works by Philip Glass, Scott McAlistair and audience with innovative productions. We invite the
Makiko Kinoshita. The music for these three videos is audience to join us on an exciting and eclectic journey
performed by MPO musicians who shall also present which may take you out of your comfort zone ... but
the repertoire in a live chamber music concert that will certainly captivate and entertain.”
together with other compositions by Joseph Vella,
Veronique Vella and Krzysztof Penderecki. The Malta International Arts Festival is organised
by Festivals Malta. For more details and a full
The programming for the MIAF is driven by artistic programme, visit www.festivals.mt
excellence with an inclusive approach that embraces
all demographics. The new production Beethoven
0910
ENCORE > MALTI
Malta aktarx li hu l-uniku pajjiż fid-dinja fejn in-nies kuntenti nilludu ruħna li dawn il-karattri huma
donnhom li neħħew minn moħħhom u minn ħajjithom tagħna, meta fil-fatt m'humiex. F’dawn l-aħħar snin
kważi kull tifkira tal-karattri tal-fantasija li jeżistu qed isiru sforzi biex forsi jirnexxielna naħtfu lil dawn
fil-lingwa u l-kultura tagħhom. Kważi kważi jkollok il-karattri minn xifer l-abbiss tal-estinzjoni, u minflok
aptit tgħid li dan għamluh apposta – għax dawn il- jintilfu għal dejjem, jitlibbsu libsa ġdida li tgħodd
karattri kienu jinħassu wisq ta’ żmien in-Nanna Gerit għal żmienna. Nagħmluha ċara li min qed jagħmel
u kien ħaqqhom jitwarrbu u jintremew. Forsi tistaqsu: dax-xogħol ma jemminx bil-Ħares u bl-Għefieret,
X’karattri huma? Ejja nsemmu ftit minnhom: nanna imma jaf li dawn huma wirt kulturali tagħna wkoll, u
għula, il-ħares, l-għafrit, il-għul, l-ors tal-gandlora, m’għandhomx jintremew.
it-tork tat-taraġ, il-waħx, ir-ruħ, il-fatat, il-belliegħa,
il-ġganti, il-gawgaw, is-serp tas-seba’ rjus, ir-raġel Riċerka fuq it-tagħrif storiku li jista’ jinġabar fuq
tat-tiben, il-mingħul u l-mniegħel. dawn il-karattri qed issir ukoll. Imma forsi l-aħjar
mod ta’ kif terġa’ tagħti l-ħajja lil dan il-fenominu hu
Ħaddieħor għandu l-fairies, u l-pixies, u lil Superman, permezz tal-komiks. F’Malta, minkejja li kien hemm
u lil Batman, u lil Father Christmas, u lil La Befana, sforzi matul is-snin biex jinħarġu l-komiks, donnu
u lil Pinokkjo, u l-Drakula, u l-Frankenstein, u aħna xorta jinħass vojt fil-qasam tagħhom. Hawnhekk
1112
ENCORE > MALTI
għandna f’moħħna il-komiks bil-Malti, għax l-interess
fil-comics bl-Ingliż, f’pajjiżna hu kbir ħafna. Hu ta’
swied il-qalb li tinnota li kull meta l-Malti jintelaq lura
u jieħu nifs qawwi biex jistrieħ ftit u jieħu daqsxejn
pjaċir, l-affarijiet li jagħtuh gost ma tantx issibhom
jitkellmu bil-Malti. Li jrid isir hu li jinħoloq univers
mibni biss mill-fantasija, fejn il-karattri tal-fantasija
Maltin ikunu jistgħu jiltaqgħu, jkellmu lil xulxin,
jaqsmu l-ħidma bejniethom, u jinġiebu jew jiġġieldu
bejniethom skont il-bżonn.
hemm l-Għewiel. L-Għewiel għandhom ħafna arja
Bħalma jgħidu: M’hemm xejn ġdid taħt il-kappa tax- f’Bufies, għax qegħdin tagħhom f’tagħhom u huma
xemx, u din l-idea ta’ univers fittizju mimli karattri ħaġa waħda man-natura. Mn’alla jkun is-Saħħar
tal-fantasija jilgħabu flimkien diġa wettquha l-kulturi Falzun, li hu l-Ħakem, is-Sultan, u l-Mula ta’ Bufies,
ta’ pajjiżi oħra. DC Univers. Marvel Univers. Imma u li jrażżan l-Għewiel u ma jħallihomx jisfrattaw.
billi aħna jkollna tagħna wkoll, se taqa’ d-dinja tgħid? Bilħaqq - Falzun isikket ir-ragħad u jraqqad l-irjieħ, u
jifhem il-kwiekeb u l-qamar fis-smewwiet.
Galea u Gatt spiċċaw biex ħolqu mhux univers wieħed,
imma tnejn. Ġużi Gatt inħeba taħt l-isem Bin Għisa, u Imma tinsewx li l-Gawgaw ried isib lill-Imlejka,
Mikiel Galea sar Il-Barba Kieli. Galea ħoloq il-grupp li kienet sparixxiet. Allura l-Gawgaw iltaqa’ mal-
Kranium, u Gatt fassal is-sensiela tal-Gawgaw u Mistoqsija – li hi oħt il-Għerf, u din qaltlu ħaġa
l-Imlejka. F’dan l-artiklu se nitkellmu biss fuq id- moħġaġa. Il-Gawgaw mar ifittex liż-Żmien biex
dinja fittizja li tinkludi fiha lill-Gawgaw u l-Imlejka. jitolbu parir. Hu u sejjer ltaqa’ mal-Għawġ, imma
Din id-dinja qed tissejjaħ It-Tliet Saltniet Mewwija. ma beżgħax minnu. Tah daqqtejn u ħallieh tal-post.
U Gatt jinsisti li dawn is-saltniet tista’ tfittixhom u Il-Gawgaw beda jtella’ u jniżżel x’għandu jagħmel u
ssibhom fil-garigori ta’ moħħok. x’kien il-pass li jmiss; imma bla ma jaf kif ġiet fuqu
l-Imħabba, li tiġi oħt il-Ġenn, u din miskina, allavolja
Il-Gawgaw joqgħod fis-sular ta’ fuq ta’ blokk bini għamja, kienet hi li urietu kif jagħmel biex jasal
għoli, fi triq ġo belt li tixbaħ ħafna lill-Belt Valletta, għand is-Saħħar Falzun.
imma mingħajr il-karozzi pparkjati u l-wires tal-
elettriku. F’kull lejl tal-Milied il-Gawgaw joħroġ Naħseb daqshekk biżżejjed għax inkella tistordu.
mis-sodda, jaqbeż mit-tieqa, u jtir u jissiefaħ fuq S’issa ħarġu erba’ strixxikli; jiġifier erba’ faxxikli;
id-djar tal-belt. F’dar minnhom isib il-Ħares, li hu jiġifieri erba’ partijiet mill-istorja tal-Gawgaw u din
Għul daqsxejn ikrah, b’wiċċ qisu ta’ kelb, imma li l-istorja fiha ħames partijiet. Tibżgħux. Min jistenna
jinġieb ħafna mal-Gawgaw, għax il-Gawgaw mhux jithenna. Xi darba jkunu lesti l-ħamsa.
raġel bħall-oħrajn, imma hu Mibdul. Il-Ħares jibgħat
lill-Gawgaw ifittex lill-Imlejka, għax din tkun għebet, L-eħfef mod ta’ kif tara x’qed isir hu li tidħol fil-
imma rawha l-aħħar fil-Palazz ta’ Bedud. Bedud li paġna tal-FaceBook imsejħa Komiks tas-Sikkina.
hu r-Rajjes tas-Sħaħar tas-Setta, u dan Bedud ikollu Hemmhekk tista’ tiftaħ u tara l-erba’ strixxikli,
miegħu, bħala għassiesa, lill-Ors tal-Gandlora u paġna paġna, mill-bidu al-aħħar. F’dan l-istess
lit-Tork tat-Taraġ - żewġ Uħux koroh u ta’ minn post għandek issib ukoll l-istejjer ta’ Piju s-Surġent,
jibża’ minnhom. karatturu ieħor maħluq minn Gatt. Mhux biss, imma
hemm ukoll l-Univers l-ieħor li ħoloq il-Barba Kieli
Il-Gawgaw ġie fl-idejn mal-Ors tal-Gandlora, u dan – jiġifieri l-istejjer tal-Grupp Kranium. Meta ssib
spiċċa biex tefa’ lill-Gawgaw mit-taraġ għal isfel. minuta ċans idħol f’din il-paġna u tista’ tara kollox
Imma ma ġara xejn, għax il-Palazz ta’ Bedud jinfed bil-kwiet u għall-affari tiegħek.
ma’ Bufies, li hu t-tieni Saltna Mewwija. Bufies
hu post sabiħ ħafna, għax qisu Għawdex qabel ma Tista’ wkoll tibgħat ittra f’dan l-indirizz elettroniku:
l-Maltin saru jafu bil-gafef u l-bullbożers. Imma biex ggatt77@hotmail.com. U jekk ikollu aptit, iwieġbek
tasal f’dal post hemm ġibda; hemm ħafna bogħod. Ġużi Gatt u forsi ssibu mod ta’ kif int tista’ takkwista
F’Bufies ftit li xejn hemm bini. Hemm ħafna ħdura, kopja stampata tal-istejjer li tagħżel. Tinsiex li dawn
għoljiet u widien, u wileġ imtarrġa b’ħafna raba’ l-istrixxikli huma mmirati lejn udjenza ta’ minn sittax-
saqwi. Terġa’ u tgħid li f’Bufies m’hemmx nies; imma il sena ‘il fuq.
13ENCORE > BOV THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS DEFINED A UNIQUE YEAR, CAUSING HUGE DISRUPTIONS IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES AND WREAKING HAVOC ON TWO HIGHLY IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE ECONOMY, THE CULTURAL AND CREATIVE SECTORS Museums and heritage sites have spent the greater part of last year with ‘Closed Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic’ signs hanging on their entrances, and in the few weeks they were open, saw a minimal influx of visitors due to the lack of tourism and the fear of contagion. The same can be said for concerts, art exhibitions and a myriad of other artistic and cultural initiatives that have become fixtures in Malta’s rich cultural calendar. The cultural sector faced a stark dilemma: innovate, or die. Luckily for us, the majority chose the former. As a very active and responsible citizen within the Maltese community, Bank of Valletta moved even closer to its partners in the sector to assist them in their survival and to emerge stronger from the pandemic. Together, we have experienced the Malta Together Festival and Joseph Calleja’s Christmas and Easter contributions on national television and social media, while artists have been regenerating themselves and using the experiences gained during the pandemic to enrich their repertoires and add new layers of drama that will surely engage the audiences in new ways when we can eventually return to theatres, concert halls and exhibition venues among others. The Patrons of our Heritage, namely Heritage Malta, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and Nature Trust among others have not been sitting idle. The downtime is being used to restore and acquire artefacts and improving visitor experience when they eventually return. At Bank of Valletta, we are partners in numerous projects with these organisations and others, that will definitely have the history buffs rushing to these new experiences once it is safe to do so. Culture and Heritage are the basis of our Communities, both on a local as well as on a global perspective. Although among the hardest hit by the pandemic, they will rise again, stronger than ever, a collective effort from the sector, the public and the sponsors to continue to mould and model our society for years to come. 14
ENCORE > MERLIN PUBLISHERS
WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK
AWARD WHEN FIRST RELEASED,
TREVOR ŻAHRA’S COLLECTION OF
QUIRKY STORIES IS NOW AVAILABLE
IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
AS VESPERS
What do you do when you’re stuck in traffic? Fiddle Vespers was such a joy to read and such a critical
with the car radio? Listen to the banter of DJs, or … and popular success that it earned the author his
study the driver of the car next to you until you umpteenth National Book Award. Now, a few years
obsess with her and end up following her around in later, it has been translated into English by seasoned
the streets? translator Clare Vassallo and is available as Vespers
to make Żahra’s writing accessible to English-
This is exactly what happens in a short story in language readers.
Vespers - Trevor Żahra’s award-winning short story
collection - when traffic goes to the narrator’s head, Vassallo’s beautiful translation is sensitive to the
he starts chasing around a Nissan Terrano with the original, preserving the flow, the music and the magic
number plate JES-010, driven by a platinum of Żahra’s inimitable writing. Vassallo - Professor
blonde girl. within the University of Malta’s Department of
Translation, Terminology and Interpreting Studies
Żahra’s short stories paint out a delightful - skilfully captured Żahra’s tongue-in-cheek play
conglomeration of characters and situations from with words, and the almost breathtaking pace of his
everyday life, touching upon different themes such writing, that make of this book another remarkable
as sex, music and death. Each character comes to reading experience.
life when an odd curiosity, a harmless observation or
a weak trait is spun into a tale. And which is why in Now anyone who reads in English – whether because
Vespers we explore a blind marriage, a letter posted they don’t read Maltese or simply because they prefer
to a tombstone, and playing on a piano which has to read in English – can enjoy some of Malta’s best
no sound. literary talent. Vespers, the English translation, is
available from all bookshops or online directly from
The collection is a play on the senses: you can smell www.merlinpublishers.com with free postage to Malta
the whiff of suntan lotion in Ambra Solare; listen to and Gozo.
the musical sound of Spanish in Love in the Time
of Cholera; the sense of touch in Fifty Shades; the Trevor Żahra: Vespers translated by Clare Vassallo,
emptiness in The Robin; and the visual imagery in Merlin Publishers, 2021, 336 pp. €14
Invisible and Redhead.
15SORĠI by Anna Horvath
ENCORE > ARTS COUNCIL MALTA
In a world still struggling with the impact of the “The spread of COVID-19 has temporarily made travel
COVID-19 pandemic, Malta’s artists – alongside those more difficult,” continues Delia. “However, it has also
in many other countries – have felt its effects keenly. given digital cultural exchanges an enormous boost.
Where once there were opportunities to learn from The strategy shall also address this, encouraging
international artists and to showcase the work of artists to exchange their work not just physically,
the local art scene’s rising stars to a wider audience but also digitally. Likewise, its objectives are closely
overseas, practically overnight, the arts world all but aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals,
closed its doors. offering a deeper understanding across cultures
and trust across borders for Maltese citizens, with
But in necessity, as they say, comes invention. In potential spill-over effects into other sectors such as
the face of tremendous adversity, artists have made nation-branding, development, tourism and trade.”
a revolution out of their own evolution, finding new Key to ACM’s internationalisation efforts is also a
avenues to promote their work digitally and inspiring series of projects aimed at offering a platform to
creative paths that may otherwise have gone promote and foster learning opportunities for artists
unexplored. And as they have thus transformed the abroad. Currently, two such projects are underway
industry, artistic institutions such as Arts Council in New York – and are taking place despite the
Malta (ACM) have found new ways to support them in challenges presented by the pandemic, which prohibit
the endeavour. both artists to physically travel to the United States.
Indeed, ACM’s Internationalisation Strategy has The first was an open call, co-organised and
adapted to the current circumstances brought about presented by ACM in New York together with
by COVID-19 adding on to most of its initiatives the the Polish Cultural Institute New York and other
opportunity for artists to collaborate and share their European Union National Institutes for Culture
work internationally also through digital means, (EUNIC) New York cluster members, in partnership
as well as focusing also on the green deal and with WantedDesign. In ECO Solidarity – a New York
sustainability. opportunity for Maltese designers, Maltese and
Malta-based designers and design brands were
“Through Arts Council Malta’s initiatives and funding challenged to present a new product or concept that
programmes, we aspire to have Maltese creative offers new sustainable solutions focused on ecology,
practitioners working on a level playing field with climate change or public wellbeing, in alignment
international creatives,” explains Romina Delia, with the Green New Deal. This multidisciplinary
ACM’s Internationalisation Associate. “In the years design initiative seeks unity and solidarity through
to come, we wish to strengthen our connection with sustainability-conscious design and architecture,
the overseas artistic community, not just to showcase particularly in the era of COVID-19.
Maltese artistic works abroad, but also to further
develop international networking, collaborations The selected designer, Anna Horvath, is participating
and exchanges. Through this, we believe that Malta’s in a virtual trade show, product launch, brand or
cultural and creative sectors can sustain growth and project presentation, panel discussions and an online
development.” exhibition on the WantedDesignnyc.com platform.
All events included within this unique opportunity
The internationalisation strategy aims to build will feature the guidance and input of European and
transnational cultural partnerships that will not only New York City-based designers, manufacturers,
showcase Malta’s artistic talent globally, but also journalists, professionals in the field of design and
help the local community to flourish with new ideas academics from a range of different disciplines.
and skillsets. While it is linked to the ACM’s goal of “As Malta strives to become more sustainable,
professionalising the arts sector through creating artists like Anna Horvath can pave the way towards
the right conditions to make the work sustainable sustainable products and practices in areas that
and the industry more resilient, the new strategy could easily be overlooked,” explains Delia. “Her
will also address the fresh prevalence of digital arts project, Sorġi, an outdoor furniture collection for
networking in a pandemic-adaptive world. public spaces, is testament to that. Every piece is
17Romina Delia, Internationalisation Associate at Arts Council Malta
ENCORE > ARTS COUNCIL MALTA
Digital Residency “UN/MUTE-10002”
made of recycled construction waste, contributing to that is not simply the merger of two ideas, but
the need for tangible solutions for the sheer amount something new.”
of discarded materials, thus promoting circularity and
raising awareness on environmental issues across a And it is this manifestation of original ideas in unique
larger audience.” collaborations, alongside the numerous benefits of
a boosted global network for Malta’s artists, which
While Horvath’s work is set to be featured in two signals the upward trajectory of success for ACM’s
events this year as part of ECO Solidarity – namely internationalisation strategy that is set to continue
CLOSEUP in May and WantedDesign Manhattan from through additional projects, as Delia concludes.
June to August – another New York project will “Through ACM, Malta is soon going to be participating
further progress ACM’s internationalisation strategy. in various other international projects that will offer
Virtual residency UN/MUTE-10002 was an open call for similar opportunities to the local artistic community
a Maltese artist to work with a New York-based artist. at prestigious events, such as the International Art
Co-organised and presented by ACM in New York Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, the London Design
and facilitated and hosted by Undercurrent Gallery in Biennale, the Salzburg Global Forum for Young
Brooklyn, this EUNIC New York cluster event focused Cultural Innovators, as well as several other EUNIC
on nurturing a transatlantic, cross-discipline artistic and IETM [International Network for Contemporary
collaboration to create a new and unique work of art Performing Arts] events planned worldwide.
via a three-month virtual residency.
Through the strategy, Malta’s artists are gaining
“Artist Aaron Bezzina, who was selected to participate more experience in an international professional
in this online residency, believes that all artist environment, while exchanging experience and
residencies have some effect on the work produced expertise as they create and share their work on a
during that time, and that this particular residency global level.”
will be different, since it will be digital,” Delia
elaborates. “On this occasion, the process has to be More information about Arts Council Malta and its
liaised with the other counterpart, another artist, internationalisation strategy can be found online at
in a virtual space that could manifest something www.artscouncilmalta.org.
19ENCORE > SOUNDSCAPES
The composition of the seated Madonna
cradling the corpse of Christ emerges out of the
darkness accompanied by a Gregorian chant
lament. Is this new production by composer
and video artist Ruben Zahra a re-enactment of
Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture? ... Far from it!
Photos by Emma Tranter
20ENCORE > SOUNDSCAPES
As extraneous electronic beats throb the figures to Throughout the choreography we follow dancers
life we realise that the genders are reversed. “A most Julia Lundberg and Chakib Zidi as they explore their
extraordinary juxtaposition of roles with a female relationship through a wide range of emotions,
Christ and male Virgin based of Michelangelo’s from tender embrace to raw sensuality. Lundberg
magnificent sculpture that puts all other Pietas in the is perfectly cast in her role, her long hair working
shade,” writes artist Kenneth Zammit Tabona. Zahra’s in perfect cohesion with the choreography as
La Pietà is a videodance production which was intended the impeccably-executed movements leave her
to premiere at Spazju Kreattiv as a video installation on sometimes hidden, protected from the viewer, and
March 11. Unfortunately due to the COVID lockdown, at other times vulnerable, exposed, her nude form
viewing the project on site was not possible. However almost reminiscent of the Carrara marble that made
Zahra launched the project on his YouTube channel the Pietà so famous. Zidi likewise shows his fettle
and made it available to audiences online. as a dancer, reeling us in from what would normally
be viewed as a ‘limited’ position that turns out to be
Zahra admits that the concept behind this piece had anything but. Both dancers rise to the occasion of
been intriguing him for years. “In Michelangelo Pietà what is a technically-challenging choreography to
the Madonna seems to be younger than her son,” he execute. The latter is devised by Francesca Tranter,
explains, “Furthermore, the Christ figure is portrayed an imaginative piece that re-confirms Tranter’s
as a beautiful athletic nude with no hint of torture. The mastery and her ability to move beyond pre-conceived
male figure seems to be peacefully resting, stretched ideas of contemporary choreography.
across her lap with the hint of a smile. If you suspend
the religious narrative, you realise that we have a The soundtrack was composed by Zahra in 2019
sculpture of a beautiful young couple.” under the title “Alleluia”, contrasting classical a
This videodance
project jolts the
viewer to reflect
beyond traditional
conventions
22cappella (SATB) chant with a rhythmic contemporary One should also add that Zahra was directly involved
piano score performed by Tricia Dawn Williams. As in every aspect of this project; he composed the
the music develops, the patterns on the piano are music, directed the dancers and edited the footage.
accompanied by a backtrack of electronic pulses and The protagonists of the performance are dancers
glitches - reflected in the choreography. Julia Lundberg and Chakib Zidi ... and yet “light” is so
crucial to the visual narrative of this piece that it can
Undoubtedly, this production is as much of a almost be considered as a third “character”. Light
departure from the religious tradition, imbued in designer Moritz Zavan Stoeckle spent over 5 hours
the collective consciousness, as can be. Zahra is not “sculpting” the chiaroscuro profile for this routine
seeking to deliver any specific message through his which is just over 5 minutes in duration. Other artists
work. He is driven by visual poetry rather than by involved in this project include videographer Sam
controversy. “Every person who encounters my work Chetcuti, costume designer Ritienne Zammit and
will inevitably come up with his/her own narrative. makeup artist Jackie Grima.
The aesthetic impact of reversing the male and
female characters on Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture Sacred art usually resides within very orthodox
came to me a few years ago … and kept haunting boundaries. Even though Zahra is primarily
me ever since. So in my interpretation, the youthful concerned with the artistic attribute of his work, this
male in Mary’s monumental drapery cradles a videodance project jolts the viewer to reflect beyond
beautiful female nude on his lap. The girl, just like traditional conventions.
Michelangelo’s Christ, does not reveal any sign of
torment. Throughout the choreography, the couple is View Zahra’s La Pietà videodance project on:
intertwined in a loving relationship” he claims. www.youtube.com/rubenzahra
23Step into summer with ŻfinMalta in Valletta’s iconic outdoor theatre, Pjazza Teatru
Rjal. Girls & Boys, by award-winning choreographer Roy Assaf, turns gender dynamics
and roles on their head in a performance that is at once playful and provocative
To mark the end of the cooler seasons, and a period As Assaf describes the work:
in time that has been challenging at a collective level,
ŻfinMalta is ushering audiences back into theatres Five girls in black, on a narrow white floor,
with the restaging of this major work by renowned dancing a dance, exposing themselves to
Israeli choreographer Roy Assaf. Following weeks stubborn cliches of femininity, which appear at
of intensive rehearsals with Assaf and his team, every turn. Voices go up to please, to protest,
ŻfinMalta’s company dancers will remind us of what to pacify. Gestures are minimal, flirtatious, as
it means to experience dance as a live audience. And if taken from the catalogue of male fantasy.
to make the transition easier – as we get comfortable Kisses are thrown into the air, legs are spread,
with being together in public cultural venues again – tushes rock from side to side – like men love.
Girls & Boys premieres as a collaboration with Pjazza
Teatru Rjal, Valletta’s beautiful open-air theatre. Five boys in black, on a narrow white floor,
dancing a dance. Exposing themselves, too.
Through the potent language of choreography, Assaf Voices go up to plead, to berate, to pacify.
highlights some of the attributes that make us Gestures are temperamental, familiar, as
human and how they are imposed upon the gender if taken from the cards of human history.
binary roles of masculine and feminine. Girls & Boys Punches are thrown into the air, chests are
opens up our perception of each gender through its puffed, legs drilled in a left-right-left march
relationship to the other. – like men love.
24ENCORE > ŻFINMALTA
Boys can be boys can be girls can be boys, 2010, and his impressive CV includes venues and
Girls can be girls can be boys can be girls, festivals such as Théâtre National de Chaillot, Jacob’s
can be both can be neither and should be Pillow, Bolzano Danza, Pavillon Noir, Biennale di
respected, regardless. More than a comment Venezia, and the 17th Biennale de la Danse in Lyon,
on gender stereotypes, or the current fluidity while he has created new work for the Los Angeles
of gender roles, Girls & Boys targets the Dance Project (LADP), The Royal Swedish Ballet,
‘brainwashing’ of males and females about Batsheva Dance Company, Göteborgs Operans Dans
how they should think, speak, dress and act. Kompani, The Juilliard School, Ballet de Capitole, and
Staatstheater Mainz. Don’t let this rare opportunity to
Five women and five men are gathered here in see Assaf’s work performed in Malta pass you by.
a complicated dialogue, with the expectations
of society sitting invisibly, mightily, inescapably “As a repertory company and the National Dance
upon their shoulders. Company, it is critical for ŻfinMalta to expand its
repertoire with works by choreographers of Assaf’s
Born in 1982 in the farming community of Sde Moshe ilk, who are either established or fast making a name
in the south of Israel, Assaf’s formal training began for themselves on the international dance stage. Thus,
at 16 with Regba Gilboa in Kiryat Gat. Following exposing the company dancers to a range of techniques
compulsory service in the Israel Defence Forces, and influences vital to their own professional
he returned to dance in 2003 with choreographer development.” Paolo Mangiola, Artistic Director
Emanuel Gat, touring worldwide as both performer
and choreographic assistant for the remainder of The performance takes place on June 18/19/20 at 9:30pm
the decade. Assaf has worked independently since at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. Tickets: kultura.mt
25FOR OVER A DECADE, THERE’S BEEN AN EDUCATION PROGRAMME THAT HAS STOOD OUT FOR ITS
CONSISTENCY AND ACCESSIBILITY - THIS PROGRAMME IS TOI TOI, THE LEARNING WING OF
TEATRU MANOEL. PROGRAMME MANAGER KATE FENECH FIELD OFFERS MORE INSIGHT
Toi Toi is Teatru Manoel's education programme, a Fenech Field explains that: “Literally tens of
wing that has been active since 2010, now managed thousands of children and their families have come
by Kate Fenech Field. “Toi Toi’s role as the National through our doors over the past decade. That first
Theatre Learning Programme is to spark creativity experience of live theatre, be it music, drama or
starting with the very young,” Fenech Field starts off. dance, stays with a child forever, which is why it’s so
Since it began, over a decade ago, Toi Toi has important to get it right each and every time.”
produced a plethora of educational performances,
devised pieces, recitals for all age groups and Toi Toi encourages engagement and learning through
top youth training programmes. As an education involvement, meaning most of their performances
programme, Toi Toi reaches out to audiences in a at the Studio Theatre are done in a way that allows
variety of ways, either as a platform for aspiring children and their families to participate, and play an
artists, or through weekly entertainment on the active role in the story telling. Fenech Field enthuses:
Studio Theatre stage at Teatru Manoel for children “We like to think that everyone who comes to Toi Toi
of all ages and their families, or as a way to connect learns through taking part in the action together.
older audiences with performing arts. Learning by doing!”
26ENCORE > TEATRU MANOEL
It is a common misconception that, as an education The aim of these training programmes is to provide
programme, Toi Toi is only aimed at children. Since professional guidance, as well as quality and
its inception, Toi Toi has been committed to reaching affordable performing arts education. Through
out to a variety of audiences. Toi Toi’s work with TMYT, students have the opportunity to experience
senior audiences is just as important to the education all round production work, and the chance to be
programme and acknowledges the ‘lasting impact’ that part of productions from idea generation to stage.
the arts have on people of all ages. TMYO, on the other hand, offers intensive training
with experienced singing coaches, as well as
The work with senior audiences has brought solace operatic experiences for aspiring singers.
and entertainment to elderly home residents, running
several projects for the elderly. “One of these is the The two programmes have proven to be a
award-winning Charlotte Stafrace and her excellent significant stepping stone for artists interested in
work with dementia sufferers,” Fenech Field adds. a professional career within the sector both locally
and overseas.
The programme branches out extensively with Toi Toi’s
mission to introduce audiences to a variety of theatrical, Both programmes give aspiring performers the
musical and movement genres, from gentle classical chance to work alongside local industry giants,
instrumental music performances for babies to pop- which culminate in a performance on the National
rock concerts for teens. Aside from this, Toi Toi offers Theatre stage, that holds enough magic and
training for younger performers, through Teatru Manoel importance in itself.
Youth Theatre (TMYT) and Teatru Manoel Youth Opera
(TMYO).
Toi Toi BaRock Photo by Justin Mamo
27ENCORE > TEATRU MANOEL
Simon,” Fenech Field says, as she continues to
elaborate how the youth opera programme has also
been involved in a number of commissioned works.
“This included an opera composed by Tom Armitage
with a libretto by Eddie Wildman, directed by Chris
Gatt, and the unforgettable Valletta 2018 Opera, Corto
Maltese: The Ballad of the Salty Sea, composed by
Monique Krüs with a libretto and directed by Corina
Van Eijk”.
The legacy and effect of TMYT and TMYO can be
witnessed through its alumni, many of whom have
gone on to become prominent and professional
artists locally and internationally. In Fenech Field’s
words, this is a legacy to be proud of. “Seeing artists
whom we have helped train go on to direct, write
and produce work, including devising Toi Toi shows,
Kate Fenech Field Photo by Justin Mamo passes the mantle onto the next generation, Toi Toi’s
legacy is alive and well.”
“TMYT has worked directly with Denise Mulholland, The programme has managed to mobilise many
Ian Moore, Anthony Edridge, Michael Richardson, aspiring artists to pursue their craft professionally
Simon Sharkey, Les Enfants Terribles and Eugene and will continue to do so despite the limitations of
Il-Ħrafa tas-Soppa tal-Ġebel Photo by Elisa von Brockdorff
28Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre Photo by Justin Mamo
a pandemic. Throughout the past year Toi Toi has “The students devised the show around the
produced a variety of online adaptations of their work, Commedia dell’Arte concept and have been deeply
and a variety of online performances filmed in Teatru involved in marketing, poster design and developing
Manoel’s Studio Theatre. the piece from top to tail.” Another production they’re
currently working on is Climate Revolution at Esplora,
Connection forms a huge part of what makes Toi Toi a piece written, directed and performed by Amy
so unique, especially when it comes to the younger Grech, an alumna of TMYT.
and older audiences. Although not able to directly
connect with their audience and students at the Toi Toi will also be launching the Teatru Manoel Youth
moment, Toi Toi still keeps the importance of this Dance next season, providing training across the
connection in mind, finding new ways of engaging three main disciplines of performing arts.
people from home, be it through online rehearsals
with their students or online engaging performances. The importance of a programme like Toi Toi feels all
the more relevant and important during times like
“Audience participation and engagement is key to these, enabling the community, young and old, to
the success of our work and this has been felt most continue engaging with the arts, to be part of sharing
acutely during the pandemic period”. something together.
Looking ahead, Fenech Field hopes to see the Toi Toi helps to keep the Arts alive rain or shine.
productions that have been planned for this year
finally take the stage, such as, Pjazza Pastizzi.
29ENCORE > HOT TOPIC
WITH THE ADVENT OF BLOCKCHAIN AND DIGITAL TOKENS, ART HAS
ENTERED HITHERTO UNCHARTERED WATERS, ALLOWING ARTISTS TO PLACE
THEIR WORK ON THE GLOBAL STAGE. RAMONA DEPARES EXPLORES THE
CONTROVERSIES BEHIND THE RISE OF DIGITAL ART AND NFTS
CryptoPunk #7804 by Larva Labs
30ENCORE > HOT TOPIC
At first glance, the world of art and that of blockchain digital art is sold, they get a percentage of the profits.
may appear to be light years away from each other. In theory, an artist can make royalties from a piece
But this is the 21st century, when even the unlikeliest every single time it is sold. If this were a Picasso
of bed fellows may enter into a functional – albeit masterpiece, it would mean that the estate of Picasso
controversial – relationship. Enter ‘crypto art’, a term would receive a percentage of the profits with every
that might sound like an oxymoron at first, but that single sale.
has recently fast gained traction. Enough, in fact, to
grow into a multi-million dollar industry with a fully- The process for artists to get their works out there
fledged supporting infrastructure. is equally straightforward. Set up your e-wallet, pay
for your NFT (of course, there is a cost to acquiring
But what is crypto art, and what makes it such a hot copyright), place your work on one of the digital art
topic, polarising artists and art-lovers? After all, the marketplaces, and hope that somebody buys it.
line between physical and digital art has long been
blurred. Since the 1980s, when Harold Cohen’s and So far, you might think it’s all golden. After all, crypto
Andy Warhol’s experiments on computer art were art ensures that what makes the art special are the
accepted as bona fide by the Tate Museum, the validity artist and his original work, not the image itself.
of digital art encounters no debate, even from purists. Respected auction houses like Christie’s have given
its seal of approval, by selling works by the likes
So, what makes crypto art controversial? The of digital artist Beeple, in one particularly historic
answer to this is the way ownership, provenance and instance reaching a final bid of $69 million. The work
copyright are sealed, by means of a Non Fungible in question, titled Everydays – The First 5000 Days,
Token, or NFT in common parlance – hence, the represented a collage of 5,000 individual images
‘crypto’ part. The good news is that, if you’re like created every single day for over 13 years.
me and your eyes glaze over as soon as the word is
uttered, crypto art is a much less nebulous affair than But the bone of contention, for many art
cryptocurrency – although it is, in fact, built on the connoisseurs, is that the majority of marketplaces
same principles, with e-money one of the cogs that like Rarible and Open Sea have over-democratised
help it function. the process, setting the bar very low and essentially
flooding the market with an onslaught of low quality
Put simply, the NFT – a form of embedded digital work, memes, filters, basic 3D models, fan art and
signature – is your proof that what you’re holding/ the like. In order to attract buyers, you need to have
viewing is the original artwork. The artwork itself can built a strong following, and gems like Beeple, virtual
be replicated, by being downloaded, re-posted online reality artist Giant Swan and 3D artist Kathryn Blake
and even reproduced. However, the NFT is unique. are few and far between.
Essentially, this means that there can never be any
doubt whether a piece of art is the original or not. But this hasn’t stopped quasi-memes from being sold
For every piece of crypto art, there can only be one for what art critics claim to be ludicrous amounts of
legitimate owner at a time. Nifty, huh? money – such as the notorious CryptoPunks and the
animated giff of Nyan Cat which sold for $660,000 in
The logistics themselves are very easy to follow. a blockchain sale. The CryptoPunks are a collection
Digital art is acquired by means of cryptocurrency, of 24x24, 8-bit-style pixel art images of misfits
typically Ethereum. Once a transaction takes place, it and eccentrics.
is recorded on the Blockchain via multiple computers.
Every time a transfer happens, the new owner is There are exactly 10,000 of them, each with their
registered in the ultimate proof of purchase. Whoever own ostensible personality and unique combination
holds the NFT of a particular piece of art can use it as of distinctive, randomly generated features. As of
they wish, loaning it to museums, licensing the rights early April 2021, over 8,000 sales had been recorded
and re-selling, of course. But here’s where things get in the previous 12 months, with an average sale
even more interesting – the original artist can choose price of $30,412.40. The total value of all sales is
to include a condition that, whenever a piece of their $251,620,000) — and that value grows daily.
31ENCORE > HOT TOPIC
Bull Run by Beeple
32Nyan Cat by Christopher Torres
The question begs itself – does this really qualify as uses an inordinate amount of energy, which has led
an art auction? But believers in NFT are quick to reply to widespread condemnation from artists who are
with: who gets to decide what is, or is not, art? involved in sustainable activism.
Moreover, independent artists who don’t yet enjoy This was put in the spotlight after crypto artist Joanie
the support of a gallery are vociferous in their Lemercier, known for being a vocal climate activist,
praise, as digital marketplaces have opened up sold six NFT works for thousands of dollars. The
hitherto unavailable audiences for them. Although sale was responsible for the consumption of 8.7
my research is yet to unearth a Maltese artist who megawatt-hours of energy. It didn’t take Lemercier
has jumped on the crypto art bandwagon, this could long to be called out on his faux pas, leading the artist
potentially be a game-changer in terms of audience to cancel a second auction and to do a 180-degree
reach and work globalisation. turn on his position on crypto art.
And, for those who wouldn’t wish their works to Not long after, art platform ArtStation paused its
mingle with that of basic memesters, curated crypto art launch after being dropped by several
markets that will only accept select artists are artists for this very reason. Not to put too fine a
also available. Rarible and Nifty Gateway are two point on it, the carbon footprint resulting from one
of the most reputable, and an artist listing on single auction is the antithesis of the sustainability
either platform carries automatic cachet that some principles that currently drive many countries’
others lack. But criticism isn’t limited to market cultural strategy, including Malta.
flooding, or even the quality of the art – there’s an
even more heated argument currently raging, and So, are crypto art and NFT here to stay, and can
it’s related to the environment. Most crypto art we expect Maltese artists to join the wave anytime
marketplaces trade via Ethereum, which is one of soon? Sites like Cryptoart.WTF, which call out the
the strongest cryptocurrency units. Ethereum is worst environmental offenders and offer their own
produced via computer mining, in a process that is guide towards more sustainable crypto art, may help
similar to the creation of Bitcoin. Mining requires the market evolve into a more structured, curated and
a vast network of computers to use cryptography hopefully environmentally-friendly direction. But for now,
and ensure the security of transactions: the process it would appear that the only way for digital art is up.
33You can also read
