In this space, we explore the efforts behind organising the current exhibition, Shifting Contexts III on display at Spazju Kreattiv, through an insightful discussion with the curator TREVOR BORG. This research-driven project seeks to explore the pivotal role of art in responding to a rapidly evolving world and its contributions to contemporary discourse.
Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind choosing ‘Water’ as the theme for this edition of ‘Shifting Contexts III’? What significance does this theme hold in today’s rapidly changing world?
The theme of the third instalment of Shifting Contexts revolves around a very important substance – water. The project encourages reflections on this fluid matter which is vital to all forms of life on earth. As Veronica Strang (2004 p.4) argues “[w]ater is experienced and embodied both physically and culturally” and this resonates a lot with artistic practice. As an island state, Malta is surrounded by water and one can never be more than a few minutes away from the sea no matter where you are on the island. In the context of Malta, water is inescapable, therefore presenting multiple opportunities for creative exploration.
How do you envision the role of art in responding to global challenges, particularly through the lens of this exhibition?
The group of young artists and art collectives taking part in Shifting Contexts took the matter into their own hands and translated it into multiple artistic forms from painting to sculpture, video, interactive art, writing, performance and audiovisual installations, also incorporating Artificial Intelligence. They used water as a channel to communicate their ideas and preoccupations and to let their imagination flow throughout the exhibition halls at Spazju Kreattiv. Each artistic work in the exhibition responds to the theme differently, allowing us to engage with water in unimaginable ways.
Could you provide examples of how participating artists and collectives made use of practice-based research to explore the theme of water?
Following an initial call last year, all participating artists submitted a proposal and those whose proposal was selected continued to develop their artistic research over a number of months. As curator, I was overseeing the development of each work. All the initial ideas evolved conceptually and aesthetically so as to better respond to the theme and also to engage in a wider discourse with the other artistic projects and the spatial dynamics of the place. The entire project adopts a practice as research approach so different media have been used to explore the theme of water.
Collaboration is a key aspect of this edition. How are emerging artists encouraged to work together, and what benefits do you see arising from these collaborative practices?
While some of the participants submitted their proposal individually, others opted to join as a collective. Throughout the artistic research process, all participants were encouraged to consider the work of each other. Various artist networking meetings were held where participants discussed the development of their work and discovered what the others were doing.
In what ways do you think this exhibition can contribute to contemporary discourse in relation to water?
Art is not meant to provide answers. Art presents us with multiple views, many of which are often unthinkable, and this encourages us to question and to reflect more critically and creatively about the issue. While some of the work responds to water in its physical state, other work takes a completely different approach by transforming water into a metaphor through which other important issues could be explored.
What challenges have artists faced in interpreting and responding to the theme of water, and how have they overcome them?
Challenges, there were many – from aesthetic to logistical challenges. In the process of art making there is also a strong element of design as the two are inseparable. The entire process involves experimentation, problem-solving, decision-making, reflection and documentation. It is a cyclic process whereby chaos is rearranged and translated into meaningful artifacts.
As a curator, how do you approach the selection process for artworks in ‘Shifting Contexts III’? What criteria are most important to you when evaluating submissions?
The selection process is based on various criteria including the initial research carried out by the applicant/s, the strength and the quality of the proposal and the potential of that proposal to develop further in the process. Another aspect that is taken into consideration is how the proposal is set to respond to the chosen theme. The proposal has to be novel, as much as possible, and offer alternative perspectives that could open up the theme further.
Reflecting on the previous editions of ‘Shifting Contexts’, how has the exhibition evolved over time and what new dimensions or perspectives does the third edition bring to the ongoing conversation?
Compared to the previous two editions, the current iteration of Shifting Contexts further emphasises the practice as a research approach. As mentioned earlier, we have also introduced networking sessions to bring young artists together to encourage the sharing of ideas and future collaborations.
Why is it crucial for entities like Spazju Kreattiv and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ to collaborate together in organising ‘Shifting Contexts III’? How does this partnership enhance the exhibition’s impact and reach?
Spazju Kreattiv is concerned with the artistic content and with the direction of a prominent artistic space in Malta. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ provides the space where young people can meet and collaborate, encouraging dialogue and the sharing of ideas. The two entities together present an exceptional occasion to encourage and promote the work of young artists.
The artists participating are Aden Cacciattolo, Christabelle Mizzi, Clara Azzopardi, Elena Said with Neil Spiteri, Evan Demicoli, Francesca Mercieca, James Borg, Luke Bugeja Gauci and Liam Spiteri, Robin Izzy Cassar Fiott, Newl Collective (Mark Schembri, Sarah Zammit Munro and Sera Galea) and Sheldon Saliba
‘Shifting Context III’ is a collaborative project by Spazju Kreattiv and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. The exhibition is held in Space C, Spazju Kreattiv until the end of June. For further information visit www.kreattivita.org