/library/oar/handle/123456789/1708 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:31:56 GMT 2026-06-15T16:31:56Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146807 Title: The emergence of layers and structures in photography Abstract: This essay by Prof. Trevor Borg explores the multifaceted photographic practice of Joseph P. Smith as presented in his retrospective exhibition, STILL TIME (2026). Borg analyses how Smith constructs fluid narratives of "place" by blending documentary realism, ethnography, and geometric abstraction. The text examines the dual nature of photography to simultaneously reveal and conceal, transforming specific architectural, urban, and natural landscapes into tightly cropped, decontextualized layers of meaning. Drawing on spatial theories from thinkers like de Certeau, Lefebvre, and Sontag, Borg highlights how Smith's imagery captures everything from weathered, decaying vernacular spaces to structured contemporary architecture, ultimately inviting viewers to actively inhabit and reconstruct these visual narratives through their own imagination. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/146807 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/146806 Title: Practice, knowledge and collaboration Abstract: This graduation oration, delivered by Professor Trevor Borg at the University of Malta, explores the evolving landscape of contemporary art and design practice within higher education. Emphasizing "Practice as Research" (PaR), the address articulates how artistic production, material engagement, and creative making generate unique forms of qualitative, non-propositional knowledge. Professor Borg highlights the transformative power of cross-disciplinary collaboration, hybrid research methodologies, and the systemic role of productive experimentation and failure in institutional research frameworks. The text underscores the university's vital responsibility to cultivate flexible, safe, and reflexive environments that encourage students to embrace uncertainty, challenge normative assumptions, and contribute meaningfully to the broader knowledge economy. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/146806 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145416 Title: Resonant forms [Multimedia exposition] Authors: Galea, Matthew Abstract: This Exposition documents my research across media and the struggles I at times face with aligning the various artistic practices that I undertake. I approach this initially through the notion of resonance as a metaphor.; The paper that originally defined the topic of this exposition explores resonance not only as an acoustic or affective phenomenon but as a critical and sculptural strategy within contemporary artistic research. Drawing from my hybrid practice ranging across sculpture, software-based systems, intermedia installation, and tattooing, I argue for a continued reconceptualisation of sculpture as an event, a force, and a site of transformative encounter. More specifically this exposition attempts to align my practice as a tattoo practitioner with that of a sculptor. Whilst I have lived with this "contradiction" without problems through my artistic career. Tattooing has always been placed on the back burner academically, as there is no real academic discourse on tattooing as an artistic practice, nor any real fora for discussing this. In my work, however, both as a sculptor and as an academic, tattooing has been a solid foundation that has a very strong influence on my approaches and aesthetic considerations. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/145416 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145408 Title: Ħudha [Multimedia exposition] Authors: Galea, Matthew; Galea, Julia Abstract: Ħudha is a collective pop-up exhibition hosted at Hotel Splendid on Friday the 13th of September 2019. Ħuda is co-curated by Matyou Galea and Julia Galea.The exhibition brings together thirteen visual artists: Matthew Attard; Aaron Bezzina; Alessio Cuschieri; Etienne Farrell; Charlene Galea; Hannah Galea; Julia Galea; Matyou Galea; Emma Grima; Yan Pirotta; Pierre Portelli; Thomas Scerri; Isaac Warrington.; Rationale: There is no real “underground art scene” in Malta, this exhibition simultaneously comments and does something about it. It was important that mo institution funded, backed or endorsed this and that this was solely an artist based initiative. The approach or the pitch to the artists was are you in? And if yes bring a friend. This allowed also the notion of established artists and emerging artists to mingle together.; The theme was loosely ecological in nature. Each artist reacted freely to the theme. There was no imposed curatorial vision, though there was a notion of peer to peer discussion for those that sought it. Pop up shows are an interesting counterbalance to funded and institutionally supported shows. Both have a very important role to play. The role of the pop up is to act fast and decisively, to comment on societal issues on time and where it matters. These shows are not bound by waiting lists, funding rosters, financial year arcs, fabrication and lead times. The project from initial conception to dismantling took place in under a month and most of the artists created work specifically for the exhibition. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/145408 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z