An investigation into contemporary art on the islands of Malta.

This research investigates the practice of contemporary artists working in Malta. Malta is a developing country with potential for innovation in contemporary art. The focus is on inhibiting and enabling factors affecting Maltese artists including funding, a lack of higher education opportunities resulting in some artists having to study overseas, a range of unconventional exhibition venues and a lack of informed critical commentary. The research proposes that contemporary art in Malta maybe restricted in practice by the lack of an adequate infrastructure, an entrenched Baroque cultural history, a strong preference for traditional work and an influential Catholic church. A contextual and literature review highlights selected texts from books, published reports covering issues related to both the pragmatic and philosophical features of the Maltese paradigm, contextual key factors influential in Maltese art practice, topical issues concerning critical religious and political concerns, resources, media and market forces. Twenty people were interviewed formally. Six were selected as case-studies. Thirty-five others were informally interviewed including artists, students, educationalists, curators and government officials. Supportive evidence came from Maltese publications, official and private bodies, writers, historians and European Union and other national reports. A participant observer role was adopted that included a practice based position assessing the exhibition process and evaluating insights about the local art infrastructure. Statistical and other data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods. The research is a synopsis of current practice summarizing key problems. For example, current developments include overseas opportunities arising from European Union membership, a promise of supportive financial initiative from the Malta Arts Council, a growing number of overseas educational programmes, eg: Erasmus, an increase in the number of international cultural venues, such as ‘Notte Bianca' and recently the emergence of a professional association, COMA (Community of Maltese Artists). This is the first study into contemporary art practice in Malta and lays the ground work for deeper contextual based research providing supportive material for practicing artists seeking to enhance their own personal development as well as providing research avenues for more advanced study. The research provides an exemplar for other communities to enhance the clarification and understanding of similar issues.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Robert Gordon University

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Gurr, Graham

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• J. Malins and J. Baldacchino

• Contemporary Art
• Malta
• Artists
• Exhibition venues
• Religion
• Political influence
• Media
• Community of maltese artists (COMA)

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:2807403
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2807403

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:2807403