Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1250967
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MAY 2020 5 THIS WEEK ART the time of COVID owner, and how do you hope to be able to replicate at least some of them in the current circumstances? I have created the perfect office set-up, surrounded by beautiful art, where I can enjoy everyone who walks in to have a look. I learn about their own lives in re- lation to art, travel and ideas on art col- lecting. Their opinions and knowledge on artists whom they follow give me great pleasure, as does my ability to offer them an escape from the fast-paced, commer- cial world outside the gallery doors. For me life is art and I cannot help but feel it should be like that for everyone. During these harder times, work has been more about digital work-from-home and fre- quent visits to the gallery to re-hang art in the hope I can welcome people again soon. On the other hand, what have been some silver linings which you may have identified in these days? Have you found opportunity for deeper and more genuine reflection in your work and ongoing efforts? I decided to wait this out and not waste precious family and reflection-time set- ting up an online show when I do not feel that people are ready to spend their mon- ey on art. I know that the time for buying art will come again soon. So, I have been re-evaluating which artists to add to my gallery portfolio, securing contacts and planning shows for the gallery and the art cafe La Bottega Art Bistro in Valletta for next year. Artists and galleries need to survive through this period of uncertain- ty, so I have kept in contact with all my artists to offer my support and reassur- ance and have checked in with my clients without pressuring them into buying art just yet. I have just had to keep positive and proactive. What has your communication with artists been like over the past couple of months or so? How are they taking it, and are you planning any viable collab- orations for the near future? I've decided to finally get going with an artist-in-residence in Floriana. The art- ists of the gallery need space to create and with my physical presence every day I will be able to keep them motivated. I have chosen two artists to start with for one particular space, and I look forward to seeing how they collaborate within it. I have another space nearby beneath my personal residence that will also be opened soon and available once the de- signs are confirmed with my architect – this space will be more specialised since it's a smaller, and I would like to give it to international and local artists need- ing somewhere to live, work and be open during specific hours to the public. Art can only really be understood from how it is created – the thoughts, mate- rials, process, and time given to create something. The residency programme and open studio will offer that and a place where anyone can absorb the making process and get to know the artist. I also think that Floriana is the right place for this – its inhabitants are proud of their home-town and there is a lot to offer here by means of shops, cafes, and workshops, withstanding the pressures of its neigh- bouring city Valletta while retaining its artisanal approach to life. It has a bright future, especially if there is more to offer through the arts. As described by an artist I was recently talking to about my ideas, I see it as the 'Soho of Malta' and full of opportunity. What has this pandemic revealed about the nature of the visual arts in Malta, and the community or industry that surrounds it? It has proven how resilient it is, as well as how necessary it is for the wellbeing of society. I have enjoyed seeing the live performances by professional artists and have been overwhelmed by their contri- bution. I have also found the virtual mu- seum and art gallery tours a wonderful contribution to keeping the arts alive at home during this otherwise dull time. Participants are also rethinking their at- tendance at art and design fairs, however I believe they will surely retain their im- portance and be back with force in 2021. This was meant to be an exciting year for performance, but it has turned out to be an important time for reflection and ad- justments we will all never forget. What do you hope gallery owners and artists can learn from 2020 that they would then bring into 2021 and beyond? I have always wished that galleries in Malta would work together. Being so small it's not easy – we only have a small pool of artists and buyers. I would like to propose an art gallery consortium to safe-guard our aims and the work of the artists, propelling the acceptance and need for art in Malta for all walks of life – including good quality public art and events. I think this period has been good for artists to find time for their art, even it is to contemplate now and produce later. I am an optimist. I think that the arts scene in Malta and the world beyond will use their newfound tools and knowledge for the better, working on their need for quality collaborations. Follow Lily Agius Gallery on Instagram and Facebook and view the websites: www.lilyagius@gmail.com www.artsy.com/lily-agius-gallery www.artpaper.press "Art can only really be understood from how it is created – the thoughts, materials, process, and time given to create something" Left: Lily Agius with Aida Daoud (left), Raewyn McGrigor and Dr Joanna Delia (right) at the opening exhibition for SJ Fuerste in 2019 • Below: A sculpture by the Irish artist Sallyanne Morgan at her solo exhibition in 2019 at Lily Agius Gallery