Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1262267
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JUNE 2020 5 THIS WEEK ART skipping the fantasy and creative writing. The main difference is that they are using CGI while I use the word. So we would be on site and consider an- ything from texture to seasonal changes, atmospheric light and mood. From there, we started sketch- ing, and a long process of note-taking, drafting, revising. The first drafts of the visuals were then created and, one by one, we started finalising them. It was always the team's decision to say that a picture was ready or needed more work. That's how it went. What do you make of the local cultural scene? What would you change about it, covid or no covid? I tend to be positive and op- timistic, frustrated and fed up, all at the same time. I think we would enjoy healthier practices if there was some serious cultural journalism. As things stand, one hardly receives any real criticism on public platforms. This leaves our audiences with very few tools and skills to engage critically with artistic products. One would expect that there are competent scholars to lead these critical en- deavours in the public sphere. But, sadly, academia is notorious- ly self-serving. What's next for you? At the moment I have a bunch of writing projects with lots of loose ends which I need to give some attention to; some poetry, a collaboration on a children's book and a non-fiction project. At the studio, Kotba Calleja has been commissioned to lead some very interesting projects which will see us venturing into new territories; more work with paper sculptures and installations and a new line of handmade notebooks. On top of it all, following the encouraging feedback we re- ceived for our work on Five Five, the designers at Solid Eye studio and myself are currently looking at taking it to the next level, but it's all too early to speak of con- crete plans. To view the full online exhibition, log on to: https://solideye.eu/ fivefive/. Five Five is supported by Arts Council Malta "I tend to be positive and optimistic, frustrated and fed up, all at the same time" Underground Island (Or, 'The Golden Hive') (inspired by the 'Madonna Taz-Zejt' in Kercem, Gozo) The Stallion Of Il-Mandragg (inspired by the 'Il-Mandragg' area of Valletta) The Boats Are Coming (Chernobyl, A Remembrance) - inspired by the Lazzarett, Manoel Island