Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1290275
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2020 5 THIS WEEK PHOTOGRAPHY narcissistic norms validation through likes. They were presenting themselves in an interesting way rather than following the narcissis- tic norms. I wanted to know where their strength and pride originated from, so I decid- ed to meet with them to endeavour to discover why. I decided to photograph these young women without makeup (save some mascara), and to shoot the portraits as far away from the dispos- able, fake Instagram aesthetic as I could, all the while taking my inspiration from the old masters, an honest aesthetic I hoped would reflect something real. The reasons why they were choosing to present themselves in a different way were complex, but the theme that emerged through all their challenges was a strong self-respect. What kind of reaction did the project elicit from the participants themselves? Did it give them a space to reflect on 'Instagram and beauty on a small island'? I think so. I have had a really positive response from the participants and I think they have found it rewarding to reflect on what self respect means to them and I would like to hope they en- joyed the process. What do you make of the visual arts scene in Malta? What would you change about it? There's real talent on the island. How- ever I don't think the infrastructure and the appreciation of the arts is at the level to truly support and nurture it yet. More needs to happen in schools to turn kids onto the arts and an under- standing will hopefully develop of the importance the arts can play within so- ciety. It's all about education. However the scene can still help itself, and I would love to see a gallery/gallery shop in Valletta that was well located to attract foreign visitors, so in the mean- time Malta based artists had an outlet to sell their work and generate an in- come here in Malta. That would really help support the scene as there is no real collector base to speak of when it comes to contemporary art on the is- land as of yet. One positive is that there is a real air of collaboration in the visual arts scene here, which stands it in good stead as people are going to have to work to- gether to push things forwards in such a small environment. What's next for you? I've been incredibly busy renovating a home here in Malta, so I am looking forward to getting back to my creativi- ty. I hope I can exhibit the 'Passivation' project in the spring, COVID-permit- ting, and it would be fantastic to find some financial backing to exhibit the Young Maltese Women project. I'd love to see it in a prominent public space so it could reach as many people as pos- sible and hopefully get people thinking. As for my next creative work… I am not yet sure, but I know whatever it is it will be about the human condition and the body. For more information on the project, visit: http://www.mattthompson.co.uk/ young-maltese-women "Unlike many, these young women hadn't fallen into the Instagram trap of over sexualising themselves for validation through likes" Anne Erika Rachel by Matt Thompson (above, right, and below)