Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1372546
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 MAY 2021 5 CULTURE although a visual artist, I feel inspired or look up to music artists or architects like Tadao Ando or especially, in my cur- rent practice, Aldo van Eyck, the dutch architect who ded- icated his life to playground architecture, as mentioned be- fore. His playgrounds are an art- work in their own right, there- fore blurring the boundaries between art and life. I am be- coming increasingly interested in the idea of there being no divide between the two – this blurring of art and life, which was very evident in works from the 1960s. It is time for active participation now more than ever. How do you work? What are the different steps before and during creation? It usually starts with a curios- ity. I see something and think upon it, I do not usually react right away. I keep thinking, and wait for the idea to develop at the back of my mind. I don't like to rush things. I actually like to go through a slow process, liv- ing with the idea in my head. Even though you can forcefully develop an idea, it can be inter- esting to wait and see, maybe something else might come up and link to the original idea/ starting point thereby adding multiple layers or facets to the final work. It is the idea which then dictates the medium. What message do you want to convey through this exhibi- tion? To think about the present and the future. To think open- ly and rethink ways of doing things. The importance of in- dividual and collective action. The importance of play. To think about playful, collabora- tive futures. Play is oftentimes overlooked, but it is vital and a biological, psychological and social necessity. We should continue playing throughout life. Play is serious. Has the health crisis been a source of creation for you ? How did you experience this period as an artist? I had works which were seen in a different light, in the light of the pandemic, especially speaking of Alone, Togeth- er. After travelling to York to show Alone, Together (2018) at the Aesthetica Art Prize I came back and was required to self-quarantine. During this period I created a video work "Still, Play! Play Still" (2020) which is about being still or playing within one's con- straints/confinements, which is also included in the exhibi- tion. I have been making quite a few works as of late, with the latest ones being the result of my reaction and feelings to- wards the degradation of our environment and all the new- ly constructed eyesores. I also had some time to slow down and be still, but also think about international residencies and opportunities. How do you see the post-COVID period from an artistic point of view? I feel excited about making more public artwork or par- ticipatory works. Now that we have spent a lot of time indoors, I feel that people are going to appreciate their time outdoors and socialising out- doors more than ever. There- fore, it might be interesting to think of working outdoors and creating more spontaneous in- terventions in the public space. Do you have any current projects? What are your future projects ? My lifelong project is to con- tinue creating work at my own pace. Also, I would love to go back to a city, for a residency, possibly Berlin. I am also look- ing forward to being part of a project taking place at a prima- ry school, involving the co-cre- ation of something... but more details out in the playful future! Still Life by Laura Besançon