Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1487299
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 DECEMBER 2022 8 ALMANAC My essentials GABRIEL BUTTIGIEG 29, Visual artist What can I say? I consider myself an individual who has always enjoying observing, experiencing, and tasting all that life has to give. I am very ambitious when it comes to my artistic enterprise and I always seek to discover ways to evolve. I enjoy cooking while drinking a good bottle of wine. I consider myself to be very sensitive and extremely loyal, loving my family and my dear ones. I cannot fail to mention my precious dog. Finally, I completely gravitate towards all that is beautiful. 1 4 5 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Music 5. Place I do not particularly follow any social media influencer. However, my Insta accounts features food, chefs, win- emakers, musician, and a couple of visual artists who speak my language. I follow Andy Hearnden, a notable chef, and I daily track Len- ny Kravitz and his imita- ble style. On a local basis, I cannot fail to mention chef Yakov Debono's wonderful recipes, and fashion design- er Luke Azzopardi's brilliant masterpieces. THIS is challenging! I am in love with music and I cannot choose. At times, I listen to Sa- tie in the morning, moving on to Indie and alternative bands such as The Jesus and the Mary Chain and The Underground Youth, while showering half an hour later! At the studio, I could move on to ritualistic tunes such as Hidden Orchestra, while working, or upbeat tunes such as those of Nicholas Jaar and Moderat. When leaving the studio, I could switch to metal with Deftones. After a siesta, I could listen to Radio- head, while I ground myself. In the evenings, I once more switch to metal, with bands such as Doom or Stoner Met- al, All of Them Witches and REZN. So, as you can see, it's too difficult a choice! ITALY, more specifically Sicily or the islands, and the Medi- terranean in general. I also have a deep appreciation for Nordic countries and their wonderful history. However, I am happy with an espresso, a fish "al cartoccio", a good bot- tle of wine, loads of fields, a dipping pool, some goats, a lot of dogs, a beautiful horse, in a small plot in Sicily. However, I cannot live without my Mar- shall speakers at full volume, as well as loads of other beau- tiful things. Of course, I would also need my studio where I can bare my soul. I have just finished reading George Bataille's 'Erotism'. It is a wonderful book which explores some of my favour- ite themes, namely death and sensuality. The notion of ta- boo, the nature of sacrifice, and the role of language are also given due credence. By depicting famous individu- als throughout history, from mystical ecstasy to prostitu- tion, this book presents all the outlines themes. I cannot fail to mention 'The Lighthouse', directed by Rob- ert Eggers, the same director of 'The Witch'. I can safely say that this film was the one which I enjoyed most this year. I have always felt drawn towards psychological mov- ies, thrillers with an under- belly of darkness and levels of symbolism. The psychological elements are evident in the in- teractions and the solitude of the protagonists, with a heavy atmosphere present through- out the film. I was enchanted by the mythic meanings and the sense of dread which was clearly evident. Despite being drawn to beauty, it is essential to make peace with its polarity, the shadow. And the screech- ing siren remains imprinted in my mind. 3 2