Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1511791
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 NOVEMBER 2023 4 ART XEWKA F'Qalbi Xewka F'Sormi is a collective exhibi- tion celebrating 10 years of the Women's Rights Foundation. Curated by Rachelle Deguara and developed conceptually with Emma Agius, the exhibi- tion features twelve different artists exploring the subject of rape culture, a culture which normalises or trivialises sexual assault or/and abuse. Xewka F'Qalbi Xewka F'Sormi is a collective exhibition by Em- ma Agius, Isaac Bezzina, Sil- ke Debanant, Nicole Sciberras Debono, Nik Ebejer, Saaqia, Claire Farrugia, Shanice Far- rugia, Robin Cassar Fiott, Sam Vassallo Francesca Zammit and X. It takes place at Rosa Kwir, a gallery space focusing on an ar- chive revolving around alterna- tive notions of masculinity, the exhibition is accompanied by panel discussions, artist talks, and performative events with performance art acts and music. When approached by artist/ curator Rachelle Deguara, the artist had several discussions on Rape Culture in Malta, and through various artistic medi- ums, conceptually the artists created and/or adapted work incited from the conversations. Addressing the topic of rape culture is undoubtedly a chal- lenging task, both in terms of understanding and visual rep- resentation. Rape exposes the enduring inequality present in our society, as well as in oth- ers. It is an act rooted in power and control, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The survivors of rape carry deep wounds and trauma, often hid- den due to the shame associated with the experience. The name, Xewka f'Qalbi Xewka f'Sormi, originated from the weekly discussions that Em- ma and Rachelle Deguara have had since April. During these conversations, they explored her sketches and contemplated the similarities between their intricate details and thorns. It was during one of these discus- sions that Emma mentioned the sexual abuse hap- pening on the day of the Lady of Sorrows. During the later meetings, Rachelle and Emma then delved deeper in- to the aftermath of the abuse and Em- ma's desired state of mind. They togeth- er explored how art can be a means of healing and how this healing process may manifest in the work you'll be beholding tonight. The discussions shifted from the af- termath of personal trauma to a broader societal perspective, where they envision a world where such pain no longer holds power over them and becomes a mere inconvenience, akin to a thorn on one's side. The exhibition aims to challenge societal attitudes and encourages conversation about rape culture local- ly, in the light of the work done by the Wom- en's Rights Foundation for the cause, while encouraging dis- cussions about consent and the need for education and pre- vention. Xewka F'Qalbi Xewka F'Sormi is a space where diver- sity of experience gets explored with compassion. Trigger Warning: the exhibi- tion content may be disturbing. Opening hours: Friday 17th November 17:00 - 21:00 Event - https://shorturl. at/ftxDF Sat 18th November 09:00 - 13:00 and 17:00 - 21:00 Sun 19th November 15:00 - 21:00 - "Hawn dan ir-ritratt t'ommi bit-tbenġil f'wiċċa" GĦMU event Event: https:// fb.me/e/5REh4NBJB Wednesday 22nd 17:00 - 21:00 Thursday 23rd November 17:00 - 21:00 Friday 24th November 17:00 - 21:00 Saturday 25th November 09:00 - 13:00 and 17:00 - 21:00 Sunday 26th November 17:00 - 21:00 - "Performative event + open mic" in collab with Iniz- jamed and GħMU Tuesday 28th November 17:00 Onwards - Not If, But When. Event - https://www.facebook. com/events/356109390125848 'Xewka F'Qalbi Xewka F'Sormi' Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Women's Rights Foundation