Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1518068
NEWS 14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 27 MARCH 2024 A collective cultural celebration: Maltabiennale.art presents a spectacular array of pavilions AS the doors opened to the much-antic- ipated maltabiennale.art, its diverse pa- vilions are set to mesmerize visitors from around the globe. Alongside the Main Pavilion, several national and thematic pavilions spot- light distinct themes, showcasing the rich spectrum of creative expression of artists from diverse backgrounds. From the vibrant streets of Valletta to the picturesque sea views of Cottonera, these pavilions take their visitors on a delightfully enlightening journey across various key historical sites, exploring, questioning, and re-inventing concepts and stories along the way. At MUŻA – Malta's National Com- munity Art Museum, the Malta Pavilion explores the different narratives which exist within our archipelago, confirming some as findings and others as fantasies. A stroll down to the National Museum of Archaeology, promises a captivating journey through the timeless essence of human creativity in the Serbian Pa- villion, a zooming-in on experiences shared by the seemingly unconnect- ed Korean and Maltese societies, and the sparking of critical discourse on the ethical dimensions of reproductive technology through visceral artistry. In the majestic Fort St Elmo, the Aus- trian pavilion offers a create a trans- formative experience inspiring intro- spection, empathy, and a commitment to shaping a more inclusive and com- passionate future. The Franco-German Pavilion initiates a dialogue with the sea, uncovering the old secrets held within its salt's crystals, whilst the Chinese Pavilion breathes life into texts and images, and 'Other Geographies, Other Stories' poses the question of whether we can forge a new world with a different order, inviting a 'herstorical' viewpoint. Across the Grand Harbour, in Fort St Angelo, the Sea Pavilion skilfully plays with Malta's seaborn identity. In Birgu too, at the Inquisitor's Palace, the Sicilian Piazza Armerina Pavilion studies new forms of balance between man and nature, in a mosaic-fashion. Villa Portelli in Kalkara lends its charming ambience as canvas for four more national Pavilions – Ukraine, It- aly, Spain and Poland, exploring the complex narratives of decolonisation and shared imperial pasts, the dynamics of inclusion through marginal spaces, the concept of identity in a multiple and plural dimension, and the key biblical story of St. John and his death at the request of Salome, recontextualising it through a contemporary lens. More information on each of malta- biennale.art's pavilions is available at https://maltabiennale.art/pavilions/ The France and Germany National Pavilion Italy National Pavilion Poland National Pavilion The China National Pavilion The Ukraine National Pavilion