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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 JUNE 2024 4 ALMANAC My essentials IOULIA CHANTE 33, Architect / Ceramicist Based in Malta since 2018, I've worked as an architect and began learning ceramics a year later as a hobby. In 2020 I created my small brand BABAU Ceramics. Transitioning from architecture to ceramics, I now focus on product design with clay, aiming to provide contemporary social commentary through scenographic storytelling with everyday objects. 1. Books 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Music 5. Place I recently stumbled upon Lucrecia Dalt, a Colombi- an composer whose music is both experimental and mysterious yet carries a nostalgic and melodic qual- ity. Her compositions use unique sounds that create a captivating atmosphere. I find her approach to music refreshing and inspiring, as it blends abstract elements with a sense of nostalgia. MY favourite place in Malta is the area around Ras Il-Wahx in Mellieħa. It features a clus- ter of rocks near the shore, creating intricate sea routes and underwater caves that are ideal for kayaking and snor- kelling adventures. It's a quiet and secluded spot, perfect for enjoying the tranquility of the sea, and offers stunning views of the sunset. KAKORRAFIES by Kyriakos Athanasiadis, a collection of dark fantasy stories with unexpected, often bleak end- ings. Each tale is mysteriously set, highly descriptive, and thrilling, sparking my imagi- nation. The surprising twists make you ponder the fine lines between normality and abnormality. This book has greatly influenced my crea- tive process, and it was a great gift from my dog training teacher, back in Greece. TWO Distant Strangers is a short film starring Joey Badass and Andrew How- ard. It follows a man trying to get home to his dog but becomes trapped in a dead- ly loop, reliving the same events. Initially, it seems amusing, but as the main character repeatedly expe- riences the same nightmare, it becomes stressful. The film cleverly highlights po- lice brutality and the unjust treatment faced by the Black community, offering a pow- erful commentary on these pressing issues. MEPAINTSME is an online contemporary art gallery curated by an anonymous artist based in the United States. Known for its unique curation approach, its blog and Instagram feed show- case aesthetics that resonate deeply with me, serving as a significant source of inspi- ration. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com This page is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 5 1 2 3