Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524298
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JULY 2024 3 ART Voyeuristic photographic exhibition to open at the Malta Society of Arts Ritty Tacsum's f irst solo exhibition since 2019 features 17 photographic works inspired by online anonymous contributions expressing participants' deepest thoughts, fears and desires DISCLOSURE, Ritty Tacsum's solo photographic exhibition, will open at the Art Galleries of the Malta Society of Arts (MSA) in the heart of Valletta on 25 July and run until 14 Au- gust. Featuring 17 photograph- ic pieces inspired by the themes of collaboration and commu- nity participation, Disclosure evolved from an online plat- form created by Tacsum during the pandemic in 2020, where people anonymously shared their deepest thoughts and de- sires. These confessions served as the foundation for tableaux, which she then crafted into the final artworks to be displayed at the MSA. Derived from the incredible submissions Tacsum received over the past few years, each work is a testament to the diverse and compelling nar- ratives shared by participants. "Typically, my creative process is quite solitary, but I yearned to develop a project that was not solely a product of my own ideas," explains Tacsum. "Orig- inally titled Confessions, this exhibition invited submissions from the public, transforming the project into a collective cre- ation rather than just a personal endeavour." After gathering confessions, the artist selected 10 to15 sub- missions with the potential to be visually transformed. "Fol- lowing that, I made a call for models through my socials, at- tracting around 200 applicants, from which 20 were chosen. These models played a crucial role in bringing these narratives to life, and this project wouldn't have been possible without them and without the heartfelt submissions I received," con- tinues the artist. "Disclosure will be a unique opportunity for visitors to take a peek into the minds and hearts of a generous group of people who chose to confess." The curator of Disclosure is Lisa Gwen, whose working rela- tionship with Tacsum spans the past 13 years, beginning with her curating Tacsum's first-ev- er exhibition Ritty Tacsum and her Humanoids in 2011. "When Ritty and I first discussed her idea to explore the notion of dis- closure, of confessions 'brought to life', of secrets untold, I was immediately hooked," says Lisa Gwen. "I love the idea that the visitor, the audience, will have a chance to play voyeur. When planning this show for the MSA galleries, I made sure to include elements which I feel comple- ment and substantiate the no- tions and desires portrayed in Ritty's work. I have also chosen to include an audio piece, which will reverberate throughout the galleries, adding another layer to the work and process." Highlighting its potential impact on visitors, Lisa Gw- en adds: "Disclosing personal desires, fears, and untold ex- periences is cathartic for the confessor. However, it could be just as cathartic for the visitor. Identifying with the sitters and the scenarios could be empow- ering and could also encourage more individuals to come for- ward and share, disclose, and release." Malta Society of Arts' Pres- ident Arch. Adrian Mamo shares his excitement for the exhibition, saying "Ritty Tac- sum's innovative approach to art and her ability to weave to- gether personal and collective narratives offer a unique and enriching experience for our visitors. This exhibition under- scores the power of art to foster connection and understanding within the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our Galleries!" Disclosure, an exhibition by Ritty Tacsum and curated by Lisa Gwen, is on at the Art Gal- leries of the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta from 25 July to 14 August 2024. Entrance is free. For opening hours and more de- tails about the exhibition please visit www.artsmalta.org/events or www.facebook.com/maltaso- cietyofarts.