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1. What's been the most defining moment in your career so far? The most defining moment has come in recent years since I feel I can create more freely now; I've broken many of my previ- ous painting habits and rules. My work is bolder and more imaginative than before. I want to try new creative ideas, new forms, and new ways of painting with colour. 2. As a creative, how do you navigate the world and speed of social media? The speed of social media is a good thing for an artist, as it allows for greater expo- sure to their work. Therefore, I frequently post my work on social media. However, I don't feel that social media has created a more diverse artistic atmosphere. I dislike the feeling of being controlled by a machine even more, sometimes I find myself constantly playing on my phone, which distracts me. I prefer to focus on my own work, and I thoroughly enjoy the creative process. Real exhibitions are very important to me; it's like working on an art project, which sparks many new thoughts and provides me with new inspiration and creative ideas. 3. Do you consider artificial intelligence a threat to your career, or an opportu- nity? I think artificial intelligence is an oppor- tunity for me. Many people are starting to appreciate handmade and original artwork. For me, the creative process is crucial; enjoying it is what gives me the interest and strength to continue painting. There will be many coincidences and mistakes in this process, which provide new inspiration to enrich my work, even leading to paintings completely different from my initial ideas. These are two very different behaviours, mainly due to the stark differences in the creative process. Artificial intelligence makes artistic crea- tion seem more individual and powerful. 4. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during tough times or when the work feels hard? I collect inspiration from life. Many things in life inspire me. Sometimes I sketch, sometimes I write down these inspirations—it's a habit of mine. I went through a long and difficult period; I was quite depressed then, feeling trapped, like I couldn't see any hope. I became despondent. Fortunately, I didn't give up on my pursuit of art; I kept painting. During that time, I painted some still lives and several large works. My vision wasn't as clear as it is now, but I love those works. They represent a memo- ry, an emotion; I clearly remember the state of mind I was in when I painted those works. I love art; I get very excited when I see good works. I have ideals in my heart, and I don't want my life to be without art. I will continue to paint. 5. How do you balance your creative instincts with the expectations of your audience or collaborators? What motivates me to paint is that when I'm creating, I don't consider other peo- ple's opinions or expectations. This al- lows me to create better works. Many of my friends like to consider this and that, which seems reasonable, but actually weakens the power of the work. This of- ten causes a person to forget or confuse their initial thoughts and feelings. For me, simplicity is more powerful. 6. How do you approach a new project? Do you have a specific process or rou- tine you follow? My projects mainly revolve around a creative idea, which I will continuously deepen. I want these works to have some connection, often a connection of at- mosphere and feeling, not a connection of theme. I don't want any specific ele- ment to restrict my creation. Currently, I want to complete two series of works, each series containing about 10 large- scale works, as well as collage creations on paper. 7. Can you let us in on some of the future projects, works? Afterwards, I want to create some large collage works. I want to approach creating works on paper with a differ- ent mindset. I enjoy drawing Maltese architecture, the ocean, wildlife, and people. These are works that embody chaotic inspiration, much like a visual diary. I'm trying to use these works to build new pieces, creating a new structure and composition within the image. In collage works, I can disrupt the order of forms, placing works created at different times together. This creates a strong visual contrast, as well as a strong sense of drama and imagination. When creating these works, I'm not limited by real-world scenes and perspective; it's a new spatial layer. The creative process is also simpler and more direct, quite different from oil painting. I will create more works on paper later, like Time, Memory, and Bird, which will be a new series. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 MAY 2026 Culture Vestiges: A study in ecological identity ARTS • TV • WHAT'S ON BY LAURA CALLEJA suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt The Q & A HUI SUN 7 questions for... Extra round Who are your biggest influences, and how have they shaped your work? My teacher, Yang Yijiang, is a wonderful artist with a deep and unwavering passion for art. He enjoyed painting nudes and portraits, which were his primary subjects, and he continued to paint these two themes for many years. He never boasts about his own work, but he introduces us to the works of masters. My time studying with him dur- ing that period was incredibly inspiring, especially in the study of artistic language. His views are open-minded, and we have remained in touch. He talked about Cézanne's profound artis- tic language. He rarely discussed the historical background or story behind a painting, believ- ing that wasn't the core of art. I agree with this. An artist needs a deep understanding of artistic language; it's not just about technique, but more about feel- ing. A work evokes a profound feeling in the viewer, and that's what makes it so moving. Hui Sun is a Chinese artist who has been living in Malta in recent years. His practice weaves together disparate themes within a single pictorial plane, creating visual tensions that reflect both social and interpersonal dynamics. Engaging with the fragmented nature of contemporary urban life, his work draws from historical and contemporary references alike, forming spaces that oscillate between the real and the imagined. His current solo exhibition, What Happens in Between, focuses on small-scale works and is currently on view at il-Kamra ta' Fuq in Mqabba Culture An evening of eco- fiction and literary dialogue at Valletta Contemporary PAGES 2-3 PAGE 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta