Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545479
My essentials VANIA GOSHE 50, artist-painter I am a Bulgarian-born artist based in Malta since 2008. Working across various media, I blend realism and abstraction to create vibrant, uplifting compositions inspired by nature and flowers. I am currently presenting my 20 solo exhibition, BOTANICA ANIMA – The Soul of Flowers, at Christine X Gallery. Through my art, I aim to evoke joy, harmony, optimism, and reflection. 1. Book 2.TV 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place I choose the song Banga- ranga by DARA because I enjoy its upbeat energy, catchy melody, and positive message. The song is about empowerment, freedom, and finding joy even in difficult moments. I am also proud that a Bulgarian artist won the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing international rec- ognition to Bulgarian mu- sic. Bangaranga is inspiring, uplifting, and full of vibrant energy, which is why it has become one of my favourite songs. I would love to visit Monet's Garden in Giverny, France. Claude Monet is my favour- ite artist, and seeing the place that inspired so many of his masterpieces would be a dream come true. I would like to experience the atmosphere, colours, and light that influenced his paintings and walk through the beautiful gardens he created. I believe it would be an inspiring and unfor- gettable experience, both personally and artistically. ONE of the most interest- ing books I have read in the last year is I Live in Light by Itzhak Gozes, a biographical novel about the renowned Bulgarian artist Niko- la Manev, who lived and worked in France. I was fas- cinated by the stories about his life, artistic journey, and dedication to painting. One quote that stayed with me was: "If my paintings bring joy around the world, it is because I am a Bulgarian artist." The book was espe- cially meaningful because I also created a documen- tary film about him, titled Manev. ONE of the films I watched recently was Apex, a grip- ping survival thriller. The most memorable scene is the high-tension cat-and- mouse chase between Sasha and Ben. What makes this sequence so powerful is its chilling psychological build- up and excellent use of sound, which heightens the suspense and keeps viewers on edge. The film combines action, tension, and atmosphere very effectively. I found it highly entertaining and would rec- ommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers with strong suspense and dramatic story- telling. ONE of the things that has recently caught my attention on the internet is the grow- ing number of virtual mu- seum tours and online art platforms. They allow people to explore world-famous gal- leries, discover new artists, and experience art from an- ywhere in the world. As an artist, I find them both in- spiring and educational. I en- joy learning about different artistic styles, techniques, and creative processes, which often spark new ideas for my own work. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JUNE 2026 ALMANAC 3 2