Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/357188
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 AUGUST 2014 36 THIS WEEK How would you describe the dynamic of Divergent Thinkers? Divergent Thinkers entails quite an exciting process. Throughout the years, this event has gained in importance and complexity, involv- ing quite a number of organizers and technicians, and soliciting the interest of an increasing number of emerging artists. A lot of energy and effort is put in to bring about a high-quality exhibi- tion which has become a key artistic event in our cultural calendar. It is also a golden opportunity for in- novative young artists to interact amongst themselves and exhibit their work within a professional set- ting. Would you say that your approach to art is primarily local, or international? How so? I believe that the cultural, social and familiar environment, which an artist is born and brought up in, leaves an imprint on his/her charac- ter, artistic personality and output, either through adherence to it or through a reaction against it. My main source of inspiration in my artistic practice stems from the cultural situation I grew up in and the human behaviours and attitudes attributed to such environments. I explore the collective perceptions and prejudices in a catholic, mor- alistic, close-knit Mediterranean society. When it comes to my attraction to- wards earthly, organic raw qualities, the use of soil and water, the exten- sive use of Christian iconographic elements and Mediterranean cul- tural behaviours, the theatricality and solemnity of the works and the dramatic pairing of contrasts and opposites; these are very much re- flective of the Maltese identity and aesthetics. However, being in an age of social globalization and easy world-wide web access, the definition of local and international is becoming even more intermingled. My research, travel and studies abroad have defi- nitely shaped my artistic approach. What are some of the most important things you've learnt about art from school and other educational institutions? What are some of the most important things you've learnt at your own initiative? Formal training in art practice was essential in equipping me with the technical knowledge and profi- ciency in my practice and helping me elevate the craft of creating. Moreover, I was fortunate to have always had teachers who encour- aged personal expression, creativ- ity and experimentation. Through academic training I have discovered the essentiality of research, investi- gation and critical thinking in the process of transforming concepts and thoughts into tangible forms. However, educational institutions are at times limited to syllabuses and clear cut programmes that could be restrictive to a creative mind. There isn't necessarily a right or wrong method and there is no single way, approach or definition towards art. It is the personal process of acquir- ing new knowledge, understand- ing, evaluating, experimenting and resolving that is mostly interest- ing and enlightening. What I have learned on my own initiative is that I have to be true to myself while executing the works; to express my ideas, opinions and the way I per- ceive life and the society; essentially, to convey something about me and the social and cultural environment I find myself in, in that particular moment. How do you think participating in VIVA will help you as an artist? Having Divergent Thinkers in- serted within the larger framework of Viva not only gives more visibility to the artists but also encourages interaction with foreign curators, lecturers and participants, therefore attaching yet a greater value to this event. Moreover, it is an opportu- nity for artists to get professional feedback from international artists apart from studying the reaction of local visitors. I must say that I'm a little anx- ious about this experience and how the public will react to my work. I haven't exhibited in Malta for a while and this is the first project I am participating in after obtain- ing my Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Brighton. My approach to art has since taken a new direction and my work in this exhibition (Wash me with pure wa- ter) is for me the unveiling of this transformation. What's next for you? I hope to continue to develop my practice further, exploring different solutions and widening my horizons in terms of artistic theories, themes and materials. Although I am constantly think- ing, researching, reading and devel- oping concepts for new works, I can be quite seasonal when it comes to the externalization process. I would like to achieve a point of consist- ency in my production and hence, my most immediate objective is to continue creating. Moreover, after a two-year period working almost exclusively in video and performance art, I'm quite ea- ger to readopt a more tangible and intimate approach in the art of cre- ating. In fact, at the moment I am thinking of developing a collection of small-scale works on paper which are more introspective and confes- sional in nature. I am also planning to be more proactive in terms of pursuing in- ternational opportunities and per- haps further my academic studies in this field. Global influences, local flavours The third edition of the Divergent Thinkers collective exhibition – incorporating a group of young artists and curated by Raphael Vella – will take place at Blitz, St Lucy Street, Valletta from August 31 to September 27, using 'RADICAL' as its artistic prompt. This week, we speak to Umberto Buttigieg.