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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2014 37 THIS WEEK Notte Bianca 2014 is recruiting RYAN Falzon's new solo exhibition Ex Voto is a project that revolves around Christian iconography, the conditions of living on an island and the relation to the sea. Maltese seascapes are depicted in contrast with urban Berlin land- scapes to create platforms on which solemnly silent figures exist. These figures echo the feeling of solitude and helplessness found in most of the Ex Voto pieces related to the sea; whether alone or in a group, the characters seen in historical ex voto paintings are always alone, relying on their own skills and supernatural phenomena, hoping to land them- selves in a better situation. This desire for a better state was taken to a different level when inter- preted in the contest of the island- er's utopia of the continental city as a destination to escape to in order to be fulfilled. The works explore the ambiguous relation between the sea and the individuals who feel threatened by the physical isolation that it creates, but also feel that the sea gives them an identity, at par with their Catho- lic upbringing. This body of works bears testimony to contemporary salvation, liberation, and an intro- spective journey which often leads to solitude. Ex Voto opens on September 12 at Maritime Museum, Birgu, at 20:00 and runs until September 26. Ex Voto is supported by the Malta Arts Fund For more information log on to www. ryanfalzon.com or www.ryanfalzon. blogspot.com NOTTE Bianca Valletta is currently offering voluntary placements to work with the Notte Bianca team throughout September. Now in its ninth year, Notte Bian- ca attracts over 60,000 people to the capital each year, making it the larg- est cultural event in Valletta. This year's Notte Bianca will be held on 4 October. The Notte Bianca Valletta Place- ment Programme is currently aimed at students on University of Malta courses who wish to gain practical experience in their professional ca- reer. The team will guide volunteers through the day-to-day of festival making and offer hands-on respon- sibilities. Each placement provides addi- tional rather than essential support to the Notte Bianca Valletta depart- ment in which s/he is based. As well as practical experience, the pro- gramme provides participants with guidance and structured feedback and opens doors to many profes- sional networks. The Placement Programme is of- fered in the wider context of Notte Bianca Valletta's training mission which is to enable all Notte Bianca Valletta personnel to develop their expertise, realise their potential and approach with confidence and skill the process of producing and de- livering international participatory work. Volunteering opportunities are available in the following roles: development; digital communica- tions; participation; producing; data management. For more info send an email to info@nottebianca.org.mt Notte Bianca Valletta is supported by The Arts Council Malta Ryan Falzon Malta vs Berlin, via the sea