Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/392875
27 THIS WEEK NEW YORK, NEW YORK PG 34 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2014 GLORIOUS GINGER PGS 32, 33 HORRIBLE HUSBAND PG 35 Could you describe the concept behind the structure, and how you set about constructing it? The concept behind Exhale-in is about physical change. If you take the idea of breathing, it is a con- stant physical change that hap- pens within us. Our lungs con- tract and expand continuously. The fluctuating sculptures also expand and contract, to reveal and partially fill the void of the Chapel. The sculptures are con- stantly an obstruction or a focus – all is temporary. I wanted to create sculptures whose volume can be changed by compression or expansion, so bellows where a perfect form that allows this change. If you look at a concertina, it needs a force to allow its bellows to expand or else its just another stagnant ob- ject. I started using cardboard to build the bellows, which is a light and sturdy enough material and lends itself well to the piece, as cardboard is such a throw away material, however essential. The fact that the sculptures expand to six metres, I had to introduce octagon cardboard rings, which fit within every mound of the bel- lows. This helped them to retain their form when fully expanded. I then introduced an outer skin of latex in the form of a tube that allowed the sculptures to be air- tight. The eight sculptures, each being directed by a standard vacuum cleaner, allows them to contract upwards by displacing the air within, by suction. When the sculptures reach their limit, which is that of 50cm, the vacuum cleaner motor switches off and the force of gravity draws air back within the sculptures, allowing them to fall and expand. Why did you choose this particular venue to install and display the structure? What do you think the chapel adds to the installation as a whole? The Caroline Gardens Chapel is now deconsecrated, this means it has gone through a change. Al- though the architecture itself is evidence that the building's use was that of a religious congrega- tion, now its use is different, but still continues to be a place for community. It's the evidence of change and its disheveled state, which makes this place a per- fect backdrop, to the constantly changing installation: Exhale-in. What have been some of the most important things you've learnt during your studies in London? Going back to university to do an MA in Arts was an important part of what I wanted to focus on, which is that of being an art- ist. Although I always knew that I wanted to be an artist this gave me the time to take it more seri- ously. It turned out to be intense and productive year. It made me value the dedication and time in- volved in making art. Do you still feel 'Maltese' as an artist? If so, in what way? What were the main reasons you chose to emigrate? I guess I will always be Maltese, in the sense that I was born there and my childhood and early teen- age memories are in Malta, how- ever living in London for nearly half my life allowed me to focus less about where I am from and just concentrate more in doing art. I suppose I decided to leave because I wasn't happy at the time and didn't really know what to do with my life and the opportunity of leaving seemed like the right choice. It doesn't mean that leav- ing for London was an instant revelation; it still took me a long time to be where I am now. How would you describe the state of contemporary art in Malta at the moment? What are some of the main problems it faces, in your opinion? It is clearly different from the time when I was there and that is certainly a positive. Being in Lon- don since I was 15 years old, I am obviously less connected to the art scene in Malta and not being able to attend exhibitions, so it's quite hard to pinpoint specifics. However, it seems like all these art funds, V18 and new art exhibi- tion spaces such as Blitz are defi- nitely part of a good beginning to a change. I don't really feel I can comment on what problems it faces. Maybe one day I will be more involved within the local scene and then I'll be able to have a bigger picture of the state of contemporary art in Malta. For more information about the artist log on to: www.joranrapamanche.com The lungs in the stone Malta-born Joran Rapa Manche speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about his upcoming exhibition in London. With Exhale-in, the artist will be occupying a space at the Caroline Garden Chapel in Peckham from October 22 to 28 Leaving for London was not an instant revelation; it still took me a long time to be where I am now Joran Rapa Manche Impression of Exhale-in at the Caroline Garden Chapel in Peckham