Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/546399
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 26 JULY 2015 30 This Week How has your time at MCAST shaped and influenced your work? Amongst the things I have learnt during my time at MCAST is the importance of carrying out research when developing a work – this is something that I have found to be most helpful when it comes to turning a concept into a finished piece. At this point in time, what would you say is the main defining factor of your work? The majority of the work I do revolves around contemporary environmental and social issues. My work often takes a narra- tive approach aimed at engaging with the viewer in the hope that they will give serious consideration to the theme of the work. What do you make of the local artistic scene? I see a lot of development in the local ar- tistic scene as well as many initiatives for art events and pioneering new galleries. There is an obvious momentum building up which is focused on highlighting the Maltese art scene in the run up for Malta taking up the role of European Capital of Culture in 2018. What is the next step in your artistic development? Artistic development is a constantly on- going process, so the next step has already been taken. Right now I am exploring sub- jects that I want to develop further in a near future, while also furthering my education. Anette Harnebrandt How has your time at MCAST shaped and influenced your work? I feel that my work has reached a high- er standard as a result of what I have learned from my time at MCAST. In most of my recent works I incorporate a conceptual process, which takes inspira- tion from what I have learned about ge- ometry and colour theory. The lectur- ers pushed me to provide a substantial amount of research and practical work, which helped to develop different meth- ods of idea generation and colour appli- cation. At this point in time, what would you say is the main defining factor of your work? Currently my work incorporates a hard-edge technique which focuses on linearity and colour placement. I have been exploring colour relationships that are found in the Maltese landscape through a process which incorporates aspects of fractal geometry. The notion of fractal geometry is in- tegrated through the use of irregular and iterated shapes that are derived from particular aspects of nature, which contain fractal structures. This process enables me to discover interesting com- positions and colour combinations that relate to Malta's natural environment. What do you make of the local artistic scene? There is a good amount of experienced and influential teachers who have the ability to leave a lasting impact on young artists. For this reason the local art scene seems to be improving, but I think there needs to be more awareness of contem- porary art among the general public. The contemporary art scene in Malta is not large enough for artists' to make a living from their practice, which is why most Maltese artists feel the need to continue working abroad in order to find more opportunities and wider audiences. What is the next step in your artistic development? I would like to continue studying for a master's degree in fine arts or digital art. My aim is to continue learning and working towards a solo exhibition. Following the MCAST Art and Design End-of- Year exhibition, MaltaToday interviews some of Malta's (hopefully) up-and-coming artists. This week, we speak to Anette Harnebrandt and Jean-Paul Migneco The environment as a cue Jean-Paul Migneco