Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/744537
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2016 43 This Week EASY PARKING PARK AT... facebook.com/mcpcarparks C A R PA R K S www.mcpcarparks.com.mt Floriana Hamrun Ta' Qali through objects. I chose to work on a doll's house from my child- hood to communicate feelings of reminisce. Falzon: My installation is pre- sented in a board game format and involves the appropriation of visual elements from the iconic game, Battleship. The artwork is a means of commentary, on our role as ardent consumers who favour the importation of prod- ucts but hinder the mobility of problem-ridden human beings. Whereas the game's narrative is a metaphor of the social phe- nomenon that is immigration, its design alludes to the market- place, to our role as consumers and to the concept of cultural imperialism achieved through imported goods. What do you make of the lo- cal visual arts scene? What would you change about it? Cassar: I do wish there was more of a prominent art scene. There aren't enough opportuni- ties for the public to learn about and view contemporary art in Malta, which is frustrating as there is so much potential for Malta to be a creative hub. I do believe it's our responsibly as artists and creative individuals to make this change. Falzon: The local scene is ever growing and currently beam- ing with talented, eager artists. I believe it is indispensable for the artistic community to ben- efit from venues and events that promote different artistic pro- cesses and techniques. At the same time, I think that art must not be elitist and should not al- ways be segregated in an art gal- lery. Should you win the residency in Tokyo, how do you hope to make the most out of the expe- rience? Cassar: Winning the residency in Tokyo would be the oppor- tunity of a lifetime! If I were to win it I would try to take in as much of what Tokyo has to of- fer as possible. This experience will help me develop and rethink everything about my art practice. Falzon: An ultramodern city like Tokyo, which also boasts of historical sites and classical art exhibits, would definitely prove to be a much-needed change of scenery. A brief immersion in a non-Western culture that has also starred in brilliant Manga productions like Akira (1988), would help me tweak my think- ing process and the way I per- ceive life in general. Divergent Thinkers will be on show at the Malta Maritime Museum, Birgu until November 18. The exhibition is curated by Raphael Vella and organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ in collabora- tion with Valletta 2018, with the support of the Malta Maritime Museum, EU Japan Fest and Ja- pan Media Arts Festival Chiara Cassar David Falzon 'The Tokyo experience will help me develop and rethink everything about my art practice' 'Tokyo would definitely prove to be a much- needed change of scenery'