As a Maltese-British artist, my identity has always felt divided—too Maltese to be British, yet not Maltese enough. Growing up queer in a Catholic household deepened this conflict, leaving me afraid that my identity distanced me further from my culture. It was only through exploring Maltese history, art, and traditions that I began to reconcile these tensions and find a sense of belonging.

Maltese tiles became a powerful symbol in this journey. Their Islamic influences, Spanish craft methods, and rise during British rule reflect the layered complexities of Maltese heritage—much like my own. Once a familiar sight in my relatives’ homes, these tiles are now often replaced by modern, culturally neutral designs. This act of shedding tradition mirrors how we sometimes shed parts of ourselves when they feel too complicated to hold.

The triptych also features three species endemic to Malta, honouring the island’s unique wildlife and my childhood fascination with nature. Yet Malta’s troubled history of hunting and habitat loss reveals how fragile this natural heritage is. By bringing together Maltese cultural motifs and native wildlife, the work highlights the deep connection between identity, culture, and the environment. Preserving who we are requires protecting the world that shapes us.

Initially created for consideration by maltabiennale.art and partially exhibited in APS’s Let Us See You exhibition, this triptych became the foundation and inspiration for my full body of work, culminating in my solo exhibition Crafting Culture Malta.