As a Maltese-British artist, I am deeply proud of my Maltese heritage, though my cultural identity has been complex. Growing up, I often felt too Maltese to be British and not Maltese enough. This internal conflict was heightened by being a queer person in a Catholic household, fearing my identity further isolated me from my culture. Learning about Maltese history, art, and culture helped me find a sense of belonging and reconcile this dichotomy.
Through Maltese art, I discovered the rich history behind traditional Maltese tiles, often seen in my relatives' homes and my grandparents' holiday flats, evoking deep nostalgia. Despite their beauty, these tiles were often discarded in favour of modern, less culturally significant designs. Like a lizard shedding its skin, we sometimes shed parts of our identity that feel complicated, opting for simplicity.
Maltese tiles, inspired by Islamic art and made using Spanish methods, gained popularity under British rule. They represent a clash of cultures and the multifaceted nature of Maltese heritage, mirroring my own complex identity.
The animals in this triptych include three signature species endemic to Malta, reflecting how wildlife is deeply connected to cultural identity. My fascination with nature and wildlife began during my childhood summers in Malta, exploring its rich biodiversity. However, I also learned of Malta's troubled history with wildlife conservation, including widespread hunting and threats from development.
This triptych blends Maltese heritage with endemic wildlife, celebrating their beauty and interconnectedness. It underscores the importance of conserving our culture and the natural world, demonstrating how learning from the past can lead to progress and growth. Through these images, I want to highlight the interconnection between personal identity and our connection to nature, emphasizing that preserving our sense of self requires conserving the world around us. This series was initially designed to be exhibited if selected at the maltabiennale.art, and was shown in part at the APS “let us see you” exhibition.
Blue Rock Thrush, the national bird of Malta, against a traditional Maltese tile.
l-buzaqq, - Mediterranean Killi Fish- the national fish of Malta against a traditional Maltese tile.
Filfola lizard- Maltese Wall Lizard. A species of Lizard endemic to Malta, Italy and Sicily- my brothers and I would regularly see this scurrying across the front yard whenever we visited our Maltese family. For me, this is the species that most ties to my Maltese heritage and the feeling of home.