VC03 (2021/2022)
rajt ma rajtx ... naf li rajt
Critical Essay by Elyse Tonna for Matthew Attard's exhibition: rajt ma rajtx ... naf li rajt (2021). VC03 is a book showcasing the 2021 exhibition programme of Valletta Contemporary with contributions by various authors/curators
SURA (2021)
KIN, who we are and where we belong (EN) / sura ta' nies (MT)
A book for SURA (2021). Stories and Poems by Clare Azzopardi. Contributions by Elyse Tonna, Glen Calleja and Lori Sauer. Translations by Albert Gatt. Photos by Giola Cassar. Proof-Reading by Claire Zerafa. Designed by Brendon Gauci
fuse (2021): collection of research and process-based articles related to the thematics and interventions by Elyse Tonna
A book for fuse (2021). Written by Elyse Tonna. Photos by Elisa von Brockdorff, Maria Galea, Rakel Vella and Elyse Tonna. Edited by Ann Dingli. Designed by Elyse Tonna and the Valletta Cultural Agency. Produced by the Valletta Cultural Agency
30@20: Looking Back Looking Forward (2021): Celebrating 30 Years The Mill Art, Culture and Crafts Centre
From the Archives: A reflection. and The Mill Today: A conversation February 2021
A book for 30@20 project by the Gabriel Caruana Foundation. Contributions by Raffaella Zammit, Dr Nikki Petroni, Elyse Tonna. Designed by Mighty Box Ltd.
ħaġarna (2019)
what is 'ħaġarna'?
A book for ħaġarna (2019). Contributions by Elyse Tonna, Dr Irene Biolchini, Prof. Vicki Ann Cremona, Dr Sandro Debono, Dr Marko Stamenkovic and introductions by Hon. Dr Ian Borg, Hon. Dr Owen Bonnici, Hon. Dr Justyne Caruana, Hon. Dr Anton Refalo, Nicoline Sagona, Joe Cordina and Dr Christian Zammit. Designed by Elyse Tonna
The Mill Art, Culture and Crafts Centre, Birkirkara - Malta (2021)
Artists: Katel Delia, Kamy Aquilina, Noah Fabri
Curator: Elyse Tonna
GCF Programme Manager: Raffaella Zammit
part of the Gabriel Caruana Foundation SPRING (v2.2) Artistic Programme for Emerging Artists 2021
curatorial note
By 2030, it is envisioned that Malta will reach a population of 865,000 and a population density of 6,700 people per kilometre squared. Similarly, two-thirds of the world’s population, by then surpassing 8 million people, will live in cities. Urban sprawl has been escalating at an exponential rate impacting our natural and built environments, our social structures and psychological wellbeing. Beyond utopic, mass infrastructure infiltrates within and around every periphery of our towns and villages. Agricultural land is consumed uncontrollably, evident of inconsistencies in planning policy and reflecting the monopolisation of public and private land. This struggle is already discernible across various fronts. We are witness to faults causing striking changes to our lived environment and collective yearning of bottom-up interests and needs.
How do you feel? seeks to challenge and engage in this international debate, drawing on local examples of economic, environmental and social concern. Noah Fabri, Katel Delia and Kamy Aquilina challenge varied aspects associated with the intensified transformative urbanisation processes currently ongoing in Malta. As a means to highlight the dynamism present in demographic perspectives, Noah embarks on a journey to engage in dialogue related to production and consumption. Their work not only conjures up discussions related to cost of living, but additionally strikes contrasts in perception, values and cultural inconsistencies. Katel and Kamy present two disparate contexts with overlapping instances of environmental concern. The claustrophobic psychological effects imposed through urbanisation processes are evident in Kamy’s search for places which offer peace, retreat and solitude. Katel highlights the extent of environmental damage, a collateral of major infrastructural projects.
How do you feel? is an invitation for the audience to engage in critical debate about global issues of national interest and to partake in reflective discourse about unequal growth. The play of urban forces resonates in each of the artist’s work, conveying realities which we are yet to address in order for our expanding towns to remain habitable and avoid major social, environmental and economic catastrophes.