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)
Artist: Daniel Borg
Curator: Elyse Tonna
GCF Programme Manager: Raffaella Zammit
part of the Gabriel Caruana Foundation SPRING Artistic Programme for Emerging Artists 2021: Solo Exhibition
curatorial note
Midlife Crisis is an introspective exhibition of works by Daniel Borg which shifts focus from extraordinary realities to ordinary experiences through an entire exploration of the self. The visual instances presented in this exhibition, portray reflective elements, which, in the context of a midlife crisis, bring to the forefront the artist’s concern with age vis-à-vis artistic production. The exhibition conveys an amalgamation of consequences following a process of rediscovery, through a series of images unveiling aspects of the mundane.
The artist captures melancholic instances transmitting a quasi-universal and timeless atmosphere, lacking contextual references. This body of work is generally autobiographical, related to places, friends, thoughts, emotions and experiences which linger in the mind of the artist. The introspective musings probe and uncover aspects related to boredom. The latter is a subjective phenomenon conveying moments of uncertainty, generally having meaningless connotations. According to Heidegger, boredom challenges thoughts and emotions, it is a way of understanding our existence. For Nietzsche, boredom is the “unpleasant calm which precedes creative acts”.
This phenomenon, as with a midlife crisis, is generally associated with lengthy periods of time characterised by a general feeling of loss and emptiness. On the other hand, a certain duality exists which triggers existential reflections, generally resulting in the generation of new meaning and realisations. In line with Borg’s personal experiences over the past year, this collection of paintings projects the artist to a new trajectory, away from the world of music and into the world of painting. The latter has allowed the artist to tap into his subconscious, delving into a world of curiosity and interpretation, a means of escape.