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Fortress Builders Hosts Cutting-Edge Design Exhibitions As Part Of designMT

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As part of Malta’s first-ever design expo, designMT, the historic Fortress Builders in Valletta is showcasing a remarkable exhibition featuring innovative works from 14 designers.

Open until 5th October, this venue, renowned for interpreting Malta’s military architecture, has transformed into a hub of creativity, highlighting the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

The exhibition brings together a diverse range of artistic expressions, each exploring different facets of design, sustainability, and innovation. Here’s a brief look at each exhibitor’s contribution:

 

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Proġetti Kreattivi – Federica Zahra

Federica Zahra presents a collection of furniture designs, including a coffee table, diamond-shaped floor lamp, and flower-shaped table lamp. These pieces showcase her experimentation with natural materials like tulip wood and prickly pear leaves, reflecting her passion for practical, functional design. Zahra is an MCAST student whose early love for creation led her to pursue furniture design.

Deconstructing Eden – Gabriel Grima

Gabriel Grima’s fashion exhibit draws inspiration from nature’s intricate patterns. His work fuses organic forms with contemporary fashion, symbolising the harmony between natural beauty and modern design. Grima is an MCAST graduate passionate about exploring the synergy between fashion and the environment.

Perspectives – Etienne Bugeja

Etienne Bugeja’s digital artworks, created for the band Decline the Fall, bring the emotional depth of music to life through visual interpretations. His meticulously crafted 3D pieces delve into the symbolism behind the songs, blending personal experience with macabre themes influenced by his health challenges.

A Journey into Wearable Art – James Dimech

James Dimech pushes the boundaries of fashion by incorporating upcycled materials like paper into wearable art. His eco-conscious designs challenge traditional fashion norms while showcasing intricate craftsmanship and innovative techniques. Dimech’s extensive background in design spans three decades, contributing to his unique approach.

The Legacy – Saima Murtaza

Through sculptures symbolising the fight against climate change, Saima Murtaza reflects on the environmental legacy left for future generations. Her work urges viewers to embrace sustainability and individual responsibility, drawing attention to the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

Final Call: Children Needed for Unregulated Design Testing – Luis Muñoz Jean Baptiste

Luis Muñoz’s posters challenge the adult-centric world of design, highlighting how children’s perspectives can offer fresh insights. His graphic designs invite reflection on inclusivity and how our built environments impact the youngest members of society. Muñoz is also known for his work in branding and visual identity.

The Geometric Series – Marija-Evelina Spiteri

Spiteri’s abstract artworks explore the psychological impact of geometric shapes, blending art and business in her practice as both an accountant and an artist. The series uses squares, circles, and other forms to evoke emotions, creating a calming yet dynamic visual experience.

Sustainable Art – Anton (ton-ton) Abela

Abela’s sustainable art brings new life to discarded materials like wood, fabric, and bottle caps, blending past inspirations with innovative forms. His work often mirrors Maltese culture and traditions, particularly in his use of tile patterns and bright, symbolic colours.

Xwejni – The Salt Pan Jewellery – Nadège Renée Cassar

Nadège Renée Cassar’s jewellery collection draws from Gozo’s salt pans, integrating Carnelian Agates, silver filigree, and other elements that evoke the process of salt harvesting. Her designs reflect the Maltese tradition while offering transformable, bespoke jewellery pieces.

Weaving the Unwoven – Charlene Joan Sant

Charlene Joan Sant showcases a collaboration with weaver Antoine Vella, where they’ve crafted spandex swimwear using woven fabric. This innovative approach to traditional weaving techniques resulted in durable yet stylish swimwear, representing a fusion of heritage and modernity.

Your Health is Your Wealth – Justine Navarro

Navarro introduces two wellness-focused products, Canotip and Slim Husk, blending sleek design with health benefits. Canotip, a non-alcoholic beverage, and Slim Husk, a natural slimming powder, are both packaged with luxurious branding, reflecting Navarro’s expertise in consumer trends and sustainable design.

Glass Mosaic Art – Raymond Aquilina

Aquilina’s glass mosaics bring vibrant Maltese luzzu boats and abstract forms to life, using dichroic glass to create striking visual effects. His work captures the essence of the sea and contrasts traditional and modern elements through colourful, dynamic compositions.

Metamorphosis – Matthew Scerri

Scerri’s jewellery, inspired by the art of origami, transforms traditional jewellery-making with delicate folds and intricate craftsmanship. His work showcases a balance between nature and design, merging innovation with traditional techniques to create adaptable, statement pieces.

Handle with Care – Charles & Ron

The renowned fashion duo Charles & Ron present a collection inspired by glassblowing, incorporating hand-blown glass elements into their garments and accessories. Their collaboration with Valletta Glass artisans highlights the delicate interplay between fashion and traditional craftsmanship.

This exhibition at Fortress Builders, set in the beautifully restored 16th-century warehouse, is a must-see during the designMT expo, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Malta’s vibrant design scene in a historic setting.

Other locations for more exhibitions from designMT are located at Auberge D’Aragon, Valletta Design Cluster and St John’s Cavalier.

For more details about the expo, visit designMT’s website for additional information.

Don’t miss your chance to experience these innovative works before the exhibition closes on 5th October.

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Lovin Malta’s social media coordinator, Charlene is a massive Swiftie obsessed with animals, scrolling and travelling. If she’s in the country for more than a day, you can find her reading on @onlyforthebooks

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