Maltese Artists Question Memory And Perception In Moving Exhibition
Stefan Spiteri and John Cascun, two young, Maltese artists, held an exhibition showcasing a number of works they created together while taking part in a residency program run by the Malta School of Art.
Together they created a stunning series that revolve around the human failure in perception and memory.
Left John Cascun, Right Stefan Spiteri
“Losing my memory is one of my worst fears.” Said John Cascun “What really inspired me were old photo albums I found one day. There were photos of me and my brother and family, but I couldn’t remember ever being in those places. There was a difference between what my memory was telling me, and what the photos were showing me.”
Mr Cascun showcases this disparity with a collage style that joins elements together in chaotic ways to show the inherent failing of human memory.
John Cascun, 1: mixed media (spray paint, acrylic, charcoal) on cardboard
John Cascun 2. mixed media (oils, chalk pastel) on gessoed cardboard
John Cascun 3. (vertical diptyc): oils on gessoed wood panels
John Cascun 4. mixed media (oils, chalk pastel) on gessoed cardboard
”I’m not so attached to my art” Said Stefan Spiteri ”I’m more interested in the act of creating it to express what I see and feel than the final project. I paint over old works all the time and even when creating these you’ll see parts I’ve coloured over entirely. But that’s kind of the point? Even though how you see and feel about things is always changing, your past and present are connected.”
Stefan Spiteri, Untitled 1
Stefan Spiteri, Untitled 2
The two artists were given a free space in Valletta to work in whenever they wanted for two straight weeks. Art resources were supplied, and the two could work closely alongside one another in a learning experience designed to help artists reach their full potential.
While the exhibition was for one night only, you can find more of John Cascun’s work here, and Stefan Spiteri’s work here.
Featured Photo by Steffi Venturi