Maltese Artist’s Immersive Exhibition On Migrants Makes It To Paris Photography Festival
Maltese artist Katel Delia’s immersive exhibition on migrants in the Mediterranean region has made it to a European photography festival in Paris.
The exhibition, titled, The Last Breath, had graced the walls of Mqabba’s local art space Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq, situated overhead the New Life Bar, last year.
“On the occasion of the 13th edition of Circulation(s) Festival, I invite you to discover The Last Breath, my immersive photographic installation. It pays tribute to the people who crossed the Mediterranean at the risk of their lives,” Delia wrote, with the artist being available at the festival between today and tomorrow.
The subject tackled is that of migration within the Mediterranean and the sad and alarming situation that many got too comfortable with, which is unfortunately often swept under the rug.
With the use of UV lighting, the installation portrays something beautiful and enchanting at the very first glance, however, the message is a scary one that we are all comfortable living with.
Making use of various media, such as light, sound, and visuals, Delia transports the viewer to another place, where the experience of the observer pays homage to the so many migrants who lose their life while searching for a better one.
The idea is that by creating a ‘beautiful memory’ when the visitor remembers this installation, the message of awareness will also kick in.
The choice of the title of the exhibition, ‘The Last Breath’ comes from the idea, that the last thing that these people might have seen was the air bubbles of their last breath.
Delia has a special interest in migration, being herself part of a family who had to migrate various times to different countries over the decades and is very compassionate towards the people who have no choice but to leave everything behind.
Well done Katel Delia!
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