‘The Fragility Of Democracy’: Artist Balances On Barriers Outside Valletta Parliament In Public Intervention
Maltese artist Keit Bonnici recently engaged in a public performative intervention, by balancing on top of the barriers situated outside of Parliament in Valletta.
The infamous barriers, which are owned by the Parliament itself, first appeared amid the 2019 political crisis, which saw the resignation of Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, along with members of his cabinet.
Speaking with Lovin Malta about this morning’s public intervention, which involved him balancing over six barriers, Keit simply said that it’s about “the fragility of democracy”.
In photos shared with the newsroom, captured by Joanna Demarco and Tom Van Malderen, Keit can be seen balancing on top of the police barriers, as a way of conveying the complexities in play.
“‘Thirty-six millimeter’ is a performative intervention where I placed my body on the barriers between the complexities of democracy, institution, state, public, and collective public memory,” Keit told Lovin Malta.
“I think the work speaks for itself. I am questioning the Thirty-six Millimeter. Why is it there? What does it mean to be there? How is public space thought of? What is Freedom Square?” he said.
“I made a wooden ladder designed specifically for the barriers. I walked from one pilar (where I placed the ladder) and walked to the other. Barefoot,” he explained.
Keit was recently in the public eye after questioning whether the George Cross should be removed from the Maltese flag, sparking a public discussion.
Did you spot this morning’s public performative intervention?
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