ĠUF, a project celebrating contemporary motherhood through the visual art of Rebecca
Bonaci, has just launched at Valletta’s Spazju Kreattiv.

This is Rebecca’s debut solo exhibition showcasing her paintings, with the artist being locally known for her designs and illustrations as a tattoo artist. 

Curated by Sarah Chircop and advised by Ryan Falzon, the vision of this project is to present a contemporary understanding of motherhood that stirs away from the current political undertones that the term carries.

Here, Rebecca presents a personal perspective that is informed by a recent experience of becoming a mother herself, with the concept of motherhood expanded to the extended family.

Motherhood and the figure of the mother are being examined in a cultural-historical, philosophical, psychological and artistic depth. The cultural-historical and societal changes that have changed the social position of women over this vast timeframe, have also changed the cultural norms and expectations associated with motherhood.

Referencing the Maltese word for ‘womb’, ĠUF explores the theme of contemporary motherhood, informed by the rich prehistoric remains and rituals found in the Maltese archipelago.

The iconography and imagery from the primordial period will be revalued and interpreted by Bonaci and her curatorial team, with the artworks presented in dialogue with artefacts from the period.

Bonaci will also draw from her personal experience of family bonding, femininity, recent social history, child bearing and motherhood as to present a dialogue between past and present.

Framing the current local voices related to the themes of motherhood, abortion and family, the theme is undergoing current discussions worldwide, by names such as Tracey Emin and Katy Hessel.

The exhibition is available for viewing at Spazju Kreattiv, Spazju C, in Valletta, from 27th October to 2nd December 2023.  Supported by Malta Arts Fund, with special thanks to Palazzo Falzon.

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