The new work within the exhibition began to develop during a residency in BigCi – Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatives in Sydney, Australia, during which Iella worked on early sketches and two large-scale paintings within an area vastly affected by the devastation of 2020 wildfires.

Upon returning to London she then undertook intense training in the etching process under the guidance of tutors at The Royal Drawing School.

Now a resident of Bow Studios in London, Iella has worked on several other pieces in-studio, working in acrylic. Of particular note is one work within the exhibition which was selected by jury and shown at the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition, 2024.

In collaboration with the Malta Community of Illustrators, Iella has invited several additional artists to contribute towards a large-scale installation, creating a powerful symbol of solidarity and collective action.

In conjunction with this work, artist SeaPuppy (aka Christian de Souza Jensen) has also been invited to create a new animated film continuing the exhibition’s themes of climate migration.

Migration Nation opened at Spazju Kreattiv on 13th September and will be available for viewing until 10th November 2024.

A tour of the exhibition is taking place on 25th September at 7pm, while a related workshop for children is scheduled for Saturday 2nd November at 11am.

For more information on Migration Nation, visit this website.

Migration Nation is funded by Arts Council Malta’s Arts Support Scheme.

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