https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36093 2026-04-15T16:15:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/60310 Title: The architecture and spatial-dynamics of the Pauline Complex, Rabat : within the political religious context Abstract: The title of this dissertation ‘The architecture and spatial-dynamics of the Pauline Complex, Rabat – within the political religious context’ mainly summarises what all the different facets the history of the architecture of the Pauline Complex is all about. The three key words are ‘architecture’, ‘spatial-dynamics’ and the ‘political religious context’. The thematic revolves around this choice of keywords, architecture and spatial dynamics are directly related to each other, in a physical sense. Spatial dynamics was created out of architectural components. Yet spatial dynamics was also part of the political religious context, because it was patrons’ political exchanges and religious connections that augmented the size of the complex, they discussed shared space and lead to a convergant form of architecture, under two separate administrations. The purpose of this study was to view the Pauline Complex under a different academic aspect and that is the history of architecture. Prior to this study its appraisal has been mostly from a historic point of view. The objective of this dissertation was to analyse and merge archival documentation, regarding both construction of various components of the Pauline and patronage during the 17th and 18th century. The conclusions of this study will shed more light on the links between the architects and patrons, patrons and notaries. It will also give a better understanding of the way the fabrica worked. Importance has also been given to those who formed the fabrica, in order to allow this research to be a stepping stone for a wider understanding of construction methods and duties during the 17th and 18th centuries. Description: M.A.HIST.OF ART 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36664 Title: The relationship between spirituality and melancholy depicted within the works of Frank Portelli Abstract: The subject The relationship between spirituality and melancholy depicted within the works of Frank Portelli was chosen because the two themes of spirituality and melancholy are beautifully highlighted in his various works, often featured isolated but when Portelli combines the two he is surely at his finest. This dissertation aims on proving that as skilled and talented as others were with dealing with these themes it is important to note that arguably, no other Modern Maltese artist was able to deal with these themes as often and in as many various artistic styles as Portelli . It aims to show how due to Portelli being a well read and studious individual who was well aware that these two themes when juxtaposed highlight one another beautifully and create a symbiotic relationship. How he chose to highlight Melancholy as it came from a place of genuine personal pain and sadness , which is an integral part of the human condition. Yet he chose the Spiritual as a method of dealing with and giving reason to the profoundly melancholic or troubling times, in general, throughout an individual’s life. When these themes are both highlighted in the same work a strong sense of honesty is projected .With that unique honesty a profound and distinct beauty emerges from the scene .The themes of Spirituality and Melancholy are complex and multi-layered due to a socio political impact as well as due to the personal nature of the works. Yet it also aims on developing how when these two themes can be found within the same work a deep sense of humanity can be sensed by the viewer , which in turn makes the works captivating on a universal level. Description: B.A.(HONS)HIST.OF ART 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36317 Title: Dance series : transforming body shapes and shadow into sculpture : case studies within the context of the performing arts Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to unify two types of arts which I studied during these past years at the University; the Performing Art and the Visual Art, through dance and sculpture art. The idea of this project is to capture that unique movement of a dancer into a sculpture, as if it is his shadow. As a dance style for this project I used Modern Dance style category, with moves which incorporates couples. For sculpture, Minimalism idea was employed. The difference between performing art and visual art is that in visual art the artist uses paint on canvas or other different material which could be done in 2D or 3D. On the other hand in the performing art, artists use their body and voices, and performed in front of an audience. Augusto Boal (1931-2009) who was a Brazilian theatre director describes this uniqueness by saying that it is impossible that any show be repeated more than once exactly the same even if it is produced by the same artists1. This theory of Boal applies perfectly to Visual Art too. The aim of this investigation will clearly confirm what Augusto Boal stated, that every artistic move is truly unique and cannot be replicated. The lines and shapes projected on the sculpture will exhibit that uniqueness of that particular movement. No importance will be given to the anatomy of the figure but the curves and lines produced by the dancer‟s moves which will be clearly defined by the work of arts produced. Stone will be used as a medium for this series of sculptures named Dance series. The front and back surfaces of the sculptures will be finished in texture because shadows don‟t glow, but the perimeters of sculpture will be polished to increase the effect of the shadow. Description: B.A.(HONS)HIST.OF ART - FINE ARTS 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36315 Title: An artistic expression of poverty and materialism as two human tragedies Abstract: Through a discussion on the polar opposite realities of poverty and materialism that have befallen mankind through man’s own doing, this project aims to encourage a deeper understanding of what constitutes modern poverty amidst a capitalist society that is plagued not by scarcity but by abundance. In a country experiencing economic growth, the most vulnerable members of society increasingly lag behind as the gap between the rich and the poor grows ever larger. Meanwhile, the man in between all too often allows himself to be fooled into believing that local poverty is negligible or inexistent, or that the poor are only getting what they deserve. Substantiated by academic research and examples throughout history of artworks serving as a social conscience, this project is intended to uncover the reality of contemporary Maltese poverty whilst encouraging the observer to refrain from premature judgement and instead empathise with the poor individual. Description: B.A.(HONS)HIST.OF ART - FINE ARTS 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z