https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/296 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:43:31 GMT 2026-04-09T16:43:31Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145416 Title: Resonant forms [Multimedia exposition] Authors: Galea, Matthew Abstract: This Exposition documents my research across media and the struggles I at times face with aligning the various artistic practices that I undertake. I approach this initially through the notion of resonance as a metaphor.; The paper that originally defined the topic of this exposition explores resonance not only as an acoustic or affective phenomenon but as a critical and sculptural strategy within contemporary artistic research. Drawing from my hybrid practice ranging across sculpture, software-based systems, intermedia installation, and tattooing, I argue for a continued reconceptualisation of sculpture as an event, a force, and a site of transformative encounter. More specifically this exposition attempts to align my practice as a tattoo practitioner with that of a sculptor. Whilst I have lived with this "contradiction" without problems through my artistic career. Tattooing has always been placed on the back burner academically, as there is no real academic discourse on tattooing as an artistic practice, nor any real fora for discussing this. In my work, however, both as a sculptor and as an academic, tattooing has been a solid foundation that has a very strong influence on my approaches and aesthetic considerations. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145416 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145408 Title: Ħudha [Multimedia exposition] Authors: Galea, Matthew; Galea, Julia Abstract: Ħudha is a collective pop-up exhibition hosted at Hotel Splendid on Friday the 13th of September 2019. Ħuda is co-curated by Matyou Galea and Julia Galea.The exhibition brings together thirteen visual artists: Matthew Attard; Aaron Bezzina; Alessio Cuschieri; Etienne Farrell; Charlene Galea; Hannah Galea; Julia Galea; Matyou Galea; Emma Grima; Yan Pirotta; Pierre Portelli; Thomas Scerri; Isaac Warrington.; Rationale: There is no real “underground art scene” in Malta, this exhibition simultaneously comments and does something about it. It was important that mo institution funded, backed or endorsed this and that this was solely an artist based initiative. The approach or the pitch to the artists was are you in? And if yes bring a friend. This allowed also the notion of established artists and emerging artists to mingle together.; The theme was loosely ecological in nature. Each artist reacted freely to the theme. There was no imposed curatorial vision, though there was a notion of peer to peer discussion for those that sought it. Pop up shows are an interesting counterbalance to funded and institutionally supported shows. Both have a very important role to play. The role of the pop up is to act fast and decisively, to comment on societal issues on time and where it matters. These shows are not bound by waiting lists, funding rosters, financial year arcs, fabrication and lead times. The project from initial conception to dismantling took place in under a month and most of the artists created work specifically for the exhibition. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145408 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145407 Title: Hol(e)y [Multimedia exposition] Authors: Galea, Matthew; Galea, Julia Abstract: Holey is an exhibition by curated by Matthew and Julia Galea. Holey featured the works of: Caesar Attard, Matthew Attard, Aaron Bezzina, Isaac Bezzina, Kane Cali, Rachelle Deguara, Madeleine Fenwick, Courtney Florian, Julia Galea, Matyou Galea, Patrick Galea, Pierre Portelli, Sasha Vella.; This show loosely follows the concept ideated for Ħudha (2019) as an independent, artist led pop up exhibition with no funding or institutional backing. All works presented were specifically made for the show (apart from one). Whilst hard to point at decisively and quantify, there is a half hypothesis that the nature of the work is very different to what the artists (especially the more established ones) show in other exhibitions. Like in Ħudha there was a healthy mix of established practitioners and those who exhibited their work for the first time. Fun fact, there were 4 couples exhibiting together in the show. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145407 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145377 Title: Enhancing student engagement in the middle and secondary school library : developing a practical resource for Maltese school librarians Abstract: School libraries today are vibrant and dynamic learning hubs that foster literacy, creativity, collaboration, and student well-being. International studies have highlighted the impact of school libraries on academic achievement, particularly when staffed by qualified professionals. In Malta, the potential and role of school libraries remain mostly unexplored, with no quantitative studies on student engagement carried out. A quantitative case study approach was carried out with 300 students in Years 7-10. This anonymous online questionnaire explored four main aspects: student perceptions of the librarian, the library space and resources, visiting habits, and student participation. The findings indicated that younger students tend to be more frequent visitors. Students consistently found the librarian to be friendly and supportive, readily offering help. Physical books remain popular, with a desire for varied genres, manga and graphic novels, together with greater computer access. Students view the library as a safe, welcoming place, but have shown a desire for better design and more seating areas. Many students expressed a desire for more active participation in the library. This dissertation investigates student engagement in a Maltese middle and secondary school library and how engagement can be enhanced. It contributes the first quantitative data on student library engagement in Malta and develops a practical toolkit for Maltese school librarians, helping to promote the school library and enhance student engagement through actionable knowledge. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145377 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z