https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8929 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:35:49 GMT 2026-06-15T20:35:49Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147396 Title: A visual exploration of cultural identity and belonging in Malta Abstract: This research offers an insight into cultural identity and sense of belonging of Malta’s inhabitants through photography, and public engagement. The practical project investigates how visual storytelling and individual experiences contribute to the understanding of cultural identity. Data has been collected through qualitative interviews and a dedicated Instagram account, @portraitsofmalta. Photographs captured as part of the practical segment of this research were shared on the aforementioned Instagram account. Public polls were created to encourage reflection on cultural identity and sense of belonging and allowed the researcher to gather further insights on the subject in question. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how photography and social media are powerful tools for capturing and understanding cultural identity in Malta’s increasingly diverse community. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147396 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147395 Title: Communication through a combination of art and poetry Abstract: This project dissertation investigates how the combination of visual art and poetry can enhance communication and emotional expression. Motivated by my personal passion for both painting and writing, the research aims to demonstrate that pairing these two artistic forms creates a powerful and clear communicative experience. The study begins with a literature review that examines the dynamic relationship between poetry and visual art, including the psychological and cognitive effects of imagery, colour, and nonverbal cues. It explores the concept of ekphrastic poetry – where poets respond to visual art – and the narrative power of illustration, drawing on works by key scholars and examples from notable artists and poets. The practical component consists of a creative project: a book pairing original paintings with thematically linked poems, reflecting personal experiences and emotions. This is supplemented by interviews with local artists working at the intersection of art and poetry, whose insights enrich the understanding of the creative process. A reflective journal documents the evolution of the project, detailing inspirations, techniques, and challenges encountered. Findings from the research and inferences of the project suggest that the interplay between visual and verbal media deepens audience engagement, clarifies meaning, and evokes stronger emotional responses. The dissertation concludes that integrating art and poetry not only enhances the communicative power of each medium but also fosters richer, more immersive experiences for both creator and viewer. This project-led inquiry highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary artistic expression. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147395 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147394 Title: Framing FoMO : exploring FoMO amongst generation Z through portraiture Abstract: This dissertation explores the impact of the Fear of Missing Out [FoMO] on Generation Z’s mental health, social connections, self-perception, self-esteem, and overall well-being. This study looks at how portraiture photography can be used to convey such FoMO phenomenon, highlighting the importance of photography as a powerful visual medium. By combining survey research with photography, this study reveals common FoMO triggers and experiences of Generation Z, as well as how this is sometimes linked to social media. The findings suggest that FoMO significantly affects the mental well-being of this generation and influences their social interactions and self-image. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147394 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147393 Title: Exploring racial bias through the goblin race in Baldur’s Gate 3 Abstract: The idea of homogenous races that incorporate traits from real groups of people and portrays them negatively to audiences is one that has occurred in several media before this such as The Hobbit or Harry Potter. However, in the video game Baldur’s Gate 3, there is conflicting messaging when the game makes attempts to acknowledge racial issues and yet still chooses to have goblins be a unified race with the same negative beliefs and attitudes. A semiotic and textual analysis was held to analyse the goblin race, using the relevant literature related to race and the fantasy genre as a basis. This was done to form a connection between the handling of the race and the wider racial issues that have become standard within the fantasy genre. In doing so, it became evident that the perceptions held about goblins are ones that reflect western colonialist perspectives held about minority racial groups, considered to be a racial “Other”. There is a level of importance to bringing about discussions and criticism to these issues. Despite goblins being a fantasy race, the messages passed through them can still influence players. Calling attention to this allows for more mindful approaches to the subject of race and prevents further spreading of harmful racial ideologies that can then harm real people. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147393 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z