Ħudha [Multimedia exposition]

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.