A new reality : exposing homelessness in Malta through infographic installations

Abstract

“Awareness on the issue had to be raised to remove the invisibility of homelessness, and the human stories behind those who are homeless need to be exposed as well so that people actually appreciate the story behind the person and not see them merely as a number.” (Magri, 2019, para. 13) Homelessness as a term widely refers to individuals without shelter. However, it is not so easily defined. This dissertation project explores the diverse definitions of homelessness and the developing reality of the situation in Malta. Professional insight into the issue was achieved through in-depth interviews with individuals who have had indirect contact with homelessness, while an interview with an individual who has experienced homelessness first-hand provides the substance for the final creative product. The research culminates in the creation of three infographic installations that seek to value the phenomenon not by the mere number of individuals experiencing it, but by the plethora of stories these people have to share.