Exploring the complex relationship between place, identity and people through contemporary art practice

Abstract

This body of work investigates how place and landscape possibly impact people and their sense of identity and how people in turn impact place. This investigation revolves around the exploration of il-Blata tal-Melħ through the performative act of walking as the primary methodology. This mapping project involved gathering data in the form of footage, sounds, photographs, objects, creative writing and sensorial experiences, which were all acquired through unplanned walks. Walking, which was mostly directed by existing paths, established a physical presence within place and led to embodied engaging and interaction. The different fragments of data collected through walking resulted in a deep understanding of place and in turn, all these cumulative experiences were channelled into the creation of the final art works. Place-interactions occurred through creating visual compositions using mirrors in the spirit of Robert Smithson and John Pfahl. This opened up an ongoing collaboration with elements of place such as the landscape, bodies of water and sunlight. The final video, collection of film stills, visual essay and objects presented are the culmination of my interpretation of place. This study sheds light on the reciprocal relationship between people and place; how one can influence or alter the other, and how people’s and places’ identities are shaped through this process. The findings also led to more questions that could be prompts for further investigation: What do my findings and experiences revolving around place-interactions reveal about Maltese society’s past and current interactions with place? What does the ongoing spree of haphazard urbanisation express about society’s connection, or lack thereof, with place?