Atelier No_11

A TELIER

A B R E AT H O F A U T U M N

WWW.MVIN TAG E .CO M

Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves.

Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

A BREATH OF AUTUMN

R

uth Ahmed once noted, "There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees–as if

we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again." Never has this quote been more relevant than today.

Indeed, for many, this autumn is a ray of

Editor: Omar Vella - atelier@unionprint.com.mt Proof Reading: Ramona Marie Vella Cini Design: Ryan Bezzina - design@unionprint.com.mt Front:

hope, an opportunity, a light in the darkness

Dorianne Mamo

for their projects, for the business, for their

Photo by: Bernard Polidano

present and above all for their future after the

Index:

hard times they went through over the past months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by: Rene Rossignaud Photos: We thank all contributers for

Autumn will hopefully be for many a fresh

providing photos and images.

start, a turn of fortune and a basis for a better

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future which will see them dream, invest, and

adverts@unionprint.com.mt - +356 2590 0200

thrive. This is what we all hope for a better society and for a better world.

We wish you a pleasant read and a great autumn season!

No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form without the prior consent of Union Print Co. Ltd. While we make every effort to make sure that the content of Atelier is correct, we cannot take any responsibility nor be held accountable for any factual errors printed.

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Society 04 14

Gianluca Vacchi Lara Boffa

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BLANKA BARTOŠOVÁ

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DORIANNE MAMO

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DR. STEPHANIE 24 StephanieFABRI Hodgkins

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OLGA LESKEVICA

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ANTON DesignNILSSON & Architecture

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48 52

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JACOB SAMMUT

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Photography

Fashion 38

Amanda Jones

Ian Camilleri Doriana Mandrelli Fuksas

RENE ROSSIGNAUD

FRANCESCA MIFSUD 58

Lisa Kristine

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64 Tariq ZaidiMALTA MR & MS WORLD

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Beauty SAMMUT ATTARD BERNICE 66

Krista Zammit Marmarà

A road trip in

ANDALUSIA

by Sarah Zerafa Lewis

THE PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY

I

t was around two years ago when we decided to

VISIT THE MESMERISING CITY OF

SEVILLE

head to South of Spain for the first time. We had visited Barcelona before and we loved all that Spain has to offer.

I had asked a friend who recommended this part of Spain for all its authenticity, value-formoney destination, amazing tapas and the most passionate flamenco. We managed to get a cheap ticket for Seville and went for a road trip around this beautiful Spanish region. You need to insert it in your bucket list right now and enjoy an affordable autumn or early winter holiday roaming around peacefully in this part of Spain with all its Spanish-Mediterranean vibes. Here are some tips for your stay:

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Whether starting off with Seville or finishing here, this is the Spanish city that you need to visit when you’re in this region for a couple of days - three days would be ideal to explore this city. It’s very different from its sister Barcelona - authentic Spanish life style, cheaper tapas and mesmerising architecture.

Head to the picturesque Plaza de Espana in the morning for a brisk stroll, visit the Alhambra, grab some tapas at one of the famous Spanish bars such as El Rinconcillo and La Sede to name a few and enjoy one of the most passionate flamencos in Spain at the Museo del Baile Flamenco.

Stay at the

Hacienda la Morena

Located in a small village, Montellano, an hour or so from Seville, this is the place to be for a relaxing getaway. This traditional Andalusian property features beautiful rooms in the countryside and the area is ideal for some hiking and long walks. The food is impeccable, the owners very friendly and the pool area picture perfect.

EXPLORE THE FAMOUS WHITE VILLAGES

No trip is complete to Andalusia if you don’t visit the most beautiful ‘white’ villages. Set in olive trees backdrop, these white-washed small villages in the Spanish hills are the place to snap your favourite photos to remember your trip when you get old. Ultimate favourites include Zahara de la Sierra and Arcos de la Frontera. In the pristine white town of Zahara de la Sierra don’t forget to climb to the top of the hill to get the best views and in Arcos de la Frontera to grab a delicious lunch at the famous Gastrobar El Retablo.

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A ROAD TRIP IN ANDALUSIA

Day in RONDA Ronda is one of my favourite towns in all Europe. It is set on a hilly gorge at an elevation of 739m and known for the most breathtaking bridge - Puente Nuevo. You can take a day trip to this town, grab chocolate and churros and walk all the way down to its valley. You can also grab some cheap and delicious lunch at BioPicnic and continue roaming around the picturesque cobbled streets of this stunning Spanish town.

Shopping at

JEREZ

Located an hour or two from your stay, you can drive to Jerez De La Frontera and its surrounding for some affordable shopping.

There are quite a few shopping complexes to spend a day getting your luggages filled up. With all the top affordable brands such as Primark, Sfera (Spanish brand) and IKEA you can simply enjoy a whole day here. Head to the town centre for some good food.

Recommendations include El Trastero and Restaurante Universe Santi.

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CORDOBA If you’re in Andalusia, you cannot miss a trip to the beautiful old town of Cordoba. Wander the streets of this town and you will immerse yourself in its romantic and beautiful taverns. You cannot miss the spectacular Mosque-Cathedral. Yes, as the name sounds this is an Islamic and Gothic Architecture dating back to the 10th century. Don’t forget to stop at the famous Dada Store Mini Bar for an afternoon drink with your friends or loved ones.

MALAGA As the second-most populous city in Andalusia after Seville, Malaga’s history spans about 2,800 years and considered as one of the oldest cities in Europe. Located in the Costa del Sol, which is Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, with its famous old town, Malaga is one of the Mediterranean cities to visit. Many say that this city is their favourite place to be in South of Spain. Don’t miss a long stroll by the beach, the Calle Granada, the Plaza de la Constitution, the Picasso Museum and the Mercado Central de Atarazanas.

GRANADA Set in one of the most dramatic locations in the south of Spain, this vibrant city has one of the most amazing settings for Europe’s most stunning monuments. The mesmerising Alhambra Palace is a must-see. It is a mystical palace and fortress with stunning architecture considered as an Unesco World Heritage site.

Also, in Granada do not miss Caldereria Street especially by night where you can shop for your perfect souvenirs and also the famous Bar Avila for some authentic Spanish tapas.

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The Raw

Truth INTERVIEW

WITH

BLANKA

BARTOŠOVÁ

MODEL & TATTOO ARTIST

B

old, attractive and with a figure that makes her stand out of any crowd she happens to be in. Yet leading fashion model, BLANKA BARTOŠOVÁ, is more than just looks and personality. She is smart, quite analytical and is one of the most talented tattoo artists I ever came across. Above all, she is quite blunt about everything including the fashion industry which she considers to be a busy industry glutted with glamorous competition.

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Photos: Bernard Polidano Agency modelsM Make up: Natasha Polidano Flowers: The Flower Lab

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“

I can fairly say that beauty has developed into something cosmetic, relative and temporary.

”

Has the modelling industry stood up to your expectations?

Yes and no. I might sound negative yet the truth is, modelling is nowhere close to what people imagine it to be like. Very little of what we come across on social media is true. Models do not sit next to swimming pools drinking cocktails. Modelling is, both mentally and physically, a hard job.

Modelling offered me the opportunity to travel and come across many people and experience different cultures. On the other hand though, it took a lot from me. The modelling is a tough industry where you mean nothing. You are just a walking hanger for clothes. You have to do whatever the client tells you, often working extremely long hours in extreme conditions. Very few know what happens behind the scenes. I was shooting fur coat catalogues in Istanbul in 45°C temperatures, or bikini commercials on the beach in January in Barcelona, when it was 10°C. I had my feet bleeding while I was forced to walk on Paris Fashion Week in shoes which were three sizes smaller than my feet. Once I got bitten by a bear while shooting a TV commercial in Indonesia. I was told I was fat, ugly, too short, too tall.

People do not see you as a human being. You are just a random face.

I must say though that the modelling industry in Malta is completely different. I enjoy working here a lot.

The industry is quite small here and thus I quickly got to know most of the local artists and models. Shootings are always fun.

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What does beauty mean to you?

After being a model for over sixteen years, I can fairly say that beauty has developed into something cosmetic, relative and temporary. Today, we love freckles, tomorrow we love big lips. It will sound like a cliché, but I still believe in true beauty which should come from within combined with confidence, a positive mental well-being and self-comfort.

What is your personal style?

As an artist, I love detail. I think in all areas, be it fashion, architecture, tattoo, the devil is in details. I believe the way forward is sustainability and thus try to adhere as much as possible to minimalism, I avoid fast fashion brands and constantly seek to reduce unnecessarily waste. All the equipment in my tattoo studio, is bio degradable, ecological and vegan. I adhere to the principle that ‘less is more’. This is a principle people should understand more.

Tell us about your beauty routine?

I believe in the importance of having a clean skin. I learned to appreciate natural beauty and thus tend to avoid wearing makeup. I also use natural cosmetics and face masks from time to time.

When we see you walking down a runway, you look strong and confident, is that really the case?

I am indeed on the runway. I enjoy catwalks very much.

The positive vibe you get the moment you walk down a runway and everyone is looking at you is amazing.

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A TELIER How do you combine modelling with your tattoo artist profession?

Before opening my own studio, it was much easier since my agenda was quite flexible. I am now working seven days a week and my calendar is fully booked thus making it hard for me to combine both professions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, fashion inevitably took a secondary role.

Leading model Halima Aiden recently noted that fashion can be very exploitative. To what extent do you agree?

Ab-so-lu-te-ly! I had the opportunity to work in Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona, Vienna, Singapore, Los Angeles and Istanbul among others, and in every place I came across the same challenges when it comes to the way girls are treated, the boundaries of what a model should be and fair financial remuneration.

Most of the agencies take high fees and make models pay for every bit of communication they are supposed to do in order to promote their models. Let alone travel, accommodation and other fees that a model has usually to cover.

Every day, you will be provided with a list of castings, which you have to attend to meet clients. Daily castings vary from three to four up to twenty or thirty before the fashion week season. You go on your own, running around the town, trying to make it on time. On each casting, there will be 200 other girls (or probably more), waiting in a line with you, in most cases to be refused. You might present yourself on 50 castings and not get a single job, that is absolutely normal. Your agency might be checking your measurements every week, and cut off your payments in case you have one or two centimetres more than they think you should have. I have seen girls falling into depression, developing eating

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disorders and also experiencing mental issues. Modelling is notoriously cutthroat and certainly not for faint hearted.

What’s your advice for prospective models?

Before taking any decision, make sure to consult a good lawyer. Do not sign any contracts with clients or agencies without consulting your lawyer. It will most likely save you a lot of money and hassle in the future. Find an agent whom you can trust and who will have your back at any moment. If you want to start modelling in Malta, contact a model agency and let them take care of you. I have a very good experience with Models M. Carina, the owner was always supportive and constantly took great care about me. I tried working freelance here in Malta before, but clients can be very cheeky and sometimes it is hard to communicate, so having a good, experienced agent, is a must.

What would say are the greatest lessons you learnt so far in this business?

I learnt to say no. Not every opportunity is well timed. Sometimes it is wiser to refuse, than bite more that you can chew. Be loyal, but don’t trust blindly. Trust your instincts.

Also, if someone criticises you, do not make a storm in a teacup, it is their opinion. As my grandma says, “opinions are like butt holes - everyone is entitled to have one!”

Any projects in the pipeline?

At the moment, I have a lot of trips planned. Fingers crossed everything works well! In September, I’m flying to Valencia as a guest tattoo artist. I also have assignments in Iceland, Amsterdam and Prague. As regards to modelling, we wait to see what Models M have in store for me.

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I have seen girls falling into depression, developing eating disorders and also experiencing mental issues.

”

” Photo & Make up : Natasha Polidano Agency modelsM Flowers: The Flower Lab

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Talking

F ashio n INTERVIEW

WITH

DORIANNE

MAMO

FASHION BLOGGER, RADIO &TV PRESENTER

D

orianne Mamo’s career as a fashion blogger began the way many do: with a passion and appetite for all that pertains to the world of design, luxury goods and travel. Indeed, she is a fashion influencer, a radio and a television presenter but actually, she is much more than that. She is also a voice to key social issues we often forget about or prefer to sweep under the carpet such as mental health. Today, one of Malta’s most popular fashion bloggers took some time off her busy agenda to share with Atelier her life as a fashion blogger and her life beyond the world of fashion.

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Photo: Bernard Polidano Make up: Natasha Polidano Flower wall: Alistar Fenech

What’s the most underrated part of working in social media?

That it’s easy, it’s NOT! If you’re serious about your work, it requires plenty of research, preparation and creativity. Above all it requires one to give an honest opinion which loyal followers always deserve. It takes plenty of dedication, hard work and commitment to build and nurture your audience, and honest reviews mean that at times (plenty of times) you can’t just accept to work with any brand or push any product.

I recently read that you take pictures of everything. Why? I’m really into the creative aspect of capturing pictures and moments. When I went to Cuba some 5 years ago I was amazed; everything I saw had a story to tell, even the simplest broken vase or slice of a tropical fruit! I used to go out in the streets, observe and capture photos of what made me happy or somehow left an impact on me. I was intrigued by the conversations I didn’t understand and by the food servings I had never savoured before. I barely posted or shared a photo of what I saw during that trip, but from then onwards instead of taking the usual group photos or expected snaps, I capture moments and things which intrigue me or leave a mark on. Having said, I’m also a content creator so I guess I do also take a zillion shots of whatever I’m working on ;)

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What made you fall in love with the world of photography?

My father LOVES photography and he’s great at it. When I was young, we didn’t really capture that many photos but I remember how excited I was each time we went to the photograph studio to develop our photographs. The wait for them to be develop used to feel endless back then, but it was always so worth it! From then I think I kind of got obsessed, especially as capturing photos became easier with mobile phones. I still enjoy printing photos and I have a thing for Polaroid photos too; they make me so happy and I use them as bookmarks or keep random ones in my purse!

What makes the fashion industry such an amazing world to work in?

Fashion is art and it’s connected to so many exciting aspects; culture, history, creativity and one of the most beautiful forms of self-expression.

It’s something we deal with every day. In my case, fashion makes me feel alive and present! It’s a form of expression without the use of words, hence very personal. Every day we celebrate fashion through what we choose to wear and put on. It’s way more than the great talents of fashion designers, fashion houses, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists and/or influencers and models on catwalks.

Fashion is everywhere!

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Photo: Bernard Polidano Make up: Natasha Polidano Flower wall: Alistar Fenech

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What is your motto in life?

“Slow but steady, and you WILL get there!”

You recently shared your personal experience and views on mental health issues. To what extent do you feel local society still lags behind on the topic?

I do think we’ve come a long way in recognizing how crucial it is to address mental health issues. Admitting that we’re no wonder woman or superman isn’t a weakness; at times we just can’t do it all at once! And it gets harder every day in the dynamic world we live in which is full of expectations and comparisons (at the workplace, on social media etc.).

What’s next for you?

Recently I’ve experienced the exciting world of TV, both in front of and behind the cameras. I’ve met some beautiful souls who believed in me and who helped me believe in myself! It’s not just the adrenaline rush of being live or knowing you’re somehow lucky to be in people’s homes, it’s the whole process of working on your own feature/ programme and the responsibility of it all. I tend to be quite a workaholic, but I always make sure to work on what I really love and enjoy. So here’s to more opportunities in the media world. And to finding happiness in the little things and achievements. Slow but steady! ;)

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Icreatemotion photography

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A TELIER

Juggling

Life INTERVIEW

WITH

DR. STEPHANIE

FABRI

ECONOMIST AND LECTURER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

J

uggling parenthood as a working mom can be a challenge, especially when you are a leading economist, a lecturer and actively involved in various local fora. Yet Stephanie Fabri refuses to give in to such a challenge. She is what we can define as a modern day hero and a true example of how a strong will and determination can lead to a successful balance between a demanding career and family commitments. Stephanie is just like many other working mums and she is ready and willing to share with us her motivation, her challenges and how she takes time to nurture herself.

by Kris Micallef

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by Kris Micallef

What are your ambitions in life?

I believe that ambitions change according to the period one is in life. Currently, my focus is on my son, Pippo, and my ambitions have been re-aligned towards him and I do hope that through motherhood I will be able to be a role model and a pillar of strength to him whilst growing up. Motherhood has had a profound effect on me and on my outlook towards life and I am realizing that my ambitions have also changed. In addition to this, I want

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to cherish and love my family and friends, I’m very lucky to be surrounded with amazing people in my life. I have come to appreciate and love life more and I do hope that I can remain so. On a professional level, I want to be a force and instrument for good. I believe that work can be an important conduit for goodness and positivity and through my contributions in policy-making as an economist, I feel I am contributing to improve something for society at large.

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Who is your role model?

My lifetime role models are my parents. They have always pushed me to be the better version of myself.

They have constantly supported me, through thick and thin, and gave me strong values through their constant love, dedication, and integrity.

Besides my parents, I have many people who inspire me. I would say that if we learn to appreciate the beauty of the people around us, despite their flaws, we find role models everywhere - friends who are going through life challenges, yet they find the courage to move forward; people going through severe illnesses but fight to live their lives to the full; colleagues, workers and philanthropists who strive to succeed despite the challenges they face; businesspeople who endorse failures tap into new ventures.

What are the essential ingredients for a perfect marriage between motherhood and work?

I am a new mother so I’m surely no expert in this. I love my job, and used to work very long hours before my son was born. However, I promised myself that he will always be my top priority. It won’t be easy, and I know I will have to give up opportunities, in fact I already did. However, motherhood to me comes first. My job will revolve around the different stages of motherhood.

There will be phases where I can work a lot, other phases where I cannot. However, I do not think there is any secret recipe of finding the right balance. It depends on the individual and the support system available to that individual.

What keeps you going when things get tough?

The simplest things that cannot be bought – love and friendship.

In a recent interview Tori Gerbig, CEO of Pink Lily noted, “Even as the mother of two young children, I’m not afraid to say that I love work.” Why should such a statement be a problem in today’s society?

Unfortunately, we are still being judged for not focusing 100% on motherhood. I have myself already faced a few comments. I think that we still need to mature as a society and understand that women who work do not love their children any less. We also need to start seeing more of a balanced approach and I believe that the future of work following COVID will also allow more flexibility towards work and the place of work.

Work and motherhood should not be mutually exclusive. I strongly believe that one’s skillset at work is enhanced when stepping into motherhood, on the other hand, through their jobs, mothers are able to inspire and become better mentors for their children. Motherhood also brings a renewed sense of sensibility even on the workplace or when solving work related issues.

Motherhood is an individual experience, there is no specific way or manner of how one should balance motherhood with work. It is time to stop being judgmental and instead of discussing issues like these, we focus our efforts on how we can help families balance work and parenthood.

What are your thoughts about local society? Are we progressing or regressing?

We have progressed in so many ways – mentalities are constantly evolving, civil liberties, enhanced environmental awareness, and the ongoing scientific, technological and digital advancements are clear examples.

Rather than regressed, I would say we are evolving very slowly in certain aspects like racism, gender biases, and other inequalities in rights and income that are evident on a global scale.

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A TELIER

Do you feel we are missing the point on several key societal issues?

In the fast, challenging, and chaotic times that we are living in, at times I feel that we forget going back to our core, our values.

But there are many people out there striving and working to see a better future for the future generation, and that should give us hope.

Why should what you define as ‘resilient mothers’ and ‘modernday warriors’ not fear the stigma or the unsaid reality of IVF? I think we still live in a society where fear of failure and fear of showing that one is vulnerable are still strong. I feel that IVF remains a stigma. It remains a controversial subject, at times a political ball, when it should be a subject that brings us together to support the struggling couples and going through deep pain to conceive and build a family. When we discuss IVF, we forget the most important protagonists, the couples. We forget the most important aspects, those of love, motherhood and fatherhood. We forget the human aspect of this arduous process and this needs to be at the core of any debate.

What’s next for you?

I love challenges and working on new things. A new project that I am looking forward to and that is very close to my heart is a book on motherhood. The book is co-edited by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Prof. Vincent Cassar, and Ms. Kirsten Cutajar Miller. Other experts are giving their valuable time and input. In this book, we discuss the challenges and struggles that mothers out there face through a series of interviews. The aim is to understand what we can actually do to enhance the wellbeing of modern-day families. It is only by digging deep into real stories that we can understand our society, our people and ultimately enhance the way policy is designed and implemented.

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Artthat Pierces T

his autumn sees the opening of a new exhibition in Malta’s

up and coming art scene.

The art collective known as duopunctumstud.io, is a collaboration between artists Nadette Clare-Talbot and Caroline O’Callaghan, and launches their exciting debut collection of work, entitled Elective Affinity. On show exclusively from 14 October 2021 at the Lily Agius Gallery in Sliema.

The exhibition will showcase twelve individual bodies of work centred around the subject of still life, captured in a photographic style more traditionally seen within classic portraiture.

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Nadette and Caroline began collaborating in Malta in 2019 drawing inspiration from their different artistic backgrounds, ultimately culminating in the formation of their collective duopunctumstud.io earlier in 2021.

Their launch collection Elective Affinity showcases the combination of diverse yet complementary talents and a powerful shared aesthetic. Each of the 12 works showcased in the exhibition began with a visual idea, which was typically developed into a three-dimensional botanical sculpture, followed by a live installation and finally, a photographic image capturing the theatrical magic of their unique artistic approach.

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Punctum is a term used to refer to an incidental but personally poignant detail in a photograph which ‘pierces’ or ‘pricks’ a particular viewer 27

Drawing on the duo’s interest in perception and illusion, each body of work pursues the concept of the juxtaposition of subjects. It is this jarring visual experience, quite literally a “punctum” for the viewer, that the duo seeks to explore, right from the inception of each individual idea, through to the creation of the installation, and the ultimate culmination of a powerful photographic image. Various other themes are also woven into each body of work, some repeated throughout the exhibition. For example, digital references feature in the work, both in terms of lighting techniques, with the use of diverse sources and reflections, as well as the clever placement of image projections. All visual effects are produced in the studio

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and without any post-production trickery giving each photographic piece the appearance of a highly veneered post-production aesthetic. All this is masterfully achieved, creating widely different narratives for the same visual story. The resulting images are unique and a testimony to the technical and artistic skills of this highly talented duo.

"It's always a satisfying thing to see two artists work so well together and produce a good body of work,” says Lily Agius, the curator of the exhibition. “Nadette and Caroline have been discussing their collaboration for some time, and despite COVID uncertainty, they used it productively to find a new dialogue between them

A TELIER and create something fresh and bold - that of which is neither the style of one or the other but the two of them put together. Their unbridled ambition has resulted in a unique collection of artwork and a stunning show.”

Elective Affinity (the self-titled first work in the collection) draws on the idea of combining objects in a way that the viewer does not expect. In this piece, we see a miniature jewellery box lined in a carpet of winking anemones instead of jewels. It is this juxtaposition of the unexpected that the duo embarked on exploring and is evident throughout the exhibition.

Boxing Helena explores the exhibition’s subject of still life portraiture. Helena is a bust adorned in florals, conjuring the modern haute couture of Dior and Alexander McQueen. She is pictured within a sea of black – lonely, floating and untethered. The space around her and the emptiness of it is just as important for the balance of composition as the portrait of Helena herself. She is both human in essence but also a still life. The digital centre of Helena centres the work, creating a compositional focal point. This circles back to the play between traditional photographic techniques and the illusion of a digital overlay.

CandyLand is a moment in time, completely still yet teetering on the edge of collapse. The sculptural composition is based on the balance and flow of a classic Japanese Ikebana floral arrangement where blossoms, branches, leaves, and stems find new life and beauty in a strictly ordered composition. In the image, however, the composition is in total flux, flung forward and almost exploding out of the frame. The flow and balance within the arrangement are completely disrupted, creating a chaotic and yet somehow simultaneously calm image.

To follow the duo’s story and to learn more about the full exhibition pieces, including behind the scenes, and to view the final photographic images follow them on Instagram @duopunctumstudio.io About Nadette and Caroline Nadette has an extensive background in commercial photography with high-profile clients such as marie claire, Elle Decoration and Glamour. This followed her training with a degree in Photography and extensive experience in all photographic formats. Nadette later transitioned into fine art photography following a relocation from South Africa with a successful debut solo exhibition entitled “Lacey and Lace” in 2016 in Malta under the curatorship of Claude Camilleri. Caroline studied Fine Art and History of Art at Goldsmiths University. She went onto a career at Christie’s auction house in London. Her love of flowers was never far away, as she went on to train and work as a florist in 2002 in Greenwich, London. She has come full circle combining all aspects of her training.

The exhibition opens on the evening of the 14th of October at Lily Agius Gallery, 54 Cathedral Street, Sliema COVID measures apply. For more information, private view, and the catalogue you can contact the gallery by email at info@lily agiusgallery.com or call +356 99292488. You can also view the websites www.lilyagiusgallery.com, www.artsy. net/partner/lily-agius-gallery, www.duopunctumstud.io.

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Unapologetically Her INTERVIEW

WITH

OLGA LESKEVICA

A

MODEL & ESTATE AGENT

dd a pretty face to a pinch of boldness, to a an ounce of smartness and a good dose of class. Bring them all together and you will understand why Olga Leskevica stands out in any busy crowd. From a very young age, her face has graced countless fashion magazines and designer runways. Yet there is more to Olga than just the looks, photo shoots and catwalks. A graduate in communications, she is also one of the most successful estate agents out there. Moreover, she is frank, blunt and does not shy away to discuss key issues including gender equality.

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What encourages a media and communication student to venture into the real estate industry?

I specifically chose to work in the real estate sector because I can set my own hours and goals. Above all, it offers me the opportunity to exploit my communications background by reaching out to a wide range of people from all over the world both in person and through social media. The real estate sector is indeed very dynamic thus not restricting how much you can achieve personally and financially. It all depends on you. It is a sector where the sky is the limit.

To what extent do you agree that beauty is a fragile gift?

To appreciate the gift of beauty, we need to understand its real meaning. Unfortunately, beauty is something that very few understand and very few possess. We often limit our understanding of beauty to aesthetics which I feel is wrong. I believe a person needs to be beautiful inside out. It's not only what you see but should also reflect one’s soul. Thus, it should reflect one’s attitude, style, intelligence and kindness. I also believe the fulfilment of beauty is achieved when one appreciates beauty in its entirety and strives to respect it, protect it and avoid abusing it.

I believe every person is beautiful somehow, but not every person knows it and not every person appreciates the gift he or she has been endowed with. We need to appreciate who we are, love ourselves as we are and accept ourselves with all our imperfections.

What role does beauty play in today's society?

It plays a significant role and has the power to spawn aspiration and passion, by becoming the stimulus to achieve our dreams. In our professional lives we often deal with beauty as a physical manifestation. However beauty can also be expressed in our emotions, our way of thinking and our spirituality. Beauty can manifested in nature, in art, in people, in culture and in many other things that surround us. It can take on infinite shapes, allowing us to define it by what makes the most sense to us. We are so lucky to live in a time when beauty is not restricted by gender, age, race or sexuality.

“

I believe a person needs to be beautiful inside out.

expensive bottle of Château Lafite. There is nothing wrong in that as long as we are able to appreciate other things in life such as the value of time as well as the value of all that surrounds us. Luxury is a temporary experience whilst other things are not. Sadly, we live in a society where value is often determined by price. The higher the price tag, the more we want it.

Karl Lagerfeld once noted, “Luxury is the ease of a t-shirt in a very expensive dress.” What is your definition of luxury?

I believe luxury is a personal indulgence that provides pleasure, comfort, and satisfaction by the acquisition of what we may coin as ‘extra needs’. We all dream of materialistic objects, whether it is a brand new Rolls Royce, a stunning house, a branded purse or an

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In an interview with Extra, Scarlet Johansson was asked whether she was "able to wear undergarments" while playing Black Widow to which she promptly replied, "Since when did people start asking each other in interviews about their underwear?" To what extent do you feel we still live in a sexist society?

Truly speaking it's a very interesting question for me and I strongly believe that sexism has always been a major issue for women and still is. Notwithstanding the uproar generated by the #MeToo movement in response to the allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour from the American film producer, Harvey Weinstein, sexist attitudes are alive and well in workplaces where a hand on the knee or a pat on the bottom is a common occurrence.

However the issue is far deeper than that.

The issue is also about gender inequality. The 2016 survey about women's lives and roles in Malta has shown that women make up 49.7% of population, graduate more, and have a longer life expectancy, however, they are still 5% more unemployed, paid 11% less and are more at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Is this logical? Why should gender equality still be an issue today? Life is not a competition between men and women. It's a collaboration of both forces. Together we are stronger.

A TELIER What society should we live in?

We live in a very diverse society with ups and downs, with busy roads, with huge glass buildings and above all people. As once well noted by Margaret Thatcher, “there is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families.” Yes, individuals, managing their everyday life characterised by work, social events, family problems and challenges, romance and also the COVID-19 pandemic.

For centuries we invested time trying to identify what the stereotype individual should look like, discriminating and isolating people according to colour, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation in the process.

I believe it's completely wrong as it's not about your origin, your background or your gender but rather about being happy, healthy and finding your purpose in that life.

What role does social media play in your life?

Social media offers me the opportunity to communicate both my corporate and personal life. Today, social media has become part of my life and often determines my daily routine.Through social media I am able to reach my clients, partners or relatives situated in any across the globe. Social media is my source of information, my medium of communication and my means to reach out to my close circle.

Indeed, I operate and interact with my followers mainly through my social media platforms. It's the best and fastest way to advertise and share new properties.

I strongly believe that I can sell through the various mediums I use.

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How has society changed following the COVID-19 pandemic?

It has changed our society, our mentality, our way of thinking and our freedom. We are not capable of being who we were before. We need to compromise, follow the ‘new rules' and accepted the fact that we are living in a restricted environment. This is not an easy exercise yet humans have the ability to adapt and thus survive.

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What's next for Olga?

I seek to be a better person emotionally, physically and spiritually. Improvement begins with " I " and I have so much work to do . There are many plans in the pipeline yet it is too early to share.

It means gold

chimento.it

Pieta - Floriana

ARMILLAS BE MINE

My Point

of View

INTERVIEW

WITH

ANTON NILSSON MODEL

38

A TELIER

B

eyond those famous piercing blue eyes lies Anton Nilsson’s journey in the fashion industry which has changed quite a lot since his debut - thirty-two years ago.

He is frank, straight to the point and sheds light on what it takes to work in an industry glutted with glamorous competition.

What does beauty mean to you?

As the old saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Beauty is also visible in other contexts and experiences we come across in our life such as nature, art, design and even special moments.

What are the main challenges in modelling today?

The COVID-19 pandemic has offered quite a few challenges for agencies and models. My clients are all situated abroad and thus the challenges were manifold.

Luckily it worked out well for me somehow. You have no idea how many PCR tests I have been through!

How did you get into modeling?

I started quite late. I was in between jobs and not sure which direction to go. By coincidence I met an old friend who worked as an agency booker. She encouraged me to give it a shot, and I did and still do, 32 years later.

It is commonly said that models do not have much of a shelf life. This is certainly not your case. What is the secret behind your longevity in the industry?

If the ultimate goal to work in the fashion industry is to have fun and earn money, that is possible yet only for a few years. If on the other hand, one considers modelling a long-term career option, that happens to be different ball game. You need to know who you are, what you want to achieve, pay respect to your colleagues, your agents and to your clients who ultimately pay your salary. You always need to try to give clients what they expect and if need be, even more.

What is your life motto?

Give and you shall receive.

“Cindy Crawford always said, ‘I want a marriage with the brands, not a one-night stand." To what extent do you agree?

I always seek to develop a strong relationship with my clients. I always felt seeking new clients is a challenge yet retaining clients is more challenging. That, in the long run, is what makes the difference in this industry.

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A TELIER

“

Be prepared to clear your agenda always. Make sure to engage yourself in positive things beyond the industry.

”

How would you describe a model life?

It is like any other freelance work. You have to make sure you have something good to offer and you have to be prepared and deliver. Nevertheless, the experience of a model is quite subjective depending on a number of variables. I am sure the model life for a seventeenyear-old kid in New York or Milan is quite different from my model life. Personally, I have seen a lot and quite honestly, I am not super impressed by the glamour offered by the industry. I travel a lot and spend so many nights in hotels. It is not always fun. I probably arrive late night and have a really early call next morning. I also have to put some effort into sending fresh videos and pictures for different e-castings across Europe. I also have be healthy, happy and fresh.

How does your life look like beyond modelling?

I have no plans for the future that does not include modelling. It is the industry I have been operating in for the past decades and I am keen to continue shifting from one character to another. Right now, I’m the casual, wealthy, friendly, mature business man and husband.

The next one might be the interesting, warm-hearted, successful grandfather!

What advice would you give someone starting out?

First of all, if you don’t like it- don’t do it! You have to enjoy being in front of the camera. Be yourself but be your best version! No one is interested in hearing why you can’t deliver your best! Be prepared to clear your agenda always. Make sure to engage yourself in positive things beyond the industry. I don’t mean bitcoins or FIFA... I’m thinking of environment, humanity, wildlife etc. Many clients are looking for a model and more.

That can make you stand out and on top of that, it can make you happy!

What's next for you?

My calendar is packed with more and more notes every day. It looks like this fall is getting busy. Unfortunately, though, very few jobs are confirmed in the long term so I have to be prepared and ready to go with short notice bookings. It will definitely include trips across Europe within the next weeks. And I don’t mind that.

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INTERVIEW

WITH

RENE

ROSSIGNAUD Photographer’’ s Photographer Reflections

A

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PHOTOGRAPHER

A TELIER

W

here to begin?

Rene Rossignaud, blunt, to the point, adventurous, a nonconformist and above all talented, incredibly talented.

A true magician with the lens who is always ready to shoot something amazing, something particular, something which confirms why irrespective of whether people like him or not, they all agree that he is certainly one of Malta’s best talents. Rene recently shared with Atelier his passion for photography, what attracts his photographic lens and why he feels at home working in war zones.

Were you born with a camera in your hand or at what point did you start?

No, and I never expected to follow this line. It was however sport that got me into photography. I was a BMX fanatic for 20 years of my life, I travelled to the UK on many occasions to compete in international events.

I had bought myself a good camera back in 1994 to capture photos of us jumping high up, or water jumping into the sea. This is where the love started. At the age of 15 I started snapping lightning storms and had an image published front page of the Malta Independent. I later was employed by them until 2004. In 1996 I started an arts, photography and sculpture 3 year diploma course.

And I had excelled in photography so I choose to try this out for a living.

In a recent interview you noted, "my work is my life."

Can you elaborate?

I cannot imagine myself doing anything else, it’s my life now, my income, my passion and most importantly something I love to do. They say, choose a job which you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.

What does the term creative mean to you?

Thinking out of the box, looking for things others don’t see. Being different and at times I feel being weird helps too.

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“

It’s an art because each person can be different from each other and visually an image can tell a full story if one is creative.

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A TELIER

What inspires you?

Music is key to me, and today I feel I have no idea where my life would be without music. Obviously travel also inspires me and makes me more creative, but travel with music is always a better mix.

Who were your early influences?

No one to be honest with you! However when I started photojournalism I read a lot about Steve McCurry , the famous National Geographic photographer who snapped the Afghan girl photo, possibly the most famous image on earth. I had the opportunity to have dinner with him a few years ago, and in 2019 I crossed into the border of Iran and Afghanistan to capture portraits of these beautiful eyed Persian / Afghan kids.

How would you describe your style?

It’s purely casual, reportage, journalistic. I hate posing people, and my style is all about capturing the moment without disturbing the person or the scene

In what way is photography an art and a means of expression?

It’s an art because each person can be different from each other and visually an image can tell a full story if one is creative. As for a means of expression, a photographer at times can portray his mood and feelings with the style of image he shot, but also he can show the love, pain or suffering of others with his image.

Why do you love working in war zones?

It’s a short and simple answer, because I feel like I am home. It’s what I am meant to do, it feels so right to be there. Plus let’s admit that I’m an adrenaline junky.

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“

I cannot imagine myself doing anything else, it’s my life now, my income, my passion and most importantly something I love to do.

”

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A TELIER

What advice would you share with aspiring photographers?

Start young, I started at 15 and by 18 I had already a full time job in this field. And also don’t let anyone tarnish your dreams. Back when I started, people or even family would laugh at me, saying I can never make a decent living from this. Today I look at them and I smile and think how wrong they all were.

What's next for Rene Rossignaud?

Well in 2014 I published my first autobiography book which was sold out in a number of months. In 2020 I had promised myself a new book and also a nice exhibition of one specific country I was going to visit, this country is known as the most dangerous place on earth for foreigners. Unfortunately COVID changed my plan and dreams, so all these plans are on hold, but still waiting for the right time to start working on this again.

In the future I want to keep growing my international clients and keep traveling the globe.

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This shot was taken on my visit to Cambodia whilst have a small break from the Slums. I had gone up to Siem Reap for a couple of days to visit the temples of Angkor Wat, and from a window perched this woman for a few seconds.

A TELIER

An Eloquent

Eye JACOB SAMMUT

INTERVIEW

WITH

PHOTOGRAPHER

W

hat really matters to Jacob Sammut in his photographic

process is to capture stories. Stories

How would you describe your photography?

Uhhhh!!! Starting off with the difficult ones here. I think my photography tends to be a reflection of me as a person and of the particular mood I’m in whilst taking pictures. I do try to have my photographs

encapsulated in the shot of the slum

(especially my documentary photography) be as

children of Phnom Penh, a local

honest as possible. I don’t want to show something

or foreign street, a model, a nude or a Thai boxer. Each image with

that is not there or have it manipulated into showing something different from what it is, which in itself is a challenge. Being objective in photography, as in

its very own story to share with all

many other art forms, but photography especially

those who come across his work.

is close to impossible. No matter how much one

Each image which explains why Jacob is considered by many critics as one of the best talents in the local photographic scene. Jacob shared with us his love for photography, what attracts his photographic lens and his plans for the future.

tries to not be subjective and to not let his or her personal feelings and emotions influence the subject and moment being photographed, there is part of your humanity that can’t be switched off, so there will always be a touch of your personal influence. The challenge is of course to keep it in control. So I think honest and raw would be a very good way to start scratching the surface into describing my photography.

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A woman having breakfast in Edinburgh.

A TELIER

You have often noted, "It is all about the story, the story behind the image that is, which each viewer can interpret as they may." Can you elaborate?

I strongly believe that every photograph has a story to tell and of course, we all know that but there is way more than one story. You have the first story, the one you are seeing at a glance, the one which is obvious, the one you can read as soon as you lay your eyes on it. Something simple, something basic. Then there is the story within. The story lies in the details and the connection of those details with the subject around which the photograph is built and yourself. It is this second story that is what matters. This very story may pinch your very own experiences, being past or current. A trigger, if you want to call it that, makes the photograph about you.

How do you differentiate yourself, in order to earn a living doing what you love?

I am different, I guess in any other way that all photographers are different. We all tend to fall in love with a part of photography that we are attracted to and then lead our way. We all go through a phase of experimentation. Some people do weddings whilst others do fashion. The truth is that I just do what I enjoy doing.

There are times when your work is liked, and times when you are forgotten just to be discovered again. Is it an easy profession? No. But I never really looked at it in that way because it is much more. Yes of course commissions are important as you need to have food on the table after a day’s work but to be a photographer is so much more than that, to me anyway. To be a photographer is not about having a job, but having a lifestyle. The best part of photography is doing it and the gratifying feeling it gives you when you compose something in the viewfinder, press down on the trigger, and CLICK!!! , the shutter is released.

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Part of my documentation of the slums of Phnom Penh and my first book 'Phnom Penh: The Struggling Smiles'. Whilst visiting the shacks the people live in within the slums I come across this child resting in his orange hammock.

What does documentary photography mean to you?

I think what it means to me is less significant as to what I hope it gets to mean to the viewers of the work in the following years. So unlike photojournalism, documentation may take years to be finalized if it ever is. A series I have been working on for example has been going on for seven years, and I know it will be published at some point in chapters and series, but the main and primary goal is for it to be archived for future generations to see. I’m a strong believer that without photographs there is no history, no tangible history. We have been seeing old photographs being published in newspapers and if it was not for those photos we would never truly know what the people of those days wore. Yes, we could have paintings but how authentic is a painting when compared to a photograph? So I think the main key point as to what documentary photography is to me. It is recording life for people to learn from, change things from and finally learn about the mishaps and successes of the world, leading on to inspire so as the viewer, can attempt his own changes no matter how big or small they may be.

What is typically in your camera bag?

Hmm... It normally depends on whether I am on a job or just strolling, but in my everyday bag I tend to have a 35mm camera, and 99% of the time it is mounted with a 35mm lens, a couple of rolls of film, a light-meter, a couple of pens, a notebook and my Kindle. That tends to be it.

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The famous American photographer, Diane Arbus once noted, “A picture is a secret about a secret, the more it tells you the less you know.” Do you agree?

Let me start off by saying yes and will lead on as to explaining why and how it works even better once you understand what Arbus’s work was all about. When taking a photograph, and at this stage let us presume you are taking a portrait of someone, the sitter can only give you so much of who they are, and much less will be seen in the actual photograph. (This is very similar to what we were discussing before in relation to the story a photograph tells a viewer by the way.)

If I were however to add a ton of props in the photograph which relate to the subject you now have a lot of information you can connect the subject to. Now, you may think this is killing the secret if you want to call it so because I, as a photographer am giving you hints, however, those hints are distracting from the real subject.

The information I am giving you may be misleading to what the subject is truly about, so you do not ask questions to yourself, you do not probe the image, the face, the gaze.

You kill the curiosity because it is all there for you to see.

Hence why the more it tells you the less you know because you are only seeing what I as a photographer want you to see.

To what extent do you feel that photographs are memento mori?

I assume that we are here talking about the philosophical aspect and not the Portraits of the Dead here. I never actually thought about photographs (of course we are talking about documentary photography here) as a reminder that death is inevitable. On the contrary, I have always seen these photographs to be about life. I do not look at images from the past and see dead people, but the living experiences of others. Even when looking at war photographs and the atrocities that occurred within each war, I do not link it to a reminder of the inevitable but an understanding of life, be it amazing or horrible.

A TELIER

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A TELIER City Gate Valletta and whimsical bubbles entertain passers-by.

Do you look for great pictures, or do they just find you?

I wouldn’t know about great pictures, I think that is yet to happen, but more than looking for great pictures I take strolls with my camera, and when I sense something that hits me hard I take the photograph. Sometimes I may shoot a whole roll, and some other times I may just get back home after shooting just two frames. There is always something worth shooting but has to be something that triggers you.

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Do we sense another photography tip coming?

I must be exhausting you at this stage. I will keep this short. Forget about hours of editing, grab your camera and go take pictures. Photography is not about sitting at your computer.

Can you leave us with one last piece of photography wisdom?

The best camera is the camera you have in your bag.

Do not make the mistake of spending money on all the different equipment you see. It will just be left gathering dust.

Registered trademark and designs. Patents pending. © Altesse 2021. Photo credits: M Agency.

French manufacturer est. 1905

Tel: 21245999

A Fashion Code

INTERVIEW

WITH

FRANCESCA MIFSUD LAWYER & MISS UNIVERSE MALTA 2018

56

by Carlton Agius

A TELIER

A

fter winning the title of Miss Universe Malta, graced the cover of various leading local magazines, walked various runways including the London Fashion Week and was nominated for Best Female Photo Model at the Malta Fashion Awards, Francesca Mifsud feels it is now time for her to help new talent as a modelling coach. In her interview with Atelier, Francesca shares her experience in the modelling industry, the challenges it offers and what it takes to become a model.

What was your motivation to become a model?

From as long as I can remember I’ve always was into fashion. However, I believe that very first memory was watching my very first pageant where my aunty Tiziana Mifsud won that night. I was hooked on the glamour and wanted to be like her one day.

by Mark Soler

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A TELIER

by Snapart Photography

“

Be yourself, work hard, and be prepared for any opportunity that may come your way.

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by Snapart Photography

Anja Rubik once noted, "I believe modelling is a combination of natural talent, the ability to adapt to different situations, hard work, and, most importantly, luck." To what extent do you agree?

I don’t necessarily believe in luck, especially when it comes to the fashion industry in Malta. On the other hand, I am a firm believer in hard work as it is one of the fundamental characteristics that a person needs in order to be successful, irrespective of the field. With regards to modelling, being able to adapt to different situations and environment does play a role, however the key factor always remains hard work.

How do you stand out of the crowd in the fashion industry?

If a model wants to stand out, it depends on what modelling the model wants to do. For fashion models, one doesn’t really need to stand out as the main focus is the garment which the model is showcasing. On the other hand, if the model is into beauty pageants, being active on social media is definitely important.

It is often said that an extra little bit of confidence, will make you look the most beautiful. Is that correct?

Definitely 100%! One has to be careful though as there is a very fine line between confidence and arrogance.

What is your life motto?

I don’t have one.

Do you have a beauty and exercise regime?

Nothing too complicated. With regards to beauty I moisturize every day to preserve my skin, and with regards to exercise I try to train a minimum of 3 times a week, however with my very hectic schedule it is hard to maintain.

What role does social media play in a model's life?

Social media is underestimated. From my experience, especially when I was preparing for Miss Universe Malta, I got a lot of international attention thanks to social media. This was a result of my constant posting, interactions, live videos and much much more.

What word of advice would you give to someone trying to break into the fashion industry?

Be yourself, work hard, and be prepared for any opportunity that may come your way.

What's next for Francesca Mifsud?

Although my modelling career has come to end, I am not ready to distant myself completely from the world of fashion. I dont want my experience and skill gained go to waste. I much rather share my knowledge with other future hopefuls. A few months ago I launched ‘Pageant Prep’ which is a private one-to-one modelling course in preparation of a national pageant for models who wish to participate and win a beauty pageant.

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Beyond Beauty

MR & MS WORLD MALTA

INTERVIEW

WITH

A photos by I AM Malta Clothing by Charles & Ron

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telier recently caught up with Alex Borg and Naomi Dingli to discuss what it takes to be crowned Mr and Ms World Malta and their point of view on other key issues related to the world of beauty.

A TELIER

Mr. World Malta,

DR. ALEX BORG

What does it take to be Mr World?

Appearance isn’t the only criteria in becoming Mr World. Being confident in yourself but at the same time down to earth are essential. Having a great personality is also essential. Nonetheless, having a good general knowledge will help in the interview, in order to show the judges that you are knowledgeable about several issues.

Is beauty the promise of happiness?

Beauty is the first thing that catches the eye. Our body and appearance is a part of our identity. However, beauty isn’t the only thing that creates happiness. Beauty needs to be taken in a holistic way.

How do you manage time between full time work, modelling and other life commitments?

Often, work takes precedence over everything else in our lives. Our desire to succeed professionally can push us to set aside our own well-being. Creating a harmonious work-life balance or work-life integration is critical, though, to improve not only our physical, emotional and mental well-being, but it's also important for our career.

I have learned to bring this balance in life by planning ahead and keeping track of everything I am doing.

Why is social media important to succeed in such competitions?

Social media is important because it allows you to reach, nurture, and engage with your target audience, no matter their location. Social media allows you to get your followers with you along your journey. It also give you the opportunity to influence others.

What do you want to achieve by participating in Miss World?

Besides being a life-long dream, it is an honour to be able to represent Malta abroad. Nonetheless, I want to be able to use this title to influence youths in order to show them that nothing is impossible in life. With the right mind set, everyone can achieve his goals. The key to achieving your goals, is finding the right balance in life!

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Ms. World Malta,

MS.NAOMI DINGLI

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A TELIER

In an interview with Vogue, Miss World 2000, Priyanka Chopra noted, "The world needs to be trained to see beauty differently." To what extent do you agree?

I fully agree with this statement as I believe that ''Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.'' In today's world I believe that one must be strong and confident and believe in themselves and not let anyone bring you down and believe that you are not good enough. Everyone is different. Different body shape, characteristics, personality, upbringing, lifestyle, culture, but that's what makes the world beautiful and diverse. No one should be judged or discriminated. Everyone deserves to be included, accepted, loved and respected, regardless of race, ethnicity and sex, amongst others.

In her autobiography, Jennifer Hosten points out, “I thought it was important to show that my life didn’t end at the end of my year as Miss World.” Why should such a contest be considered as the start and not the end of a journey?

Such contest should be considered the start and not the end of a journey because just by handing over the title to another winner, doesn’t mean I will stop being Miss World Malta 2020. It will be my new responsibility to guide the new winner. I will be there to help other girls achieve their dreams. Apart from that I will also keep working on the beauty with a purpose project and encourage others to do the same. Miss World Malta, is a title I will cherish for the rest of my life and it is with great pride that I will encourage other girls to follow their dreams just like I did.

Do you feel that present-day standards of beauty are inclusive enough?

Unfortunately, no I don’t believe that present day standards of beauty are inclusive enough. I believe that there is still a stigma about beauty, specifically beauty pageants. Unless you have someone related or close to someone that’s into pageants, a majority of people still think that pageants are a waste of time, unfairly judged and that only people who are physically beautiful take part. People tend to not realize that pageants take effort, dedication, hard work, beauty and brains. The pageant industry was and is blessed with not only beautiful models, but also excellent lawyers and doctors to say the least.

In what way can such pageants be a source of empowerment?

Such pageants can be a source of empowerment as it can make people aware that by being a beauty pageant winner doesn't depend only on physical appearance, but values like culture and one’s intellect are also important.

Being in the limelight one must always lead by example and do good things towards the community which will empower others. These pageants also give a platform for the contestants to be heard on different levels and most importantly, it helps them to promote ways how to make the world a better place. As Miss World Malta 2020, I use this platform to encourage others to follow my footsteps and donate blood. Blood donation is vital, and by sparing a couple of minutes every 3/4 months, one will be helping 3 lives.

What does it take to be Miss World?

Being Miss World Malta, takes a lot of dedication and hard work. It is not only glitz and glam. It involves being dedicated, consistent, responsible and active. Active, not only on social media to promote yourself, the organization and the country but also keep fit in order to keep yourself healthy, physically and also mentally.

Being Miss World takes more responsibility as you are representing not only your country but also the world.

What do you want to achieve by participating in Miss World?

By participating in Miss World, I want to gain more experience in the pageant industry, build friendships with different girls from all over the world and learn different cultures. Most importantly I want Malta to be proud of me and follow my journey whilst representing our Island in Puerto Rico, commencing in November.

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Music, not a hobby, a lifestyle... a young musician’s journey.

BERNICE SAMMUT ATTARD

INTERVIEW

WITH

MUSICIAN

64

A TELIER

T

hey say, “Once a musician, always a musician.” Indeed, music is a lifestyle for Bernice Sammut Attard and the best is yet to come for her incredible talent. She is a true star. She is smart, inquisitive, adventurous, with a deep passion for music and a thousand plans for the future. The world is her home and the sea is where Bernice is at peace. All those who know her on a daily basis, will certainly tell you that beneath that shy outer crust lies a strong, focused and very determined person as her mother, Simone, instilled in her with a character that evokes traits only great musicians posses.

Classical music was something which she grew to love more and more as the years progressed.

Listening to great musicians such as Martha Argerich, Maxim Vengerov and Evgeny Kissin stimulated her passion for music and were a source of inspiration for her career path. From a very young age, music was just something which felt was natural and easy to relate to when performing. Moreover,

music is a means for her to connect with different people from all over the world, sharing ideas and memories whilst creating and appreciating wonderful music together.

Bernice started studying both violin and piano from a young age, with Marcelline Agius and Karen Briscoe respectively. At the age of sixteen, she left

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Malta, becoming the first Maltese person to attend the prestigious music school in Manchester, UK - Chetham’s School of Music, where she studied piano and violin as a joint principal study with Duncan Glenday and Ruth Hahn respectively. This was a decisive point in her life both from a career point of view but also from a personal perspective. Her independence developed tremendously. Living abroad proved difficult at first. She was in a boarding school and found it hard to accept that she didn’t have an actual home to go back to at the end of the days’ classes. The first term studying abroad was the most challenging from a musical, academic, and social standpoint. Bernice points out, “I felt it was a huge change at first. I had to continuously think about so many different things that I never really had to consider

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prior to going abroad, but I grew really quickly because of that.”

She has performed and attended prestigious festivals in several countries including the UK, Poland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Seattle. She has just come back from a week’s residency at Le Rosey in Gstaad, Switzerland where she was selected to attend the "Rencontres Musicales Internationales" - the Menuhin Academy’s Summer Master Classes.

In 2020, she was very lucky to have had her last piano recital in Malta exactly prior to the cancellation of events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the 1st of March,

A TELIER Bernice gave a 1hr piano recital at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Although not particularly keen on music competitions, the few that she’s done have helped her in many ways. In 2017, Sammut Attard was a finalist in the Chetham’s Bösendorfer competition, and went on to be awarded the second prize in the Malta International Music Competition. She also received an honourable mention in violin, and won both the joint third prize and joint best Maltese pianist in the Malta International Piano Competition. Soon after, she rose to international prominence when she represented Malta in Edinburgh in the 2018 edition of the Eurovision Young Musicians contest, after winning the final round of the national edition of the competition.

In 2019, the young pianist embarked on a tour, performing in Russia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan as part of the Days of Maltese Music project organised by the European Foundation for Support of Culture.

Bernice performed the Grieg Piano Concerto with a number of orchestras ‒ including the North Caucasus Orchestra, the Eurasian Symphony Orchestra, the Ryazan Symphony Orchestra and the Astrakhan Symphony of the Astrakhan Opera and Ballet Theatre ‒ collaborating with conductors Alexei Galea Cavallazzi, Mikhail Kirchhoff, Sergey Oselkov and William Garfield Walker.

Malta is still close to her heart and she feels it is the right place to wind down and connect with her roots. Bernice notes, “I love Malta in so many ways and I still think of it as home. However, musicwise, you need competition and you need to meet lots of people – it is just the

way the music world works.” She finds the common prevailing societal perception that music is only an option if you are not academically good to be irrational and that it only shows that there is still not enough exposure to music education.

Most recently she has been awarded the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Sibelius Essay Prize for her work on Scriabin’s Modernist Ideas. Writing, more specifically languages is what Bernice loves to do in her free time. Languages, music-making and travelling are really her favourite things in life and the fact that a musician’s life connects all three of them together is truly what gives her a fulfilling life.

Bernice regularly posts about her past and future projects and concerts on her Facebook Page: Bernice Sammut Attard (@ bernicesammutattardmalta). She is currently preparing to start her final year of her Bachelor of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow, (a world Top 3 institution in the QS World University Rankings 2021), after which she will continue to further her studies in the field in order to really become the best possible asset to the music profession. She is a keen musician in the broadest sense and her willingness to continuously learn is what will definitely lead to a bright future for Bernice.

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THE CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY MARKET The Construction and Property market have been one of the main drivers of our economy during the past 6/7 years. Those in the sector definitely remember the slow down they experienced during the years leading to 2013. So once in office in 2013, one of the first schemes that the new Government launched to kick start the economy, was to exempt the payment of tax for the first time buyers to the value of €150,000. This measure helped all those who were buying their first home to be exempted from paying up to 5,000 in tax.

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The popularity of this scheme left an immediate impact, with more than 19,326 individuals benefitting to more than €61 million between January 2014 and July 2019. The Government continued with this scheme throughout its next budgets and going a step further by increasing the amount on which stamp duty is exempted first to €175,000 and to a further €25,000 last year. Now whoever buys his first property is not charged stamp duty for the first €200,000 of the price of the property, with any amount over and above charged at the rate of 5%.

The Government made numerous measures to assist people in becoming home owners.

We know that young people who decide to become home owners, find it difficult to have the 10% deposit requested by the banks to get a loan.

So the Government issued a scheme whereby a personal loan covering the 10% deposit is issued payable over a period of 25 years with the Housing Authority paying the interest on this 10% throughout the 25 years.

A scheme for the second home buyers, for those who sell their first home which has become small or large and decide to buy a bigger/smaller property.

A temporary COVID-19 measure providing for a reduced tax and duty rate of 5% and 1.5% respectively on the first €400,000 of immovable property transferred inter vivos.

To encourage individuals to acquire residential property situated in Gozo by the end of 2021, including a garage as defined, or land on which only one residential unit is to be built, the rate of duty is reduced from the standard 5% to 2% on the higher of the consideration or value of the property.

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Malta received more than €1.5 billion from the Cohesion Policy between 2007 and 2020

Malta has demonstrated how Cohesion Policy can make a real difference. It has improved our environment, our historical sites and trained thousands into geeng beeer jobs

Discover more on OurEU.mt

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This portal has been created as one of the initiatives launched under the Connecting Europe Facility Programme. It will contribute to the Digital Europe Programme – an ambitious EU programme that strives to make Europe more competitive in the global digital economy through digital capacity-building and ensuring a wide use of digital technologies across the EU. Enforcing the digital skills pillar of the programme, the Platform aspires to boost the digital competencies of European society and workforce.

Funded by the Connecting Europe Facility at the request of the EU Member States, the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform brings togeth er: • Insights into EU and national initiatives and actions in digital skills and jobs • Training opportunities and career development support • Good practices, expert advice, resources and tools • Data, research-based facts and figures

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• Funding opportunities and financial instruments • Thriving interactive community spaces • News, opinions, and events The platform will become a unique reference point for digital skills enabling all Europeans - citizens, businesses and public organisations - to make the most of the digital transformation of our society and economy. The platform will function jointly with the 25 national coalitions for digital skills and contribute to reaching the EU’s Digital Decade targets.

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The platform has been created to bring together European and National efforts together. Often visions do not materialise because of lack of collaboration. The Platform aims to change this. eSkills Malta Foundation would like to invite you to join this ever-expanding community and start exploring this platform which is the home of digital skills information across Europe and the heart of the Digital Skills and Jobs Community. Visit, register and share the platform https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en.

The Digital Skills and Jobs Platform is financed by the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility.

This article was prepared by collating various publicly available online sources.

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Designs for a sustainable, mixed-use masterplan for

LA FABRICA Marking the practice’s first project in Chile, designs for a new masterplan for La Fabrica have been revealed. The project centres on the regeneration of an existing mid-twentieth century factory building to create an integrated mixed-use urban quarter in the heart of Santiago, Chile. Underpinning the sustainable focus of the project, the design is based on the adaptive reuse of an existing building while introducing timber as a new primary building material. Extending onto an adjacent site with a 550-unit residential development, the masterplan establishes an ideal live/work model that looks firmly towards the future.

David Summerfield, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said, “La Fabrica offers an incredible opportunity to

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interweave the industrial heritage of the city with the urgent present need to establish a sustainable model of development. The project brings together the revitalisation of a historic landmark, the creation of an exciting mixed-use neighbourhood and the construction one of the largest new mass timber buildings in the region which will form the benchmark for sustainable buildings in the region.”

Located in the industrial neighbourhood of San Joaquin, the historic factory was once a major contributor to the textile industry in the country. A progressive development for its time, the workers in the factory were provided housing and day-care facilities on neighbouring sites, creating a large low-density community. The new masterplan seeks to

in Chile revealed

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re-establish the live/work links by creating a new mixed-use urban quarter with a significant residential component that responds flexibly to the contemporary needs of society.

With half the building currently occupied by a retail mall, La Fabrica features a distinctive lightweight concrete vault roof that is characteristic of the innovative industrial buildings of the time, with roof lights that allow daylight to flood the interior. The challenge was to extend the naturally ventilated mall to the entire building while densifying the edges of the site to respond to the surrounding urban fabric. One of the primary design moves creates a sheltered pedestrian boulevard through the centre of the building, from the existing clocktower to the north to the southern edge of the site. With a raised roof over this central axis, it activates the heart of the building and allows visitors to appreciate the distinctive profile of the vaulted roof. The edges of the site have similarly been animated by pedestrian routes with a rich mix of low-rise office spaces, sports, entertainment, medical facilities, market stalls, shops and restaurants, creating a bustling, thriving ground plane that integrates the development with the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The mixed-use ground plane flows seamlessly into an adjacent site towards the northwest corner of the factory, where a new low-rise, high density residential development

is located. It features a central octagonal square at the intersection of two generous tree-lined boulevards that are lined with shops, cafes and other neighbourhood retail.

Four eight-storey residential blocks are arranged around the central square, with a series of smaller courtyards towards the interior of the site that mark the transition between public and private spaces. The apartments are flexibly designed to accommodate a range of different individual and family units, from compact studio flats to two-bed apartments.

Building on the Chilean tradition of timber construction, this is one of the first large-scale timber framed and cross laminated timber developments in the region. The project will use sustainably sourced timber which greatly reduces the embodied carbon in the buildings, creating a sustainable model of development for the future.

Juan Frigerio, Partner, Foster + Partners, commented, “La Fabrica, our first project in Chile, seeks to establish a new approach to sustainable urbanism in Santiago, with lush landscaped civic space. The incredibly rich mix of uses at ground level with a variety of retail and social spaces tie the residences with the rest of the masterplan, creating a complete ensemble that is integrated at every level. The compact and flexible design of the apartments showcases a beautiful palette of natural materials that reflects the sustainable focus of the entire masterplan.”

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THREE BRANDS UNITED IN BEAUTY Decorté X Baccarat X Marcel Wanders

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Bringing its spirit to life in all of its facets, from form to film. In honour of the 50th anniversary of the brand, one of our other longlasting partners, legendary crystal manufacturer Baccarat, joined the union. Aligning decades of craftsmanship and fusing three areas of expertise together to be one. Grounded in an artistic approach and a desire to celebrate beauty, an iconic design treasuring Decorté’s prestigious AQ Meliority Intensive Cream unfolded.

The sublime crystal jar preciously holds the ultimate highperformance cream at its heart. Adorned with elegant curves and deep cuts, the design refracts light with geometric precision, creating a theatrical play that sparks the imagination. A lid surmounted by a dazzling red octagon, the signature of Baccarat, reveals its inner beauty and gives the jar its stature. The enclosed resin spatula, a small piece of art on its own, enables one to apply and blend the cream with utmost care.

Only 999 pieces of this one-of-a-kind creation are available worldwide, each featuring its own unique serial number.

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Restoration and Conservation of VILLA ANNA TERESA, St Julians

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illa Anna Teresa is a hidden gem of St Julian’s architectural heritage. Up to recently, it was only showing from the thoroughfare a narrow frontage set back from the line of the street, which does not give away anything about what lies behind. The demolition of the house next door, a later, less inspired addition, allows passers-by a glimpse of the principal façade.

Indeed, the villa is exclusively orientated towards the adjoining garden and walled garden set out “en enfilade”.

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The fabric of the Villa is in a typical neo-classical style that was prevalent in the early period of the British era. The main façade sits over a raised terrace and rises two storeys above it. It displays a main body, five-bay wide, flanked with slightly recessed wings on either side. The piano nobile is adorned with a stone balcony with cast and wrought iron railings, originally running along the whole breadth of the façade.

The setting of the Villa is a more elusive affair. The Estate has seen a number of alterations, in content as well as extent, over time.

The remaining palimpsest only reveals the strong connection with the walled garden, which may well have been providing the main access to the villa. The relationship with the surrounding urban fabric at the time of its construction is not easily legible nowadays.

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The project for the creation of a care home on the site of the Villa is an amazing opportunity to bring back the Villa to a state closer to its former glory. The demolition of the neighbouring house has freed up the corner of the Villa, this being a first step towards giving back its symmetry to the garden façade. It will allow the reinstatement of the missing section of the stone and iron balcony.

The iron railing of the balcony is the element of the Villa which is requiring the most attention, in terms of restoration and conservation works. The lower rail supporting the delicate balusters was made U-shaped thus trapping rainwater. It was found heavily decayed and in need of complete replacement.

The Villa has suffered the expected deterioration brought about by the harsh climate and the pollution. Fortunately, the overall condition of the Villa was fair as it remained in use and some maintenance was being carried out. Although, some intervention involving the use of cementitious materials have also been detrimental to the fabric. The main forms of decay encountered where the deterioration of mortar joints, with a few damages also visible on the stonework, the formation of black crust and the development of biological growth.

Proper pointing of joints is considered one of the most important aspects of restoration of buildings. Most of the deterioration starts from the loss of pointing. It is of great importance that, in restoration work and in the replacement of masonry of ancient buildings, the correct techniques and materials linked to the history of the construction discovered during the restoration itself are used. With a wall built of globigerina stone like the ones of the Villa and many others from Maltese architectural heritage, this involves the use of a lime-based mortar.

The black crust is the result of attack of sulphates in the atmosphere. Sulphur dioxide is very aggressive. It reacts readily with the water in the atmosphere to form sulphurous acid. The latter attacks limestone directly to produce calcium sulphite which, combined with oxygen, forms gypsum.

Gypsum is slightly soluble in water, and under normal

circumstances is washed away by rainwater, keeping the stone surface clean, albeit contributing to its erosion. In sheltered areas from the rain, a gypsum crust is formed. In high humidity levels, acid droplets in the polluted air condense on the crust. This reacts with the unchanged limestone surface and binds any available particulate pollutants to the surface.

The crust thus becomes less permeable and acquires as a result its black colour.

Excessive biological growth, which occurs when water is allowed to pool or concentrate on part of the façade, forms

dark stains that affect the aesthetic quality of the masonry.

These stains are mainly the results of defects in the fabric of the building, by design or by wear, like the lack of a drip mould at the top of a wall or a leaking rainwater pipe. Where water is swiftly shed away as it should be, the biological growth participate in the formation of a patina, which is highly sought after feature for an historic building as it is unique display of its history and is therefore considered as the graceful way to age for a stone building.

The aim of the restoration and conservation intervention should always be to treat decay and sources of further decay, while highlighting the beauty of the architecture and its natural aging process.

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Restoring the Embodiment of a Nation Dominating St. George’s Square in the heart of Valletta, the Grandmaster’s Palace is the theatre where our nation was born. Built by the Knights of St. John for their illustrious Grandmasters, as from 1570, the Palace was a state within a building.

Grand Master’s Palace prior to restoration

toration projects. The entire project aims to attract a projected increased audience of 300,000 annual visitors and will grant access to over eighty-five percent of the building footprint.

Targeted to be completed by October 2022, the first phase of this project (€10 million part-financed via the European Regional Development Fund), shall see the reinstatement of the Armoury in its original location – the former Parliament Chamber; the restoration of the artworks in the corridors and Uccelliera of the Piano Nobile; and a visitor centre in the rehabilitated former Casa del Monte and Orangerie.

Covering a footprint of over 900sqm, the restoration of the Piano Nobile corridors and re-discovered Uccelliera (aviary) started with a 3D laser scanning documentation of the current condition.

This was followed by the removal of the painted soffit and lunettes. The former revealed an unforeseen situation where large sections of the concrete ceiling – a post-war intervention - were severely damaged and threatening collapse. Heritage Malta acted fast, and after securing emergency funds, turned this challenging situation into an opportunity, reinstating the earlier timber beam and ‘xorok’ roofing system.

The restoration of the 18th century soffit paintings of the renowned decorator Niccolò Nasoni, painted in 1723-25, began by detaching the original canvas from its polystyrene backing. This methodology was adopted in the 1970s when the soffit was reinstalled after being taken down during WWII for safekeeping.

Sustaining the role of the central seat of power, by the French, British, and today the President of the Republic, the sovereign edifice on the Maltese Islands welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year. However, only the armoury (at ground floor) and five staterooms at the Piano Nobile level together with the main staircase, were open to the public. On the 19th of November 2018, Heritage Malta embarked on one of its most ambitious res-

A one-is-to-one print of the corridor was spread out in the former Armoury Hall, over which the canvases were re-laid. This allowed for missing segments and the original sizes of the canvases to be identified and be properly aligned. Conservator-restorers moved in, cleaning the over-painting and previous interventions to uncover the original paint layers.

Missing areas of the painted surfaces were infilled and retouched to regain the unity of the entire decorative scheme.

In the meantime, a new hanging system for the soffit was being designed. The system enables conservators to easily handle the artworks for maintenance and future conservation interventions. The latest lightweight state-ofthe-art materials, consisting of a sandwich panel with a core in aluminium honeycomb, were chosen over which the canvases were relined. Following the reinstallation of the panels, strips of Japanese paper were attached over the seams between the panels to conceal the gaps.

These were then retouched to integrate with the rest.

The intervention on wall paintings/decorations were preceded by an analysis of the paint layers via the preparation of ‘scaletti’; in some instances over 16 superimposed layers were revealed! Restoration in the Uccelliera and in the corridors brought to light many (lost) decorative features in the wall and lunette areas, including coat of arms and a landscape featuring a sea view with a flamingo previously unseen.

Sketches by German-Danish artist Charles Frederick de Brochtorff in the early 1800s demonstrate that the original floors of the corridor were paved with yellow limestone slabs. In the second half of the 19th century, they were replaced with marble, and the insignias and coats of arms were added at a later stage. Over the years, the

polychromed marble floors have suffered from wear and tear and from past incompetent interventions. As a result, the restoration intervention started with the identification of those elements that survive from the original installation, and any ‘alien’ elements/materials are being replaced accordingly.

“In such a complex 500-year old building with a juxtaposition of historic layers … deciding what to keep or remove is a difficult decision since the fabric itself is its best document … and tearing a page from a book is not recommended! Hence any decision is based on thorough archival research, on-site testing, and multi-disciplinary discussions, keeping in line with the provisions of international charters, and when exposing underlying layers, the process is rigorously recorded.” Perit David Zahra (project leader) added that “Restoration is a dynamic thought process … continuously developing … keeping true to the cultural significance and intrinsic values of the building … retaining its authenticity and increasing its legibility …. of its entire history!”

With the regeneration of the Grandmaster’s Palace, visitors will be able to experience the new interpretation of the centre of power in Malta for 500 years as a historic house based on the blueprint of a baroque palace.