Two UoM academics represent Malta at Venice Biennale 2019

Professor Vince Briffa and Dr Trevor Borg from the Department of Digital Arts, Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences are representing University of Malta (UoM) at the prestigious Venice Art Biennale, started 11 May and ending 24 November 2019, according to a UoM announcement.

Malta’s participation started with the launch of the Malta Pavilion entitled “Maleth/Haven/Port”, which took place on Friday, 10 May and it has already attracted many favourable reviews and top-ten listings, the UoM announcement says.

“The Malta Pavilion’s performance at the Venice Biennale 2019 has raised expectations for Malta as a world-class player on the international contemporary art scene,” according to Arts Council Malta, the Commissioner of the project.

Professor Vince Briffa’s video, sound and water installation dubbed “Outland” is inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and seeks to redefine the notion of home. The work represents a metaphor for anxiety, created by our constant quest to redefine ourselves, our relationships and our refusal to be confined within a defined comfort zone, according to the press release.

Furthermore, Dr Trevor Borg’s installation entitled “Cave of Darkness – Port of No Return”, consists of a meticulously researched collection of real animal bones, ceramic reproductions and 3D printed pieces suspended from a large-scale structure, reimagining the earliest creatures and civilizations that migrated to Malta.