The Latitude 36 exhibition, a project made in collaboration with Valletta 2018, is now in full-swing at Blitz in Valletta, after being launched on 29th June. Here, I catch up with artist and filmmaker Charlie Cauchi to ask her more about her work, her motivation and the topicality of the issue of migration in these fraught times. 

1. What motivated you to put together this exhibition?

There’s a lot of talk about migration at the moment - nationally and internationally. I wanted to highlight some of our own migration stories. In this particular exhibition, I focus on Australia, London and Tunisia, and highlight certain periods in history. Unlike other aspects of my project, such as the documentary short From Malta to Motor City, which gives a brief glimpse of the Maltese community in Michigan, this exhibition is more experiential and experimental. Grounded in academic research practices, I wanted to communicate the information I found in new ways. 

2. How does it relate to your personal experiences?

I was born in London to a Maltese migrant and I have spent an equal amount of time living in both countries. I often find it hard to place myself. Growing up in the UK, my father always had Maltese friends, so the sense of a Maltese community was strong. That was in the 80s. I wanted to see what being a Maltese national felt like now. But I was also really interested in past stories and also looking outside of the UK. 

3. What do you hope will come out of this exhibition? 

For me it’s about reflection and understanding: reflecting on our past and understanding our present. I also hope it starts a conversation about migration: by holding up a mirror to ourselves, maybe we can begin to understand others. 

4. What have you learnt in the process?

That there are so many more stories to hear - I hope that I can keep documenting them! Also, that I have amazing people around me. I couldn’t have made this happen without the support and dedication of my friends and colleagues.

The Latitude 36 exhibition at Blitz is open until the 14th July from 1pm – 6pm every day.