As different as our life stories might be, there’s one thing that we can all relate to: change.

Whether it’s growing up, moving away from our hometown, or meeting new people, all of our lives are defined and spurred forward by this universal experience.

In short – ‘change’ is an intrinsic part of being human.

That’s exactly what Agenzija Zghazagh and Spazju Kreattiv’s newest exhibition, ‘Shifting Contexts II’ is set to explore.

Launching this June, ‘Shifting Contexts II’ is the second iteration of a highly successful art project premiered by the two aforementioned entities in 2018.

This project-exhibition was launched with the aim of encouraging Maltese youths to explore art’s role in responding to a rapidly changing world and contributing to contemporary discourse.

It therefore comes as no surprise that the theme chosen for this year’s edition of the project is ‘change’.

The ‘Shifting Contexts II’ process started late last year, when Agenzija Zghazagh and Spazju Kreattiv put out a call for interested artists.

By 10th September, all interested artists had submitted a proposal for a visual art project related to ‘change’ that they wished to develop and, eventually, exhibit at Spazju Kreattiv.

Dr Trevor Borg (curator) discusses exhibition setup with Gabriel Lia (young artist) during one of the meetings held as part of the Shifting Contexts programme at Spazju Kreattiv. (Photo credit: Audrey Rose Mizzi)

Ultimately, nine different artists were chosen – eight individuals and one collective.

These are as follows:

• Alessio Cuschieri
• Sheldon Saliba
• Gabriel Lia
• Rachelle Deguara
• Mark Cassar
• Rachel Bowman
• Giulia Elena Xuereb
• Text Catalogue (made up of Ella Marie Fleri Soler and Andrew Darmanin)

More than anything, Agenzija Zghazagh sought to use ‘Shifting Contexts II’ as an opportunity to help the young participants develop as individuals and as artists.

The participating artists were therefore given countless opportunities to meet up with the exhibition’s curator, Dr Trevor Borg, and with the other participants.

During such sessions, the nine participants offered and received feedback – vital exercises for the development of young artists.

Through such opportunities Agenzija Zghazagh highlights the importance of the arts and active participation in the empowerment of young people.

On site meeting: The presentation of the work by Text Catalogue being considered by curator Dr Trevor Borg and Sarah Borg from Spazju Kreattiv. (Photo credit: Audrey Rose Mizzi)

Given the sheer potential of ‘change’ as an artistic prompt, the participants have created very different yet equally relevant works of art.

The artworks will be judged and ranked by a professional jury, with the winning artist or collective taking home €600 and the opportunity and support to set up their own dedicated exhibition at Spazju Kreattiv.

Thinking of checking ‘Shifting Contexts II’ out?

The exhibition will be open to the public at Spazju Kreattiv’s Space C from 3rd June to 3rd July. A full colour catalogue of the exhibited pieces will also be published and available for viewing at the exhibition.

Main image credit: Audrey Rose Mizzi