'Ġuf' Exhibition at Spazju Kreattiv

On November 3, 2023, our class visited the 'Ġuf' Exhibition at Spazju Kreattiv. To gain a deeper understanding and notice new aspects, we engaged in a comprehensive analysis by answering questions provided on a sheet of paper. These questions were categorized into four main parts: Description, requiring us to articulate what we observed; Analysis, prompting us to dissect and scrutinize the elements we witnessed; Interpretation, where we expressed our emotional responses to the exhibition; and Judgment/Evaluation, providing a platform for us to assess whether we perceived the exhibition as a success or a failure. This structured approach facilitated a thorough exploration and evaluation of the artistic showcase.

The exhibition begins with a statement of intent and credits acknowledging everyone involved.

Description:

Essentially, the exhibition titled 'Guf' by Bonaci revolves around the theme of motherhood and fertility. Created locally during her pregnancy in 2022 and 2023, the artworks employ various materials such as chalk, acrylic paint, canvases, and frames. The subject matter delves into the enduring process of motherhood, tracing its roots back to ancient times, specifically the mara l hoxna period.

Bonaci's paintings, depicting women, convey a sense of weightiness and weariness. The exhibition begins in a dimly lit environment, symbolizing the embryo's inception in the womb and evoking a feeling of emptiness. The absence of light, suggesting the initiation of human life from the 'galaxy,' prompts contemplation.

The acrylic-on-canvas works exude a comforting ambiance. Bonaci employs diverse mediums like colored pencils, chalk, oils, and acrylics, presenting smaller canvases on wooden frames. The influence of the symbolic figure of the fat lady, known as "Il-mara l-hoxna" in Maltese, is evident, representing fertility.

A consistent theme throughout the exhibition is the depiction of the mother's bloating and her enigmatic surroundings, often featuring children's toys and clothing. This portrayal of the challenges of carrying a child resonates with a sense of overwhelm, connecting with the artist's personal experience as a woman. The after-effects of pregnancy, lingering throughout a woman's life, are also poignantly captured in the artworks.

Among the artworks in the exhibition, one piece stood out to me the most, earning its place as my favorite. Its commanding size gives it a dominant presence, immediately capturing attention. Housed in the initial room, this painting fascinated me for its unique ability to introduce and show the concept of the theme.

In my personal interpretation, this artwork symbolizes 'mara l hoxna' carrying the essence of fertility. The portrayal of this positive theme takes the form of a bright star, which, aside from its fertility symbolism, may also hold a religious significance, suggesting something sacred. What intrigued me further was the deliberate use of cooler colours, a departure from the warmer tones prevalent in the latter part of the exhibition. This strategic choice in the color palette adds depth to the visual narrative, creating a striking contrast within the collection.

Analysis:

Bonaci's artistic presentation unfolds across four distinct rooms within Spazju Kreattiv. In a deliberate choice, she opts for a diverse exhibition format, incorporating canvases, framed paintings, prehistoric archaeological artifacts, and her daughter's toys. The inclusion of the latter lends a more relatable and personal touch to the overall exhibition.

Examining the recurrent themes and motifs, it becomes apparent that symbols such as stars, 'mara l hoxna,' and fruits consistently populate the entire installation. These motifs serve as recurring elements, creating a thematic cohesion across the various pieces. A significant emphasis is placed on the female body throughout the collection, underscoring its pivotal role as the source of life. Particularly, the symbolic figure of 'mara l hoxna' is recurrent, symbolizing the commencement of fertility and the journey of pregnancy over the years. This thematic consistency threads through the entirety of Bonaci's work.

Interpretation:

Regarding the expressive qualities inherent in this artwork, it shows the thoughtfulness, carries feminist undertones, reflects deep thinking, and bears a personal touch. I felt that it starkly brings to mind the ongoing local conflict on abortion.

Examining the 'Guf' exhibition's impact on the development of my own work, I found inspiration in the meticulous curation of diverse mediums coexisting harmoniously. The deliberate placement, allowing for a seamless flow without visual clashes, resonated with my intention to experiment with different pieces and try to achieve a strong final piece. The strategic use of varied colours and hues within 'Guf' stirred different emotional responses, providing a valuable blueprint for incorporating a thematic emotional spectrum into my own creations. This thoughtful approach to presentation and the nuanced use of colour serves as a rich inspiration to reflect more and see different exhibitions that are not related to photography.

This artwork created a contrast between a historical object and a contemporary one, leading to a narrative that, in my view, became somewhat confused.

The use of light and barndoors immediately captured my attention, as they skillfully guide the viewer's focus towards the art pieces, enhancing their prominence within the space.

The spatial arrangement incorporated ample negative space, inviting the viewer to contemplate their own thoughts and engage in personal reflection.

Evaluation:

In assessing the exhibition, I found myself challenged to interpret certain artworks, likely due to the diverse array of mediums employed. The varied use of different materials contributed to the complexity of understanding. Additionally, I believe the overall presentation could have been improved by fostering more continuity among the artworks and minimizing the utilization of negative space. This adjustment would help maintain the viewer's attention and enhance the overall coherence of the exhibition.

I acknowledge that this exhibition prompted me with the concept of photography being more symbolic than visually pleasing. The deliberate choices in employing light and configuring the exhibition space also contributed significantly to this thought-provoking experience.