DISSECTING, DECADENCE

IT IS A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO CARRY THE SPIRIT OF AN AGE - IN THEIR LIVES, THEIR POLITICS, THEIR RELATIONSHIPS AND THEIR ART, THEY CHARACTERISE WHAT THEIR TIME BECOMES KNOWN FOR. IN HOW THESE FIGURES CHOOSE TO CHANNEL WHAT THEY INHERIT, THEY CREATE LACUNAE FOR A WHOLE NEW GENERATION OF HEIRS TO REIMAGINE, REVISIT AND RECONFIGURE. IN MANY WAYS IT IS ABOUT WHAT THEY LEAVE UNDONE THAT ENABLES THE CREATION OF WHAT IS LEFT TO DO.

How do you characterise the spirit of an age immersed in the fleeting, known for its diachrony and characterised by speed?

The zeitgeist at the time of the fin de siècle, is characterised by a decadence that stemmed from an end-of-the-century gloom. This was a time of thresholds; when looking back fuelled how people plotted their futures, and the artistic frenzy it set in motion, characterised the way history would look back on it forever.

The dynamic transition between Romanticism and Modernism, and the decadent tendency to dehumanise and distort in the name of pleasure and fantasy is what fuels “Decadence, Now.” Decadentism terroristically declares the legitimacy of a universal and true human condition. The mutimediatic nature of “Decadence, Now.” explores this, through an exploration of these themes in performance, applied arts, music and visual culture.

This project claims, to a great extent, that the critical study of decadence should not be confined to its traditional association with morbidity, a cult of artificiality, exoticism and aestheticism. Although these topics dominate the thematic texture of the decadent movement, as well as its lasting influence upon twentieth-century culture, they also continue to fuel a whole new wave of contemporary decadentism. “Decadence, Now.” argues that decadence is more than a movement or compendium of transgressive themes and images by which it is usually identified; it is a zeitgeist which has been carried on well into the twenty-first century, as it continues to discuss the future of the end of the world.

“Decadence, Now.” looks to “the curatorial” as an art method in and of itself, with the exhibition and salon recital series becoming the ultimate art objects. In doing so it seeks to reposition artefacts, reconstruct narratives and reopen artistic debates; creating a friction and a presence that is expressed by a number of individuals investigating a common theme. The significance of fragments - of objects, people, places and ideas - is that they persist beyond their time or context. Through processes applied to these fragments, there is a reemergence that allows them to shed their relevance to take on new meaning and enthuse novel ideas. Through a reactionary method, this project takes the status of the fragment and runs with it. It celebrates debate amongst artists and audiences beyond the specificities of art history, allowing the exhibition space and concert hall to tend more towards the mirror at a specific momen t, rather than a museum that portrays another. In this way it creates movement and excitement, through a dialogue which is best described as innately and intentionally, “curatorial”.

“Decadence, Now.” seeks to explore thematic universality not in the Object, but in the Subject, or rather, the plurality of the views of the subject. This radical displacement and inversion of art object and viewership is the base of postmodern and contemporary art practices. In the history of art and literature the metamorphosis of sources and plurality of subjectivity has inspired and delivered new fragments that continue the cyclical process of art production.

Essentially aiming to produce a high-quality and engaging programme of events ranging from exhibitions featuring loaned artefacts from acclaimed European museums to a weekly series of salon recitals; “Decadence, Now.” seeks to create a sustainable, research-based platform which supports collaboration and opens up possibilities for internationalisation and an open multi-cultural discourse promoting exploration and plurality.

Architect Andrew Borg Wirth, couturier and fashion historian Luke Azzopardi, pianist Lucia Micallef, soprano Gillian Zammit, and theatre director Denise Mulholland are the curators which will feature contemporary reactions from architect Michael Zerafa, poet and writer Maria Theuma, composer Karl Fiorini, Azzopardi, Borg Wirth and performances by world class Italian tenor Raffaele Abete and German baritone André Morsch.

“Decadence, Now.” runs from May 11 to 31 at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta. This project is supported by Art's Council Malta's Programme Support Grant, the Embassy of Austria, the Embassy of France, the Embassy of Germany, the Embassy of Italy, the Embassy of Spain, I stituto Italiano di Cultura, Heritage Malta, University of Malta Department of Art & Art History, University of Malta Department of English, Valletta Cultural Agency, Camilleri Paris Mode, MAPFRE Middlesea, MAVENRY, University of MaltaDepartment of Art & Art history, University of Malta - Department of English, MAPFRE Middlesea, SA Consult, Von Peach, 66 St Paul's Valletta,Transcripta, Intervisions (framers), Casa Rocca Piccola, Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques and is under the patronage of Valeria Limentani and Jordi Goetstouwers of the Virgata Group.

For more information on "Decadence, Now." and to purchase your salon recital tickets please visit www.cityofart.eu

TAKE THE FAMILY TO BE ENTERTAINED AT LOCATIONS ACROSS MALTA. THERE'S SO MUCH TO DO ASIDE FROM THE BEACH FOR ALL AGE GROUPS, CHECK OUT THESE LOCATIONS THIS MONTH.

Family Days Out

VISIT THE PLAYMOBIL CASTLE AND ENTER THE WORLD OF PLAYMOBIL!

In the indoor play area children’s creativity comes alive with themes of Princesses, Police and Knight Playmobil play sets for both toddlers and kids aged 4+ to improve their cognitive skills. And in the outdoor pirate themed play area kids’ fascination reaches new levels with pirate ship and tree house to climb, slide down and let out some energy!

Get your own Playmobil sets from the shop and keep the little ones entertained for hours!

VALLETTA WATERFRONT HISTORY | SHOPPING | BARS | RESTAURANTS | EVENTS

Discover this hidden gem within Malta's Grand Harbour, where history meets modern indulgence. Immerse yourself in panoramic views, exciting activities, and delectable dining experiences.

Savour the taste of Chinese, American, Mediterranean, sushi or local cuisine amidst the 18th century stores tastefully refurbished into indoor dining areas or alfresco dining by the water's edge. Experience moments of fun and relaxation within walking distance from central Valletta.

+ 356 2224 2445 funpark@playmobilmalta.com www.playmobilmalta.com

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A KEEP-SAKE, A TOKEN FROM YOUR LAST MALTA HOLIDAY OR WANT TO TREAT SOMEONE LIVING OUTSIDE OUR ISLANDS, THEN WHY NOT TAKE SOME GENUINE MALTESE PRODUCTS HOME WITH YOU?

TREAT YOURSELF TO MALTESE NATURAL SKINCARE & ENJOY A FREE FACIAL

Farmalchemy is a Natural Skincare manufacturer in Malta creating high-quality products that promote well-being and sustainability. Farmalchemy is a leading brand in the Skincare Industry using ONLY the highest-quality Natural ingredients from Malta’s farming industry i.e., Calendula, Sage, Honey etc.

Farmalchemy’s products can be ordered at www.Farmalchemy.com.mt or at Bodylicious Hair & Beauty Salons, San Ġwann (near St Julians).

FREE facial when spending Euro 95 on Farmalchemy products. Facebook “Bodylicious Malta” or +356 9947 7780.

Lazarus Tiles

Lazarus Tiles is a project that seeks to preserve and document Maltese cement tiles which would otherwise be destined for the landfill. Started by Thomas Camilleri, these colourful and sometimes century-old tiles are sourced from building sites, renovation projects and even skips, before being restored and mounted in steel. That way, after a lifetime of bearing our weight, they can now enjoy their retirement looking at us instead.

As always, it’s the stories behind these objects that intrigue Thomas so much and he documents his discoveries online on Instagram (@thelazarusclub) and on Facebook (Lazarus Tiles).

Also available from Camilleri Paris Mode - Rabat & Sliema.

www.LazarusTiles.com

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?

Sailing Charters Malta

Spend a day or more on one of our sailing yachts in a private setting. Just relax, explore and indulge whilst our professional and friendly skippers take you to the most captivating locations, lagoons and secluded coves. We will tailor your day according to your preference. Sailing, swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing, we promise you an exceptional service and a truly memorable experience.

+ 356 7981 1811 info@sailingchartersmalta.com www.sailingchartersmalta.com

Tick These Dive Spots Off Your

LIST

NATURAL SITES

The Inland Sea

The Blue Hole and Coral Gardens

Xlendi, Karwela and Comino Land

Billingshurst Cave

Santa Maria Caves Of Comino

Middle Finger

WRECKS

Maltaqua

Scuba Adventures! Join us for an action-packed morning or afternoon! If you love the sea, then join us and experience what Malta has to offer below the surface. Our instructors are ready to take you on your first Scuba Adventure, with easy walk-in dive sites, crystal clear waters, and beautiful underwater scenery. A super activity for all the family to enjoy.

Already qualified?

Sign up for one of our day trips to dive locations spread all over the island. If you love wrecks, then Malta is the number one destination for wreck-diving!

Mosta Road, St Paul’s Bay

+ 356 2157 1111 | + 356 2157 2558 | + 356 9957 1111 dive@maltaqua.com www.maltaqua.com

Ċirkewwa

HMS Stubborn

Um El Faroud

Polynesian

GREAT SPOTS FOR YOUR DAY OUT ON A YACHT

COMINO

Blue Lagoon

Taħt il-Mazz

GOZO

Mġarr ix-Xini

Qawra Rock

Dwejra Bay

MALTA

Ħoffrijt - Delimara

Selmun Bay

Paradise Bay

Fomm ir-Riħ

Ġnejna

WORDS DEIRDRE FARRUGIA