VAMP Magazine 11

OCTOBER 2013

THE SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE

VAMPMAGAZINE

NATURE NEEDS HEROES

Bisazza Street, Sliema

“WE HAVE FOCUSED ON QUALITY, NEVER COMPROMISING FOR PRICE”

NOW OPEN WITH 300 STORES ACROSS THE UK... ...NOW ALSO IN MALTA

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T. 2123 3221

bridalwear, textiles & souvenirs

MDINA ROAD, ATTARD INFO@IVORYANDCO.COM.MT

T. 21 423 858

WWW.IVORYANDCO.COM.MT

SLIEMA

ST. JULIANS

INSIDE: ISSUE 11

This time we have, virtually, visited South Africa. A country with over 3,000 kilometres of coastline stretching along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa has so much creativity to offer and we are pleased to have discovered unique art, architecture and design to present inside this issue.

For this issue we meet artist Richard Mudariki, who recently participated in the Joburg Art Fair, we visit a dream home sitting on the slopes of Table Mountain for which the architects, SAOTA, won the 2013 House and Leisure House of The Year award, and discover the increasingly recognised awardwinning furniture designer, John Vogel whilst Chris Briffa Architects let us in on their latest project- a family home of talented maestro Wayne Marshall in Valletta and much more.

The world continues to grieve for those more unfortunate – and only a few attempt to better it. The Tanzania Children’s Fund (East Africa) has dedicated more than 10 years to improving the lives and future of children and young adults of Tanzania by providing education, medical care and a place to call home. We speak with the founder, India Howell, who explains how her life in Africa has given her more than 80 orphaned children to love and care for.

On a personal note, I want to acknowledge on paper the fact that Vamp wouldn’t be alive and kicking, were it not for the strong vision and consistent energy behind the scenes from everyone who contributes to and creates it.

Here’s to diversity and collaboration!

27. LIFE AFTER LIFE

Julian Cardona explores the mysteries of death

31. MEN’S TRENDS 2013 Men’s must-haves for Autumn/Winter 2013 39. INTERVIEW: THE FLIP SIDE Meet this issue’s fashion photographer Federico Peltretti 43. LUST LIST

Five hot designs that will get your jaws dropping

44. A CLEAN SLATE We check out a super home on the slopes of Table

Mountain in Cape Town

54. ORGANIC MATTERS We get a glimpse at the work of the award-winning

South African designer, John Vogel

59. MY REALITY Meet Richard Mudariki - an award winning Zimbabwean artist based in Cape Town 66. LIFTING LIVES Vamp catches up with the founder of The Tanzanian

Children’s Fund, India Howell

69. VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC Editor Lily Agius Design / Publisher Chris Psaila Photographers Federico Peltretti Stylists Kira Drury Txell Tous Sales & Marketing Manager Matthew Spiteri 7724 2490 Sales / Mag Coordination Sam Psaila - 7788 0300

Contributors Agustina Rodríguez Adam Letch Bianca De Vilar Carlos Buttigieg Chris Briffa Clinton Chetcuti Diandra Mattei Dr. Joanna Delia Federico Peltretti Il-Horza Restaurant India Howell John Vogel Julian Cardona Justine Micallef Meritxell Seva Mikaela Borg Barthet Richard Mudariki SAOTA Architects Sandra Calafato Tamara Webb Printers Progress Press

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor the publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that the organisations and firms mentioned are reputable. The editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfill their obligations under all circumstances. © Copyright 2013

Lily Agius meets up with English solo pianist and viruoso organist, Wayne Marshall in his recently refurbished Valletta home designed by Chris Briffa Architects

78. THE TREND REPORT

Women’s fashion for Autumn/Winter 2013

86. BESPOKE Tamara Webb gets creative with her second

edition – Bespoke 2

91. RAINBOW CUISINE Head Chef Carlos Buttigieg from Il-Horza Restaurant

creates a South African inspired meal fit for a king!

Join VAMP group on facebook.com

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AETERNITAS

VAMP MAGAZINE UPDATE

OVER 200 YEARS OF PASSION The Brazzale Family owners of the Alpilatte Brand have been in the dairy business for over two hundred years making them the oldest Italian dairy with unbroken activity for seven generations. The combination of farming origins and industrial culture forms the basis for their leadership in the Italian Cheese Market.

In the ‘50’s the Group was a pioneer in the production of “Grana Padano” and was instrumental in founding the Consorzio.

Besides the production activities the Group developed a strong business relationship with the manufacturers of the most important DOP Italian Cheeses which from the ‘70’s have been packed under the Alpilatte and Brazzale Brands.

RENAULT CAPTUR: THE URBAN CROSSOVER THAT WILL CHANGE EVERYDAY LIVES Renault introduces Captur, its first urban crossover, that will stand out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds: • The expressive styling and driving position of an SUV, • The cabin space and modular interior of an MPV, • Smooth, fluid, balanced forms that express an assertive yet unostentatious personality.

Its exclusive, colourful cabin is warm and relaxing and this first impression is reinforced by a selection of customised interior solutions founded on a choice of colours and motifs for the different trim features.

The latest developments in the Group’s activities include dairy plants in Central Europe and South America and the acquisition of the Zogi Brand, a leader in Provolone and Asiago DOP cheese.

The full range of Alpilatte, Brazzale and Zogi chesses have been recently introduced to the Maltese Market by Poultry Products Ltd. (EORC Group)

For more information, or a test drive, contact Kinds Autosales Ltd on 2143 3601.

Go and see the new Renault Captur at Auto Sales Ltd – Kind’s, Lija

A GOOD CAUSE Did you know that drinking dirty water kills more children than war, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined?

Contribute Ltd is launching ‘Contribute Water’, a charity water dedicated to help people get access to clean water in Africa. For every bottle being purchased, part of the revenue will go to charity.

– It’s as simple as that!

Mvintage is a vintage–inspired fashion costume jewellery brand characterised by stylish, creative designs and an infusion of rich colour. And, proudly, it is the first high street costume jewellery brand founded in and operating from Malta. It is perfect for the girl-next-door who wants to feel like a celebrity – and who doesn’t?

Contribute Water is a modern way of giving money to charity while carrying out everyday purchases, socializing, or even working out. It’s just about making the right choice!

Mvintage is committed to developing a lifestyle brand with a distinctive DNA communicated through every piece of jewellery in its collection, with a blend of hand-crafted sophistication, created with the best possible quality and detail in its finishing at reasonable prices.

For more information simply ask your retailer for Contribute Water or visit www.contributewater.com and start taking care of your company’s social responsibility or just buy a few packages for your home and help make a difference.

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WELCOME TO MVINTAGE!

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The brand is being internationally recognised through its global e-commerce business and its unique retail franchise in a box concept.

Are you Vintage? Then join the Mvintage community and start shopping now! See more at: www.mvintage.com

THE GREAT DEBATE

THE

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THE GREAT DEBATE WORDS: JULIAN CARDONA

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y the time Charlotte Figi was two years old, she was diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of epilepsy, known as Dravet syndrome – a condition that sent her feeble little body into an average of 300 seizures a week. That is almost 43 a day and almost two an hour. Her face would distort as if moulded by pain; her eyes would narrow as if with sadness. Then it got worse. Her personality would change as she would start banging her head on the floor and pulling her hair as if possessed by an irrepressible demon.

To see the little girl suffer is to see all hope die. Her parents, Paige and Matt Figi, were desperate. They knew that young children diagnosed with this syndrome would normally die at the age of three. Charlotte was almost three. They tried everything – from special diets to acupuncture to Valium – then went on to stronger medication, which made things worse. “On one occasion her heart stopped, I lost her pulse and started CPR,” recalls Paige, rubbing her eyes. >>

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Charlotte made it to five, but her nights became a waking nightmare. From one fit to another, life was slowly being sucked out of her. Matt, her father, was a US marine deployed in Afghanistan and he could do nothing except scavenge the internet for a solution. Nothing could prepare him for what he found next. It seemed like a solution: an unexpected, nonconforming, most unwanted solution. It was marijuana. Shocked, but curious, he started investigating…

It should be understood that marijuana was not always considered an illegal drug. In the USA, for example, it was legal for medical and recreational purposes and it was only after an intense anti-cannabis/marijuana campaign carried out in the 1930s that it came to be considered dangerous. But does marijuana really have medicinal properties and, if it does, do the positive effects become overshadowed by the negative symptoms, such as addiction? Oh, and is cannabis really so addictive?

properly grown cannabis can be useful for treating symptoms of spasticity, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, nausea and vomiting and, surprisingly, even certain forms of cancer. This seems to suggest that the only way to control the high THC levels is through a proper regulation of cannabis. Legality in cases of medical use might be the first step.

But there are as many sceptics as there are believers. The truth is that even though cannabis has been found to be effective in many cases, there is still not one report supplying enough proof to enable everyone to agree. Can it be argued that the cons outweigh the pros? Sceptics and anti-marijuana lobbies are quick to point out that not only do the immediate effects of taking marijuana include rapid heartbeat, disorientation, a lack of physical coordination, depression and panic attacks, but the problems certainly do not end there.

According to scientific studies, THC remains in the body for weeks or even longer, and

...“REVISED LAWS SHOULD BE THE FIRST STEP IN BRINGING DOWN THE BARRIERS TO RESEARCH AND IGNITING THE FIRST STRING OF MATURE CONVERSATIONS ON THE SUBJECT”....

One question at a time, please. Let’s start with the basics. Marijuana is basically made up of two ingredients: THC, which is the stuff that makes you high, and CBD, which scientists believe helps modulate the electrical activity in the brain and so, potentially, could help control seizures. So technically, medical marijuana would be one that is low in THC and high in CBD. The problem is, as most sceptics will immediately point out, that most of the cannabis (the plant from which marijuana is derived) that is grown is modified so that it is high in THC: getting high, of course, is the main marketing point of marijuana. Moreover research has shown that THC levels have increased from an average of one per cent in 1972 to around 13 per cent today.

Are people becoming more obsessed with the psychotic effects of cannabis? The answer seems to be yes. But, to be objective one must pose this question: if cannabis is legalised for medical purposes, would it not make sense for cultivators to start cross-breeding plants so that they are high in CBD and low in THC? The answer for some pot-field owners in Colorado (one of the states in the USA in which smoking marijuana for medical reasons is legal) is a resounding “yes”! You see, it is not only in the case of seizures where marijuana can be useful. Research has indicated that

that leads to increasing addiction. Moreover, they say marijuana smoke contains 50 per cent more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke. One major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after the other. But haven’t we just argued that cannabis has properties that inhibit cancer cells? It is becoming easier to appreciate why the discussion on cannabis is very complicated.

If a researcher truly wants to get to the bottom of this then, believe it or not, Israel is the place to be. Israeli researchers were the first to isolate CBD and THC many years ago. The Israeli government has licensed thousands of patients to use marijuana and has funded hundreds of research laboratories to carry out analyses. In a staterun nursing home outside Tel Aviv, patients began using marijuana for certain conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease as well as for loss of appetite and pain relief. Researchers in this facility have called the results “outstanding”.

So how is it possible to reconcile such conflicting sides of the argument? The results so far seem to be pointing this way: if the level of THC is controlled to a few percentage points and the CBD level is

increased, then all the negative effects associated with marijuana such as depression, irritation, disorientation, etc., can be controlled and the addition aspect is reduced to almost zero. Letting the CBD part take over, and prescribing marijuana in forms other than inhalation (as this is considered to be the riskier way of absorbing something inside the body) seems to be the most effective way in enjoying the most important benefits of marijuana without running too many risks. Objectively, therefore, even though nothing is yet foolproof (even though the evidence is overwhelming) mature policymakers must realise that research into marijuana must be taken seriously and that the blind illegalisation of such a potentially beneficial substance is at best irrational and irresponsible. Revised laws should be the first step in bringing down the barriers to research and igniting the first string of mature conversations on the subject.

After Matt and Paige injected their daughter with a low-THC dose of marijuana they closed their eyes, and prayed. An hour passed, then two, then a day… nothing. No seizures, no spasms, no screaming or hair-pulling. After a whole week had passed, Matt and Paige realised that something truly remarkable was happening to their daughter. “We are just getting to know our daughter,” says Paige, wiping more and more tears from her eyes.

Today, a small area of land known as “Charlotte’s Web” is being used to cultivate more of this low-THC cannabis and the waiting list grows longer and longer by the day, as other little children, like Charlotte, wait in the hope of trying what just might be their last chance for survival. Let’s just hope that the policy-makers do not keep them waiting. V SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE

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STYLE FILE: BY KIRA

STYLE FILE: A – W#13

Available from: Ta’Xbiex Perfumery 018

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STYLE FILE: BY KIRA

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Twenty 2, Birkirkara I wrote about this amazing boutique located in Birkirkara last issue, and went back the other day to check out their new A/W collection and boy was i in fashion heaven, the moment i walked in i was ‘oohh-ing’ and ‘aahh-ing’ at literally everything. Once again owner, Debbie has done an amazing job at creating a super fun and sexy collection. I bought this little black dress with neon embellishments, i’m going to wear with black ankle boots and black leather jacket. Make sure to get yourselves down their and update your wardrobes pronto!

Dress: €75 Just Cavalli And if you’re looking for something unusual and oh-so-pretty, then check out the Just Cavalli collection available at VIP. These little pieces of treasure make a great addition to any jewellery box. I love the snake-like curves, rope detail and subtle teardrop yellow crystals. The bracelet, ring and necklace combo compliment each other perfectly and I’ll be wearing them to dress up a classic shirt or plain dress and don’t get me started on their amazing watches or we’ll be here all day. There are just two words to describe these pieces - The bold and the beautiful.

Just Just Just Just Just

Cavalli Cavalli Cavalli Cavalli Cavalli

necklace: €129 bracelet: €109 ring: €59 metal watch: €189 gold watch: €230

Available from Sunlab and VIP SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE

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STYLE FILE: BY KIRA

Breil

Breil has become one of the biggest brands in Jewellery and watches, thanks to their iconic ‘don’t touch my breil’ adverts and of course their beautifully made pieces, strong, fashion forward and always make a statement. I find their designs to be timeless and easy to wear day or night.

Check out this super cool necklace, it can be adjusted to wear in two different ways, double the style! Spoil yourself or someone special with a gift that will last a lifetime.

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Necklace: €88 Available from Sunlab and VIP

Guess

I’m obsessed with the new Guess collection. They’ve got it all covered from denim, to nightwear, heels, bags and beyond.

These are my fave’ picks of what’s in store now. And trust me it took me ages to narrow it down to just three items, so make sure you pay them a visit soon, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

01: The Trainer My shoe of choice for this winter, comfy, cosy and cute.

Leopard print is a huge trend this season too, so i’ll be ticking a lot of boxes in these babies. €120

Cruciani Bracelets Hit Sunlab at The Point to snap up these totally addictive bracelets.

They’ve taken the world by storm, available in a variety of colours and cool designs. Wear a bunch at a time, the more the merrier!

Cruciani bracelets: €10 Pink Swatch: €55 Available from Sunlab outlets (Swatch also available at VIP)

02: The ‘IT’ Heel There’s something so sexy about lace and these heels scream naughty (lace) but nice (bow detail), i’ll be adding them to my never ending heel collection. €170 03: The Jeans You can’t walk into Guess and not leave without a pair of their amazing jeans.

My ultimate winter must-have - a pair of skinny jeans.

Dress up for night and down for day, just swap heels for flats. €132 04: The Bag This big black bag is my new besty, big enough to fit in all my daytime essentials and still so chic. Love the tassel and stud detail. €143 Available from Guess outlets

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Mvintage A girl can never have too much jewellery so we need no excuse to partake in a little retail therapy.

I’m currently feeding my addiction with super brand Mvintage. Vintageinspired fashion costume jewellery, all their pieces are gorgeous and there mission statement says it all really, ‘our commitment is to create wearable pieces of art with a focus on timeless beauty for the special woman who will wear it.’

Find them online at mvintage.com and they have also now set up a stand at the Point.

1: Necklace: €21.95 2: Necklace: €19.95 Bracelet: €23.95 Mvintage.com Find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MVintageJewels

G E T Y O U R P E N A N D PA P E R O U T L A D I E S , IT’S TIME TO GET THOSE SHOPPING LISTS S O R T E D A N D B O Y D O I H AV E S O M E T A S T Y T R E A T S IN STORE FOR YOU THIS ISSUE Yana’s Jewellery Yana is one super talented lady, the selftaught jewellery designer’s shop located in Msida, offers a beautiful array of gorgeous jewellery. What i love most about Yana’s is the fact she offers custom made designs. If you’re looking for that special gift or just want to spoil yourself Yana can create a personal piece to suit your taste and style, all loving and handmade to perfection, using high quality material and close attention to detail.

She also offers an extensive range of equally as gorgeous pre-designed pieces. If you haven’t checked Yana’s out yet make sure you do, or you’ll be missing out - you have been warned!

Necklace: €15 Ring: €14 Yana’s Jewellery, Triq Misrah Il Barriera, Msida Email: j.jewellery@gmail.com Tel: 99841509

Jny Bag Series Calling all you handbag addicts out there you have to check out JNY Bag Series. Designed and created by Jenny Scicluna each of her one-of-kind bags are made using recycled inner tubes of tyres, to create durable bags with a unique style and finish. The material is strong and versatile and it would be a shame to see it wasted. It’s eco-friendly, lovable fashion! Plus the bags are waterproof and durable, making them the perfect companion for multiple adventures and escapades!JNY also provides a madeto measure service where you are able to personally order a bag especially made just for you.

Find her on FacebookJnyBagSeries Clutch Bag / Strap Bag: €35 each

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STYLE FILE: BY KIRA

MEN A – W#13 Prada Luna Rossa Prada have done it again, they’ve created yet another smash scent for him. A masterful mix of lavender, sage with a touch of spearmint. Fresh, fun and totally addictive my nose can’t get enough neck nuzzling, it makes you want to bury your nose in his shirt and stay there - 10 points! €59 (EDT 50ml) Carolina Herrera CH Men Described as an ‘invisible accessory’ and a ‘finishing touch’, extremely masculine, mysterious and sensual, yet soft, which makes it even more powerful. With notes of bergamot and grapefruit, touches of vanilla and amber, if this cologne was a man, it would be David Beckham, stylish, smart and rough around the edges in a good way! €60 (EDP 50ml) Paco Rabanne Invictus This is my favourite of the men’s scents. Launched in July Invictus which is Latin for “invincible,” is powerful. strong and sporty. The bottle is designed in the form of a trophy, so you’ll feel like a winner every time you use it. A mix of fresh grapefruit, bay leaf, Hedione jasmine and oak moss, the perfect scent for winter. €53.50 (EDP 50ml) Available from Ta’Xbiex Perfumery

Guess t-shirt: €37.50 Guess shirt: €101 Guess trousers: €112 Swatch watch: €150 Shoes: model’s own 022

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Photographer: Federico Peltretti www.federicopeltretti.com Stylist: Kira Drury www.facebook.com/StyleMeMalta Hair & Make-up: Mikaela Borg Barthet @ Pampered by Stella Models: Claire at supernovamodel.com & Noel Watson

STYLE FILE: BY KIRA V

“THIS ONE IS FOR THE BOYS! ... AND YOU THOUGHT WE FORGOT ABOUT YOU, DON’T WORRY WE’VE GOT SOME GOODIES LINED UP FOR THE L ADS TOO.”

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VAMP MAGAZINE UPDATE

24 HOUR CULT MOVIE FESTIVAL 2013!

Keep your eyes peeled for Malta’s 24 hour Cult Movie Festival… featuring some of the best cult movies throughout the decades. It’s going to be a night to remember! Join us as we get together and experience this one of a kind ride.

Check out Facebook for more information.

POLAAR ICYMAGIC Icymagic eye roll-on from Polaar combines Siberian ginseng, which instantly restores tone, radiance and vitality, with tetrapeptides, which help maintain elasticity in the eye contour area. The massaging bead applicator has a refreshing effect and reinforces the draining action contained in the formulation to avoid dark circles and puffiness. Proven results indicate that users experience a decongested eye contour and a reduction in dark circles within 15 days of regular use.

Distributed by Ta’Xbiex Perfumery Limited Tel: 2133 1553

BEWARE OF THE PACU BOYS! With the appearance of a piranha, but with teeth that look like a human denture, the pacu fish usually feeds on insects, plants and fruit that fall into the waters of the Amazon–and apparently also a variety of nuts.

The pacu is commonly found around the Amazon and can grow to up to 90cm long and weigh in at a staggering 25kg. Fishermen in South America attacked by the pacu have reportedly bled to death after losing their testicles to the fish’s vicious teeth.

The fish was found in European waters for the first time in August, and experts have warned men to keep their trunks on if swimming in the Øresund Channel between Denmark and Sweden.

Fish expert Henrik Carl told the Locals earlier in August: “The pacu is not normally dangerous to people but it has quite a serious bite. There have been incidents in other countries, such as Papua New Guinea, where men have had their testicles bitten off.”

“They bite because they’re hungry, and testicles sit nicely in their mouth.”

Now, according to a report in a French police newsletter a few weeks ago, the pacu has also been found in the River Seine.

Although people were sceptical about the tropical catch, its human-like teeth confirmed the species as the feared “testicle-eating” pacu. Could it be making its way to Malta?

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THE STRAP MIRROR With roots tracing back to Paris in the twenties, the modern and minimalist Strap mirror from Hay comes in two sizes of 50cm or 70cm diameter and is available in grey, rosa and mint green.

Loft – Triq San Pawl, Naxxar T: 2099 9966 www.loft.com.mt

D

r Eben Alexander is an American, Harvard-trained Neurosurgeon who rose to fame in 2012 when a little book he wrote spent over 35 weeks in the New York Times bestselling list. What did he write about? Well, he wrote about what happened to him in 2008; he wrote about that day when he died and came back to tell the tale.

In one nightmarish evening, a rare form of meningitis wreaked havoc inside his brain.

Within a few hours, his blood pressure

went to zero, his breathing stopped and his heart whispered its last fading pulses. Then a last gasp of breath, and a flat line. According to Dr Alexander, real life was just about to start for him. Even though a pump was keeping his body alive, to everyone he was virtually brain dead. And then it happened. Alexander recounts how he found himself “existing” in a pitch black pit of nothingness. It was “boiling and muddy “and he was “surrounded by a machinery-type sound, deep beneath him”. Dr Eben says that he had no memory of his human life and the

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conception of time, space and language were gone. Alexander felt that he could exist in different places and states at the same time. More hideously, he recounts how he had a strong sense of sprouting “dark black roots” which seemed to have gone on “for years and years, if not for eternity.” It is only when Eben screamed “God help me! God help me!” that an intense bright spiralling light came to his aid. In this light he found love, comfort, immense joy and a deep desire to remain forever in its embrace. He calls this, his heaven. >>

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WORDS: JULIAN CARDONA

LIFE AFTER LIFE

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LIFE AFTER LIFE

There are some accounts which are far more pleasant. Pam Reynolds was a famous singer and song writer when in 1991 she was diagnosed with a serious aneurism in her brain. This meant that she had to undergo a complicated brain surgery in which her body would be taken to 16 degrees Celsius, inducing cardiac arrest, and her brain would be drained from all the blood.

Dr Michael Sabom, a cardiologist and researcher of Near Death Experiences (NDE), says that if you had to create a laboratory experiment to put a person close to death ( or even over to the other side) and back again then Reynolds’ surgery would come very close to being an example. Just as three different computer screens confirmed that her brain was completely inactive, Pam felt herself being awakened by a fastidious noise which turned out to be the toothbrush-looking driller which was the designated tool to open her skull. Then she departed from her body.

She describes her point of view as “if I were sitting on the doctor’s shoulders.” She could hear the nurses discuss her condition and she could see her shaved skull being opened. She looked at all of this with a mixture of curious indifference. The doctors who were interviewed were absolutely adamant that it is impossible for a person in those conditions to hear or see anything, let alone follow a conversation.

But Pam’s experience went further than that. Similarly to Dr Alexander, Reynolds had no conception of space and time and she could also be in many places at the same time. Out of nowhere a bright light appeared at the end of a long tunnel. She recounts how this immensely bright light dragged her further and further towards it and it was impossible to resist it. At the end of the tunnel she could hear a distinct voice calling her and when she reached it, she realised that it was her deceased uncle. The experience was indescribably beautiful. There were many people who greeted her with love and affection. At one point during her journey (she pauses to wipe her tears as she recounts) she asked her uncle if the light is God.“No, God is not the light. The light is what happens when God breathes.”

Few would disagree that it is extremely hard to read these stories and stop that little smile from appearing. That smile is the daughter of doubt. No question in science, mathematics or religion is as important as the very simple one: what happens after we die? Millions of people like Reynolds and Alexander have experienced first-hand that consciousness subsists even when the body is dead. But is there any scientific basis to this?

It is well known that inside every cell in our body, including nerve cells, there is a vast network of cylindrical structures known as Microtubules. Dr Stuart Humeroff, an anaesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona, explains that these Microtubules are excellent computational devices that organize information inside the cells including those of the brain. In his research Dr Humeroff applies theories from Quantum Physics to study the computational process inside these microtubules.

It is well known that Quantum Physics predicts that particles can exist at different places at the same time: a theory known as superposition. So if these microtubules obey the laws of quantum physics then information inside them can be also at more than one place at a time. It is in this deep region of the brain wherein consciousness is said to originate. Now if consciousness subsists even after death, that is after these microtubules are destroyed and information leaks out, could this explain Alexander and 028

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Reynolds ‘sensations of coexisting at different places at the same instant?

The research in this field is still at an infant stage and there are no facts or proofs. One major aspect is beyond doubt however, and this is the tremendous impact that NDE’s leave on those who experience them. All of those who went through these journeys come back as changed people. Doctors and psychiatrists have collected a vast database of information and found many features to be in common.

All of the people experiencing NDE’s are no longer afraid of death.

They are all “sad” that they had to come back, but they were all told that their mission in life was not yet complete. Almost all of them see their entire life, in all its minute details, flashing before their eyes. All of them experience profound freedom after leaving their body behind and when they are back they have no interest in earthly affairs but only in propagating that love they experienced.

“... ALL OF THEM EXPERIENCE PROFOUND FREEDOM AFTER LEAVING THEIR BODY BEHIND AND WHEN THEY ARE BACK THEY HAVE NO INTEREST IN EARTHLY AFFAIRS BUT ONLY IN PROPAGATING THAT LOVE THEY EXPERIENCED...”

So does this confirm what many religions have taught us or is this the result of cultural conditioning? Is it such a surprise that many witness angles, Jesus and a bright light? Many researchers agree that what most of us learn in the Judeo-Christian teachings has a profound effect, even at a subconscious level, on how we look at life and death. This means that these visions experienced could be a direct result of the layers of religious teachings we have been subjected to and are thus illusions and not real experiences.

But how can a patient who has absolutely no possibility of sensory activity (as the brain is tuned off) experience delusions which are the product of memory?. If the brain is deactivated, some doctors counter argue, there can be no memory and thus no delusions. It is a deep debate and one which is not likely to be solved in our lifetimes.

So back to our daily habits: Wake up, dropkick the alarm, wash, dress, eight to five and then back home and GOTO step 1. Who the hell has time to think about God, death and heaven? Sometimes it’s better that way perhaps: to keep going and act as if, at a human level, we will live forever. But when I do stop and think about it, the words of the French thinker Pascal always seem to come back to me: “If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that HE is…” For think about it: if we bet that there’s something beyond life, then we might gain the ultimate price, or else lose nothing if there isn’t.

But what if we bet the opposite and there really is something?

I’ll leave you all (and myself) to ponder that in the company of a heavenly glass of red wine (no pun intended). V

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MENS TRENDS

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‘13 MEN’S TRENDS – FALL/13

PHOTOGRAPHY: AGUSTINA RODRÍGUEZ @ BDV MANAGEMENT STYLIST: TXELL TOUS @ BDV MANAGEMENT HAIR & MAKE-­U P: MERITXELL SEVA @ BDV MANAGEMENT

LEATHER JACKET: IKKS

MODEL: KRISTIAN @ BLOW MODELS BARCELONA

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MENS TRENDS

TOP LEFT: COAT: LOREAK MENDIAN SHIRT: G-­STAR JEANS: LEVIS TOP RIGHT: COAT: TOMMY HILFIGER SWEATER: BENETTON LEATHER TROUSERS: AMAYA ARZUAGA

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FOULARD: IKKS

TROUSERS: LEVI’S RED TAB

SHIRT: G-­STAR

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“MENSWEAR HITS NEW HEIGHTS THIS A/W... GONE ARE THE DAYS OF BORING BASICS. THIS SEASON THINK RICH DEEP COLOUR, PRINTS, TEXTURE AND LAYERING”

>>

SHIRT: LOREAK MENDIAN TROUSERS: DOCKERS TIE: TOMMY HILFIGER [OPPOSITE] CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SUIT: ANTONY MORATO SWEATER: AMAYA ARZUAGA BAG: LONGCHAMP SWEATER: SISLEY SHIRT: IKKS JEANS: IKKS COAT: KARL LAGERFELD T-­SHIRT: IKKS TROUSERS: G-­STAR FOULARD: IIKS BAG: LONGCHAMP SWEATSHIRT: DOCKERS SHIRT: TORO LEATHER PANTS: AMAYA ARZUAGA

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D I E S E L S T O R E S : M E R C H A N T S S T R E E T, V A L L E T T A

S T. A N N E ’ S S Q U A R E , S L I E M A

TEL: 2258 4434

DIESEL.COM

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#DIESELREBOOT

FACEBOOK.COM/MICHAEL.MAYREN

MY REALITY

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THE FLIP SIDE

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[ W I T H F E D E R I CO P E LT R E T T I ]

For the last 10 years, photographer Federico Peltretti, who is from Bologna, has divided his time between Milan and New York, working as a photographer in the fashion industry. Photography is not only his job but his life’s passion and an opportunity to express himself. Federico moved to Malta this spring in search of a less chaotic and more relaxing life-style and a base from which to travel.

And here, of course, he found the Vamp team, with whom he is free to indulge his creativity‌ Vamp asked him to tell us more about his life, his career and how well he is getting to know Malta >> SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE

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When did you get into photography?

Photography was my father’s hobby, so he introduced me to it. He encouraged me to print my first black-and-white photo when I was 10, and I always enjoyed using the small cameras he gave me during my school holidays. Then one day I decided to use photography as a way of expressing myself, and after that I became “a photographer”. I love what I do and I love how photography can be used as a form of expression. If I wasn’t a photographer, I would probably be a chef, because cooking is another one of my passions.

Which photographers have had the greatest impression on you?

Richard Avedon, for sure. His photos are timeless and absolutely complete in every way.

What do you love most about your job?

I love everything, especially the creativity, the surprise, the unexpected and, most of all, I love how the light paints my photos.

Describe your creative process?

My creative process comes from an idea or a feeling – built on a concept after research – which finally gives the message that I want to communicate.

What equipment do you use?

I love film – the smoothness, the imperfections, the reality – from medium format to the reality of Polaroid. I have many cameras, but I use them for both my personal projects and for fine art. When I am commissioned to shoot an event like a wedding, baptism, or a party – I am asked to shoot in digital: people are more used to it and is more cost and time efficient.

What do you consider to be the pros and cons of the digital age?

As I said, digital photography is fast and easy to manage. I can be free to shoot what I want and as much as I want – it is fantastic and very convenient. The only thing is that i find it flat, too perfect and soulless.

Do you tend to focus more on fashion photography?

I love photography, and of course fashion, but I prefer reportage and every form of photography itself, so if we want to talk 040

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about what I do, I shoot everything, from interiors to landscape, from reportage to weddings, from portraits to fashion. I don’t exclude any kind of photography – I believe you can find a great image anywhere so I don’t exclude anything that needs to be photographed. I like the work of Helmet Newton who said: “I never say no to any job they ask me to do”.

Why choose Malta as your base?

I have spent a lot of time abroad, and always dreamed of living in the Mediterranean – for the climate, the food and the easy way of life. I have met nice people to live and work with, and it is a great base for my new life and future.

I’m definitely happy about my choice!

Describe your typical day?

Have a coffee, smoke a cigarette, work and basically try to enjoy every day like its my last. I like simple things, so you can say my daily ritual is to enjoy life.

What would be your ultimate joy?

To see my work in the world’s best art galleries.

Name the three best things in life?

Love, good food and travelling.

What is wrong with the world today?

What is your guilty pleasure?

There is too much consumerism and people in power and politics only think about money. Nobody really cares about consequences and the suffering of people outside their door. I believe many things can easily be resolved such as the use of only solar and wind energy and the re-use of the millions of tons of food that is wasted everyday... the problem is that nobody with the power to make a difference really cares. V

I don’t feel guilty about my pleasures.

www.federicopeltretti.com

Name one thing you love about Malta?

It’s always sunny.

And one thing you hate?

It is f****ing beige.

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“I DONT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT MY PLEASURES”

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LUST LIST! DESIGNS FOR LIFE

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VIPP + DAMIEN HIRST High end bin manufacturer Vipp has collaborated with Damien Hirst on the creation of a limted edition dust bin, designed with his iconic spot painting, consisting of randomly colored circles which form rows and columns. This Bin was designed exclusively for the opening of the Astrup Fearnley Museum in Oslo, Norway. www.vipp.com

THE BOKJA CULT The Lebanese design team of Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri (Bokja) submit to no rules when it comes to combining designs and styles: floral motifs might be matched with check and stripes; kilims with wood block prints; rich velvet with crisp linen. The designers work with local artisans who use traditional techniques passed down through numerous generations. The result is a one-of-a-kind creation each one with it’s own personality. www.bokjadesign.com

HANG LOOSE! We adore this unusual take on this standard coat hook designed

by Helen Miller. Each of the nine coat hooks have different symbols echoing the design of a vintage manual typewriter, but with a contemporary touch. www.panik-design.com

THE BANANA KING AND QUEEN These adorable salt and pepper mills designed by Alessi are hand decorated and made from thermoplastic resin which makes them virtually indestructible. (and who can resist that cheeky smile?) All items from the Alessi Banana Family are in collaboration with the National Palace Museum in Taiwan. www.alessi.com

INSPIRATIONAL TRAINING? A Ukrainian based company called 306 Creative Communication Agency, have designed these “Bob-Boobs”, said to be “sports equipment for real men, who think about women all the time even when the iron is held in the hands.” They are made from cast iron and come in three different sizes and finishes: small, medium or large with either matte paint, glossy paint, or rubber. The weights were made for “inspirational training”. and are set to hit stores overseas this month.

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A CLEAN SLATE Project Name: Glen 2961 Location: Higgovale, Cape Town Architects: SAOTA & Three 14 Architects Photographs: Adam Letch

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he owners of this house had lived happily in their previous home on the same land for nine years, but with a growing family and more time to take on their dreams, they demolished and rebuilt their home without any qualms, taking advantage of the mindblowing views that were previously blocked from sight.

The land on Glen Avenue, in the small, wealthy community of Higgovale in Cape Town, faces north, with its two long boundaries facing the south-east as it continues down Table Mountain, and the opposite western boundary facing sunsets over Lion’s Head. Apart from the prevailing strong winds, it is a glorious site which, due to its moderate slope, provided a perfect template for the new design to engage on different levels of the garden adjacent to the different living areas of the three-level lounge.

So, the old house was boldly taken apart and a new home was born. But this time the new home needed to respond to the land that surrounded it, to allow enough space for the family’s various demands by creating separate private spaces for all, and also to shield itself from the fierce winds that seasonally hurtle down Table Mountain. The ultimate aim – in a nutshell – was to provide a relaxed and homely atmosphere in the spirit of Higgovale. >>

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A CLEAN SLATE

“...TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRE FOR A CASUAL FEEL TO THE INTERIORS, THE ARCHITECTS RELIED ON ROBUST UNCLUTTERED FINISHES OF OFF-SHUTTER CONCRETE FOR SOFFITS AND VARIOUS WALLS, PAINTED BRICKWORK, SPECIAL POLISHED CONCRETE SURFACES AND OAK CABINETRY AND CEILINGS. ...”

The architects sought to screen the heart of the home from the south-east and create large semi-enclosed gardens that allow the two lower levels of the house to seamlessly connect to garden and terraces at all times, whilst enjoying high levels of natural light and an abundance of views.

The lower portion of the garden was successfully raised to create a pool and small gazebo, helping to establish the lower level of the garden and the west-facing courtyard garden onto which the kitchen faces. Once the garden was established, the successful integration of house and garden was more pronounced.

To achieve the desire for a casual feel to the interiors, the architects relied on robust uncluttered finishes of off-shutter concrete for soffits and various walls, painted brickwork, special polished concrete surfaces and oak cabinetry and ceilings. This mix, while nothing new in terms of architecture today, compliments family life. To amplify the sense of openness of the rooms and gardens, the living rooms have large sliding aluminium doors and the openness is further enhanced by glass handrails that successfully blur the boundaries of interior and exterior. >>

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“THE NEW HOME NEEDED TO RESPOND TO THE SITE AND GARDEN CLOSELY, TO ALLOW ENOUGH SPACE FOR THE FAMILY’S DIVERSE REQUIREMENTS – WHILST CREATING SEPARATE PRIVATE SPACES, AND RESPOND TO THE FIERCE WINDS WHICH SEASONALLY HURTLE DOWN TABLE MOUNTAIN, YET PROVIDE A RELAXED, HOMELY ATMOSPHERE IN THE SPIRIT OF HIGGOVALE,” >> PHILIP OLMESDAHL – PROJECT MANAGER

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Ponsomby Street, Mosta MST 4032 2143 2571, 2143 6186, 2143 2951 info@vct.com.mt www.vct.com.mt Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08.00 to 18.00 Thu 08.00 to 20.00 (Late Night) Sat 09.00 to 12.30

For more information about the architects of this property, log on to www.saota.com

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The result is that the house works fantastically well in the way that the kitchen remains the focal point of the first floor area, and the main outdoor braai (barbecue) terrace is generously laid out with outdoor seating and dining areas.

Another feature is how the interiors respond to the changing light during the day – from the morning light on the terraces and the last sun of the day into the kitchen courtyard. The upper level of the house – the entrance to the property – accommodates four en-suite bedrooms with great views and a large study/library area, while the garage hides the courtyards from the road.

The result is a home of quality, for life. It is very unlikely that they will be moving any time soon! V SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE

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BUSTED MYTHS

BUSTED MYTHS!

MEDICAL BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Do Botox and fillers work in the same way?

No, they don’t. Botox and fillers serve different purposes but both are intended to do away with fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is used on what we call “dynamic wrinkles”, which are fine lines and wrinkles that appear due to the repetitive muscle movements that produce our expressions. It is mostly needed on the upper face and is a medicinal drug that relaxes muscles. Fillers, on the other hand, are used to fill or plump up a wrinkle or hollow area and are usually used on the lower part of the face.

commercially available in the 1990s and since then the technology has improved tremendously.

Lasers emit so-called coherent light (synchronised light waves of the same wavelength), providing very specific and intense targeted energy delivery to a particular skin structure, unlike IPL machines, which provide a range of non-precise energies. Lasers target, break down and destroy the melanin (dark pigment) in hair. This is why it works only on dark hair – which makes it seem as if it was invented for us Maltese people, with our thick black Mediterranean hair.

Can Botox plump up the lips

Do Botox injections distort your facial expressions?

This repercussion occurs only in the case of an overdose of the product. As long as the injection is administered by a professional physician, there is no need to worry.

You should always keep in mind that looking 10 years younger is not about looking artificial but about looking like you did a few years back – and there is nothing fake about that.

Do patients often develop an ‘addiction’ to Botox or fillers?

There is nothing in either product that is medically addictive. A person will undoubtedly look and feel younger and more attractive as the skin becomes smoother and the wrinkles are gone and will, naturally, come to love her or his new and improved look. However, the rejuvenation effect is temporary, so once it starts wearing off, there will always be the desire to stay looking the same, but there is always the option to repeat it or not.

Are laser and IPL the same thing?

No, they are not. These days, “lasers” for hair removal have become very popular, but most of the time what is advertised might not necessarily be actual laser.

Hair removal by Laser was first

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Botox can in no way plump up the lips. Lip augmentation is done with the use of fillers. Nowadays, a doctor will usually use a hyaluronic acidbased filler that lasts between nine and 18 months. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally underneath our skin, therefore the result is very natural and the body tolerates it well. As long as the right amount is used, your lips will not look unnatural because you replace the volume lost over the years.

Should I wait until I am 30+ before you have a Botox injection?

The age at which you start having this type of treatment depends on your skin. From as early as the age of 25, skin regeneration slows down and fine lines start appearing.

A person starts showing signs of ageing in certain areas before others and fine lines might begin becoming permanent. It is during this phase that a person would want to do something about it and prevention is always better than cure.

The basic rule is that you should always consult a qualified professional who puts honesty above anything else. It is always important to have a consultation before undergoing any treatment so that any misconceptions can be cleared up and any myths can be busted! V

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INTERVIEW: JOHN VOGEL >>

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Love me, love me not, table: Winner of the Southern Guild best-selling award.

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JOHN VOGEL IS A TRAINED ARCHITECT WHO DESIGNS ORIGINAL HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO A NEW LANGUAGE OF DESIGN IN SOUTH AFRICA. HIS DESIGNS EXPLORE NEW APPLICATIONS FOR EXISTING CRAFTS AND TECHNOLOGIES MOSTLY WORKING WITH WOOD BUT SOMETIMES INCORPORATING TRADITIONAL WEAVING FOR BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE. VAMP FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS AWARDWINNING, INCREASINGLY RECOGNISED INTERNATIONALLY DESIGNER BASED IN CAPE TOWN, BY ASKING HIM A FEW QUESTIONS:

When was the company Vogel established, and what motivated it?

I studied architecture, so I have a design background. I have always enjoyed the craftsman element of making things – the independence of offering something for sale that sells itself.

Essentially, Vogel started when I was a student making furniture to pay for my studies, surfing and motorcycles. The brand Vogel itself is about five years old.

What is your design vision?

Our design vision is to offer a handmade, well-crafted range of furniture with collectable designs that are inspired by my own interpretation of an African experience.

What is your design process like?

Well, it depends on where the brief is coming from – whether or not it’s for the commercial range from my own factory. I spend as little time as possible at the drawing board. I resolve what I can in my head and move right on to prototyping from there. I can feel whether things are right or wrong. >>

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Selection of chairs from Hay | Tel: 20 9999 66. Triq San Pawl, Naxxar. www.loft.com.mt

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A NEW PERSPECTIVE.

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“WE FORESEE OURSELVES PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT FOR MANY PEOPLE. IT IS OUR DREAM TO LEAVE BEHIND A PATH OF CREATIVITY, SELF ESTEEM, IDENTITY AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT”.

What materials do you use, and why?

I work in wood because I love it. Wood is easily replaceable and every piece is unique. The Love Me Love Me Not table is the result of an invitation from the Southern Guild to submit a piece of collectable design. I wanted to produce a piece that summarised and described my love of trees: the organic sculptural quality of timber. My friend Justin Plunkett collaborated with me on the piece.

What inspired the love me, love me not table design?

Can you tell me a bit more about it?

Well, the piece has been really well received. It has been on the front cover of the New York Times, has won the Southern Guild’s best-selling award and has been exhibited and repeatedly sold at Design Days in Dubai and Design Miami in Basel, Switzerland.

Where is Vogel based and how can our readers view and purchase the products?

We are in based in Woodstock, Cape Town and, of course, our products can be viewed at our showroom at the Woodstock Foundry or online at www.vogeldesign.co.za V SOUTH AFRICA ISSUE

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MY R REALITY OLD MASTERS & NEW MEANINGS.

[ ABOVE ] This artwork is inspired by Édouard Manet’s 1863 painting ‘the Luncheon on the Grass’ or Le déjeuner sur l’herbe, originally titled Le Bain (The Bath). In the original, a scene from the parisian bohemian lifestyle is captured in harsh contrast to the puritan morals of that time. it was a controversial piece not only because it broke away from the academic tradition of the day, portrayed stark nudity, and even featured recognizable models, but mostly due to the contemporary theme which referenced the rampant prostitution in paris at the time. ‘Laundry day’ portrays a washing day; the female nude and the scantily dressed female bather from the original painting are dehumanized by the addition of chicken heads, symbolising them as objects manipulated by big business and powerful politicians. Have their soiled feathers been removed, washed and hung out to dry? the two men in suits, although appearing relaxed, are still in control, one holding the scissors used to cut the feathers. the women are both subservient, one washing, the other a naked object in obedience to her male counterparts. Have the politician and the business man conspired to clean up the mess?

ICHARD MUDARIKI IS AN AWARD-WINNING ZIMBABWEAN ARTIST WHO HAS ALREADY EXHIBITED WIDELY IN HARARE, CAPE TOWN AND JOHANNESBURG. VAMP TRACKED HIM DOWN IN SOUTH AFRICA IN TIME TO SHARE HIS LATEST ACHIEVEMENT, TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S 6TH FNB JOBURG ART FAIR (SPONSORED BY FIRST NATIONAL BANK) WITH THREE PAINTINGS FORMING PART OF THE ‘IN THE SHADOW OF A RAINBOW GROUP’ EXHIBITION CURATED BY HIS GALLERIST, JOHANS BORMAN FINE ART. WE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND THE PAINTINGS FROM HIS LATEST COLLECTION PRESENTED AT HIS FIRST SOLO SHOW >>

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Mudariki has been living in South Africa for the past year, and My Reality, his first solo exhibition, presented a body of work that reflected the ongoing crisis in Africa.

However, despite the exhibition title, his paintings make no pretence at portraying real events. Mudariki candidly admits” that they are fabrications taken from the work of Old Masters, but the figures portrayed are taken from their original historical setting and brought into a contemporary world where some place Zimbabwean President Mugabe’s dictatorship at centre stage and others draw attention to other injustices from further afield.

Mudariki’s work can be compared to that of Johannes Phokela, a South African artist of an older generation, who has made his mark both nationally and internationally. Phokela may well have come to Mudariki’s attention and influenced his oeuvre, as both artists rely on appropriation. The South African pillages the canon of the great Dutch and Flemish Old Masters of yore, such as Rubens, Brueghel and Jordaens. However, instead of using Western painting to cast light on contemporary Africa and its problems as does Mudariki, Phokela changes the race of the original 17th-century Dutchfigures from white to black in order to challenge the European myth of white supremacy, and to condemn the racism and colonialism to which it gave rise.

Mudariki’s art is issue-driven: it addresses the violation of both human and animal rights, corporate greed, gender stereotyping, censorship and rape inter alia. Although such subject matter can come across as shocking, the specific political message becomes subsumed in a spectacular Breughelesque pageant of infamy and transgression. >>

Capital Punishment, inspired by Spanish painter Francisco Goya’s painting The Third of May 1808, portrays a man about to meet his fate. However, in contrast to the original work, which sought to commemorate Spanish resistance to Napoleon’s armies during the occupation of 1808, this artwork addresses the continued rape and abuse of women and girls. The martyr in Goya’s work is replaced by a man caught red-handed, exposed by the light shone upon him to uncover his deeds. Rape is the most grotesque form of violence against women, and in most African societies it originates from male dominance and cultural belief systems that degrade women. Horrific recent reports tell of the gang rape and sex slavery of a 17-year-old girl by a group of youths.

Will the protesting voices for women’s rights end this abuse or succeed in changing these beliefs and practices?

The Conference, it is fascinating to see the characteristics shared by both humans and animals. By placing animals in human contexts in my work, I hope to gain a better understanding of the similar behavioral patterns. A good example is the prevalence of a dominant male to maintain the discipline and unity of a flock of goats. The symbolism of the goats stems from my background – where they would represent the authority of the state or government.

Metaphorically, the different coloured goats attending the conference represent various nations, submitting to the dominant leader.

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The Pieta, Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother, Mary, after his crucifixion. Inspired by this masterpiece, Pieta depicts Muammar Gaddafi – once also bestowed with the title of “King of Kings’” by a meeting of traditional African rulers – during his final bloody moments. The circumstances surrounding his execution are still shrouded in mystery, as little is known about who actually killed him – having been pulled out from a drain under a motorway, still alive, he begged for mercy from his captors, but died a pitiful death.

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“MUDARIKI’S ART IS ISSUE-DRIVEN: IT ADDRESSES THE VIOLATION OF BOTH HUMAN AND ANIMAL RIGHTS, CORPORATE GREED, GENDER STEREOTYPING, CENSORSHIP AND RAPE INTER ALIA.”

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MY REALITY

The Battle of Cape Town is inspired by a panel from the triptych The Battle of San Romano, painted

by Paolo Uccello in the mid-1400s. The original painting portrayed part of the battle of San Romano that was fought between Florence and Siena in 1432. The central figure is Niccolò da Mauruzi da Tolentino on his white charger, the leader of the victorious Florentine forces.

In my interpretation the battle scene is moved to Cape Town, a place with historically disproportionate development that has created societal groups that live together, but still apart. Politicians now fight their battles in the media and in cyberspace, and social media networks have become the new battlefields. The premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, who was accused of racism after some comments she posted on twitter, is portrayed here in combat with an anonymous black warrior. A variety of animals represent Cape Town’s various cultures, all participating in the clash for equality.

“OMINOUS OVERTONES GO HAND IN HAND WITH HUMOUR: THE SIGHT OF HELEN ZILLE LEADING HER FORCES INTO BATTLE IS EXTREMELY AMUSING”.

This transcends any chronological and geographic particularity, and becomes a timeless and universal statement conveyed with such gripping imaginative assurance that the resultant image entirely transcends the artist’s activist goals. Mudariki takes canonical masterpieces of the order of Goya’s Third of May, Gericault’s Raft of the Medusa and Manet’s Luncheon on the Grass – works of such devastating impact that they have etched themselves indelibly in the memory of many successive generations – and he appropriates them without ever reproducing them.

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at. Mudariki’s most startling transformation of these revered museum pieces is the way he transplants his ‘borrowings’ into jarring settings that are completely alien to the backgrounds of the original paintings. Thus Gericault’s Raft of the Medusa no longer sails the high seas, but is decisively planted on terra firma with the smashed raft being equipped with humble box-cart wheels.

This creates a deflationary effect of parody and burlesque, and there is indeed an element of send-up in many of Mudariki’s paintings. Gericault’s figures materialise on a corridor-like stage where they are penned in by claustrophobic, inwardpressing walls that steep the scene in menace. These stark, bare and emptiedout spaces, devoid of windows, doors or any other kind of opening, appear to form part of a dark labyrinth of sinister

Kafkaesque design. Mysterious maze-like structures and slabbed, cubic boxes occur throughout this body of work, injecting a surreal complication into imagery that was originally constructed in a purely naturalist manner, reproducing the viewer’s own familiar world.

Ominous overtones go hand-in-hand with humour: the sight of Helen Zille leading her forces into battle is extremely amusing. So is the idea of placing Manet’s two bachelors picnicking with a naked woman within a stadium or cyclorama where there is no vestige of privacy.

Mudariki’s comic sense often verges on the kind of black or gallows humour that we associate with the theatre of the absurd. >>

D I E S E L S T O R E S : M E R C H A N T S S T R E E T, V A L L E T T A S T. A N N E ’ S S Q U A R E , S L I E M A T E L : 2 2 5 8 4 4 3 4 DIESEL.COM

F R E D P E R R Y S T O R E S : M E R C H A N T S S T R E E T, V A L L E T T A – S T. A N N E ’ S S Q U A R E , S L I E M A – T E L : 2 2 5 8 4 4 4 1 – F R E D P E R R Y. C O M

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In the original artwork The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the artist depicts the final meal shared by Jesus and his apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.

During this meal, Jesus announces that one of his 12disciples will betray him. The bread and wine are symbolic of the body and blood of Christ.

The Passover refers to the Jewish holiday and festival commemorating the story of the exodus – the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt after the 10 plagues.

In this painting,the president invites all of his friends and his enemies, as well as Jesus, to eat and drink with him. The original bread and wine are replaced by a feast of symbols that provide clues about the choice of names on his guest list – all important players in world politics. A central hour glass suggests that the president’s time is running out. The vulture, usually a symbol for renewal, here becomes the harbinger of death, feeding on others’ misfortune. Two locusts, destroyers of crops during the Egyptian plagues, are branded with the flags of two international powers. Calling the president’s bluff, his cards are exposed and strewn around the table.

The severed head of the common man is served on a platter, a metaphor for those preyed on in order to keep the ruling party in power. Their chalices filled with the blood of the innocent, the guests confer whilst millions wait for a change in fortune.

To find out more about Richard Mudariki, log on to www.johansborman.co.za

Extremely obtrusive checkerboard patterns invade the walls and floors of Mudariki’s walled spaces, turning them into threedimensional chess boards. Chess is an ancient game in which the two players enact mediaeval battles using stylised miniature kings, queens, knights and bishops, armies of pawns, and strongholds in the form of ‘parapetted’ castles.

Checkerboards are also associated with other games of skill and chance, such as checkers and draughts, which also involve combat, the capture of pieces and the conquest of territory. These allusions suggest that the paintings represent contests, and they identify life as conflict and strife. Both the checkerboard upon which the action of virtually all the paintings is set, and the walls cordoning off space – thus denying one any glimpse of what lies beyond – imply captivity and confinement, and act as metaphors for people denied freedom of choice and room in which to manoeuvre. All these walls, barriers and boundaries imply no exit, and distil a hallucinatory quality indicative of dementia

and delusion. Mudariki’s set-ups function as visual parallels to Zimbabwe, and all tyrannies, where a reign of terror prevails and life is a dicey and uncertain matter of continual jeopardy and risk. Under such pressure, a person’s mental state can deteriorate into one of fear, apprehension and,eventually, paranoia.

Mudariki’s isometric boxes function exactly like a stage with the fourth wall removed, and the artist’s décor exudes an overt theatricality, conjuring up a chimerical world that is both grotesque and macabre.

The bizarre architecture, freakish hybrid beings and flamboyant costumes are scenographic fantasies. They remind us of the mediaeval visions of Brueghel and Bosch, both of whom rejected the real world in order to construct an infernal amusement park, a Disneyland of the afterlife – in the words of W.S. Gibson.

The masks and costumes of different eras and different societies smack of disguise, travesty and duplicity, and proclaim that appearances are deceptive, and nothing is what it seems.

Mudariki’s debts to other artists are almost exclusively limited to quotation. The suited militarists, businessmen and politicians often vaguely remind one of those of the German Expressionists. The forced perspectives and love of dusky blues and greens owe something to Giorgio de Chirico, and the animal-headed beings, recall the half-animal, half-human creatures of Alberto Savinio and, of course, Brueghel and Bosch. Many of the paintings create a surreal atmosphere, yet do not suggest the influence of any one particular painter.

These are indeed lean pickings.

No artist emerges from a void, and one is forced to ask oneself what tradition it was that produced Mudariki. The answer is that the artist takes the paintings of the Old Masters and transforms them into allegories. This makes him something of an odd man out, as this mode of communication became increasingly spurned over the last century because it reeks of the Symbolist movement, and the outmoded art of the turn of the 19th century. V

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LIFTING LIVES

LIFTING LIVES

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he Tanzanian Children’s Fund (TCF) is celebrating 10 years of lifting lives and building futures for orphaned children in Northern Tanzania. To celebrate this milestone, TCF has created The Next Ten Fund. The proceeds from this fund will go directly to educating young adults at secondary level to ensure that they are able to lead a productive life as adults. Vamp speaks to the founder, India Howell, moments before she headed off to the USA for her annual fundraising event, to learn how she became involved with the TCF, in a country so far from the place she had once called home, and how it is run.

“...WE TAKE HOPE FROM THE DIFFERENCE WE HAVE MADE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS AND CONTINUE TO MAKE TODAY, IN THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE...”

What brought you to Tanzania?

I came to Tanzania in 1998 to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew that I had found the place I would live in for the rest of my life. Three months later I moved to Tanzania to work for Hoopoe Safaris and never looked back.

What is life like for the people – especially children – who live in Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world – with everything that goes with it: generational poverty, poor education, a lack of access to medical care and hopelessness.

Our work is aimed at addressing these issues which all lead to orphaned and abandoned children.

So far, what has been the most gratifying moment for you during your time with the Tanzania Children’s Fund?

When we opened our first house in 2005 and welcomed 12 children to a new home, family and community.

What future do you see for these children?

My kids will all “make it”! They will be employed and productive citizens who help take Tanzania to new heights. Some will be doctors and lawyers and teachers. Others will be plumbers or waiters or stay-at-home mums. The bottom line is that they will be productive citizens who follow the law and lead their communities.

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What has been the most difficult moment for you in Tanzania?

Seeing the size of the problem facing us and knowing that, for all the good work we do, kids will continue to be orphaned now and for years to come. However, we take hope from the difference we have made over the past 10 years and continue to make today, in the lives of thousands of people, by providing jobs, homes and support to local businesses through our micro-finance programme.

Do the Tanzanian government help TCF in any way?

The government, in conjunction with local villagers, donated the initial seven acres of land for RVCV followed by an additional two acres.

We have entered into a government partnership to co-manage the local primary school of Gyetighi. Once ranked as one of the lowest schools in the district, Gyetighi is now No. 1 in the district, with a 100% pass rate.

The government is also relaxing its rules on immigration, making it easier for us to accommodate short-term volunteers.

In what condition did you find the majority (if not all) of the children before you took them under your wing?

On arrival, the vast majority of our children have experienced either extreme physical or mental trauma, if not both. They also often

suffer from foetal alcohol syndrome. They struggle to engage socially. They usually have few clothes of their own – sometimes just what they are wearing – and the clothes they do own are tattered, falling apart and filthy. They have either lost both parents or their parents are incapable of taking care of an additional child and “don’t have room for them” in their lives. Before, the future of each child was bleak: they would have been lucky to have had a primary school education, let alone secondary. They would most likely have been destined for a future of poverty like their parents, working long hours picking coffee and earning very low wages.

What can we do to help?

Spread the word, visit, volunteer and donate!

To donate to The Tanzania Children’s Fund please log on to www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org

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VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC

Roof terrace and outdoor living room with fully operable glass sliding doors with the Carmelite dome in the background.

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VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC ENGLISH SOLO PIANIST AND VIRTUOSO ORGANIST WAYNE MARSHALL TRAVELS THE WORLD AS A CONDUCTOR AND HAS RECORDED EXTENSIVELY FOR NUMEROUS MAJOR LABELS. AFTER LIVING IN LONDON FOR MANY YEARS, HE AND HIS WIFE JENNIFER DECIDED TO WAVE GOODBYE TO THE CHAOS OF LONDON AND FIND A HOME IN MALTA’S CAPITAL CITY VALLETTA. LILY AGIUS MEETS UP WITH WAYNE – ALSO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF VALLETTA V18 – IN THEIR RECENTLY REFURBISHED HOME AND WITH THE ARCHITECTS BEHIND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THIS GRAND AND HISTORIC BUILDING. >> Words: Lily Agius Photos: Chris Briffa Architects & Federico Peltretti

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VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC

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n intriguing coincidence, that came to light only after the Marshalls engaged Chris Briffa Architects to take over the conversion, is that the house – once called ‘Casa del Brio’ – was at one time used by the Bishop’s Palace as a place in which to practice music. The revival of this building as “a house of music” has extended its purpose. History precedes itself.

Discovered by the Marshalls in a dark and sorry state, the house has been transformed into a bright and contemporary family home. With many levels to explore and experience, it has been injected with new life and purpose.

I spoke with the architects who took care of the project from day one to find out more about the brief given to them by the Marshalls, and the changes made to see it translated into reality. >>

Polished concrete flooring by Decorative Concrete Services, Bulthaup B1 kitchen from Core, lighting by Flos.

” ‘CASA DEL BRIO’ – WAS AT ONE TIME USED BY THE BISHOP’S PALACE AS A PLACE IN WHICH TO PRACTICE MUSIC”

Façade overlooking Archbishop Street

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VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC

The architects behind the project, Chris Briffa and Sandro Valentino, told me that they needed to makeroom for more natural light and of course, a grand piano but ultimately, to create a ‘family home’. And this is how they did it: The main structural intervention took place towards the rear of the property, where the spiral staircase – or ‘garigor’ – was relieved of small rooms and other accretions which abutted onto it in order to make way for spacious and valuable outdoor terraces on each floor. This maximised light thought the courtyard, as well as forcing cross ventilation into the adjacent rooms. The perforated nature of the galvanised steel terraces also allowed visual communication between different floors. The ‘garigor’, previously a hidden feature at the back, became a veritable freestanding sculptural backdrop when viewed from specific vantage points throughout the house.

Equally sculptural is the main staircase that welcomes you as you walk in through the front door and which sweeps through the house, bringing you to different rooms for various purposes on every floor: a private music room, a luxurious bedroom with en-suite bathroom in a Maltese balcony, children’s bedrooms, an open plan living space –which accommodates the grand piano – and an entertaining space on the top floor with fully operable sliding doors opening on to a large terrace and veritable outdoor living room meeting the top of the façade of the Bishop’s Palace. >>

Main Living Room on the Piano Nobile.

“ THE ‘GARIGOR’,BECAME A VERITABLE FREESTANDING SCULPTURAL BACKDROP”

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Wayne Marshall’s First Floor Studio.

Design and Photo by Chris Briffa Architects

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VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC

“PRESERVING WHAT IS THERE AND UPGRADING IT UP TO CONTEMPORARY STANDARDS IS ONE OF THEIR MAIN OBJECTIVES”

Gessi and Tubes from S&S Bathrooms. Joinery by SAW contract furniture.

Accommodating the complexity of modern day services and requirements (such as air-conditioning, under-floor heating and en-suite bathrooms) in a historic building without compromising its historical fabric is a challenge.

Nevertheless, it also presents opportunities to carefully intervene within old buildings without compromising the existing spatial characteristics, which is one of the main aims of Chris Briffa Architects. Living and working in Valletta as they do, they recognise the fact that it is the existing architecture that makes the city what it is; preserving what is there and upgrading it up to contemporary standards is one of their main objectives and what they believe will ultimately guarantee the longevity of the city as a living organism, rather than something frozen in time. At ‘Casa del Brio’ certain interventions were not hidden from view but made evident and clearly recognizable – freestanding volumes were added in some of the rooms to accommodate specific functions such as the bathroom and wardrobes in the main suite. >> Timber balcony overlooking the Archbishop’s Palace on the Piano Nobile. Curtains from camilleriparismode.

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RELIABLE & INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS We provide a wide range of building materials amongst which are adhesives and grouting for all types of tiles, internal and external breathable plasters, external coatings as well as paints and cement-

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VALLETTA’S HOUSE OF MUSIC

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Joinery - SAW contract furniture.

New staircase puncturing through the roof leading to the rooftop extension. Travertine staircase by rlautier.

Sandro tells me that every project is different, especially those within a historical context – and that they all present a unique set of challenges that require innovative solutions. “Planning as much as possible is crucial. However, one must always be ready to expect the unexpected. In this case, much to the Marshalls’ delight, a small room that was

filled with debris was unearthed in the basement – providing an additional wine cellar. Quite often with refurbishment projects, particularly those in Valletta, opportunities present themselves in spaces that are generally overlooked – in particular the rooftop – which can offer a sizeable amount of outdoor ‘living’ space which is more often than not unavailable

at other levels throughout the building.”

Wayne and Jennifer Marshall now live in their home with their two-year-old daughter and newborn son, getting used to the contours of their new living spaces – so different from anything they have ever experienced before – as a young and busy family. V

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THE TREND REPORT AW#13 Photographer: Federico Peltretti Stylist: Kira Drury Hair: Clinton Chetcuti at Vigorous Make-Up: Diandra Mattei Model: Amy at supernovamodel.com

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MY REALITY

TOWER ROAD, SLIEMA 路 MERCHANT STREET, VALLETTA 路 THE POINT, SLIEMA

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MY REALITY

PHOTOGRAPHY & CONCEPT: TAMARA WEBB MAKE-UP ARTIST: JUSTINE MICALLEF – 7757 1770 HAIR: CLINTON CHETCUTI – VIGOROUS MODEL: VALENTINA – AT SUPERNOVA DESIGNER: RITIANNE ZAMMIT – www.ritiennezammit.com

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BESPOKE

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For this edition of Bespoke I decided to get in touch with designer Ritianne Zammit.

Ritianne’s products are mainly created in plastic, and this is something I thought would look great for my second feature.

I teamed up with Clinton from Vigorous for the hair.

I wanted something big and bold that would stand out and make a statement. I wanted touches of silver in the hair which we created by using silver hair spray on extensions.

Make-up artist Justine Micallef mixed a palette of red and deep brown colours to come up with this fab lip colour. It is dominating and looks great on Valentina.

As a team, we are very happy with the final look.

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AGE REVEALERS

AGE REVEALERS: TOP TIPS FOR YOUR SKIN Sandra Calafato Distributor of Environ® Skin Care, Malta

Neck/décollaté With age comes wisdom and, unfortunately for some, saggy skin on the neck, and crêpey skin on the décollaté.

Always include your neck and décollaté in your morning routine of cleansing, toning, moisturising and protecting and never skip the application of sunscreen over your moisturiser in the morning. Your evening routine is equally important: the removal of all traces of make-up and accumulated dirt and grime, then application of your moisturiser. If your skin needs an extra boost, use a serum to deliver more intense hydration and potent levels of age-fighting antioxidants. Environ’s Ionzyme Focus Hydrating Serum with hyaluronic concentrate plumps up the wrinkles. It is beneficial to use the Focus Cit or the Cosmetic Roll-Cit (Environ’s microneedling instruments) to prepare the skin before applying the serum and just a few drops to face, neck and décollaté daily will see an improvement within two weeks.

Hands A lifetime of exposure to the sun contributes to hands that look old. As collagen breaks down, bones and veins become much more conspicuous.

You need to be fastidious about the use of sunscreen. Hands get a lot of unprotected exposure to the sun and the crêpey skin and brown discolouration that starts showing on the back of your hands between the ages of 35 and 40 are all about sun damage. It is critical to apply sunscreen daily all year round and to reapply after washing your hands, so always keep your sunscreen handy! Environ’s Intense Colostrum Gel, applied at night, will help maintain the youthful look of the hand’s skin.

The Ionzyme Focus Hydrating Serum and the Intense Colostrum Gel are both available in Environ’s Ageing Well Collection. V

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“ OV E R 2 0 0 Y E A R S O F PA S S I O N ”

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RAINBOW CUISINE

RAINBOW CUISINE>

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WHEN 23-YEAR-OLD CARLOS BUTTIGIEG, HEAD CHEF AT IL-HORZA RESTAURANT, WAS CHALLENGED TO CREATE A SOUTH AFRICAN-INSPIRED MEAL, HE AGREED WITHOUT A MOMENT’S HESITATION. HERE’S WHAT HE CAME UP WITH – AND IT TASTED AS GOOD AS IT LOOKED! THE RECIPES CAN BE TRIED AT HOME OR, EVEN EASIER, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU DINE AT IL-HORZA FOR A TASTY AND CREATIVE MEAL AND A GOOD TIME GUARANTEED! >>

[FROM LEFT] Patron - Charles Bone & Head Chef - Carlos Buttigieg

PHOTOS: FEDERICO PELTRETTI RECIPE: IL-HORZA RESTAURANT

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C U LT U R E I N E V E R Y B I T E .

If you’re going to Indulge, you might as well do it properly.

On Saturday nights, Hilton Malta hosts a sumptuous Mediterranean Market Buffet in the elegant setting of the Oceana Restaurant. Whether out for a romantic evening or a warm get-together with family and friends, you’ll be simply spoilt for choice when faced with such an immense variety of mouth-watering dishes to savour. For those who want to upgrade their Sunday afternoon to make it really memorable, Hilton Malta’s Sunday Buffet Lunch makes for a truly special day out enjoying a veritable feast of culinary delights.

What’s more, at either Saturday Mediterranean Market or Sunday Buffet Lunch, kids up to the age of 12 EAT FREE (T&Cs apply) whereas diners also enjoy FREE PARKING! Sunday Buffet Lunch Re-launch date – October 6th Saturday Mediterranean Market @ €35 per person and Sunday Buffet Lunch @ €35 per person For further information, please contact us on 21 383 383 or visit www.hiltonmaltahotel.com

2012 Hilton Worldwide

Portomaso St Julians | PTM 01 | Malta

RAINBOW CUISINE

All recipes serve 4

INDIVIDUAL OXTAIL & CORIANDER PIES

CRISPY PORK BELLY GLAZED WITH CURRIED AGAVE SYRUP

200g oxtail 2ltr red wine 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 2 carrots 1 stick of celery 1 tbs coriander, chopped 1 egg – separated (use only the white) 1 sheet ready-rolled frozen puff pastry

500g 10g 50ml 100g

5

pork belly mild curry powder agave syrup salt bunch thyme cloves garlic, crushed

Method: Rub the pork belly with salt all over then rub the pork with the thyme and garlic, wrap in layers of cling film and leave for 2 hours. Then remove the cling film and wrap with baking paper and a single layer of aluminium foil, and cook for five hours at 50ºC. For the curried agave syrup, heat the agave syrup to 50ºC, until approaching the boil, remove from heat and stir in the curry powder.

BOEREWARS (A popular South African sausage) 100g shoulder of pork 100g pork belly trimmings 2tsp paprika 10mg smoking essence (found at supermarkets) 50mg BBQ sauce Method: Mince the pork and add the spices and other ingredients then fill sausage skin with the pork mince and form the sausages.

Blanch for five minutes in white wine and then cook under a medium grill until browned.

Method: Braise the oxtail in red wine and mirepoix* for 4-5 hours. When tender, remove the meat from the bone and strain the liquid. Cut the vegetables into a small cubes and pan fry in a knob of butter, add the oxtail and liquid and simmer over low heat until the liquid is reduced by half. Add coriander and allow to cool. Take the sheet of puff pastry and brush with lightly beaten egg white. Using a 5cm round cutter, cut bases and tops for the individual pies. Place a spoonful of pie filling in the centre of the base, cover with a top and press down sides to seal. Place on baking sheet and make a 2cm-long slash in the top of the pie with a sharp knife to allow air to escape during cooking, place in an oven pre-heated to 200ºC and bake for 10 minutes. * this is a combination of finely chopped carrots, celery and onions used to add flavour and aroma to the stock.

SWEET POTATO PUREE 250g 100g 100ml

50ml

sweet potato butter chicken stock pinch of salt pinch of pepper cream

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Method: Boil the sweet potato in the chicken stock until soft, drain and place in a blender with cream, butter and seasoning and blitz until a smooth purée.

TEMPURA SWEET POTATO 1 100g 50g 2 150ml 1tsp

100ml

sweet potato plain flour cornflour egg yolks sparkling water baking powder pinch of salt pinch of pepper milk

Method: Cut the sweet potato into batons approximately 5cm in length and 1cm in height.Put all the ingredients in a bowl and blend until a smooth consistency, and place in a fridge for 30 minutes. Blanch the sweet potato in the milk for 3 to 5 minutes, allow to cool. When ready, dip the sweet potato in the tempura mix and fry in a deep fat fryer.

Assembling the dish: Crisp the pork belly in a pan, when crispy put in a tray and continue in the oven. When ready, glaze with syrup. In another tray cook the pie and sausage, heat any vegetable garnish and sauce, then fry the tempura.

These recipes are inspired by South African cuisine using Maltese produce – Obviously, we are not a South African restaurant, but it was a great challenge for us to create an African-inspired meal. il- Horza lives by one rule: ‘Always prepare your food from scratch with fresh ingredients!’ And that is what we did. Patron Charles Bone and I thank Vamp magazine for choosing our restaurant!” V

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RELATIONSHIPS

HANDS THAT HIT, TONGUES THAT KILL

BY DR CHARLIE AZZOPARDI: B.PSY.(HONS), MSC. DOCT. SYS. PSYCH

Abusive relationships are common – more common than we might think. This is especially true if the expression “abuse” or “abusive” is used in connection with not only physical violence, but also other forms of violence and threats that are intimidating to one of the partners.

An abusive relationship may also be one in which one of the partners decides on everything, especially control of money.

Basically, violence – of whichever type – is about control and the distribution of power in a relationship. This is really nothing new, as violence is a way of expressing power and control in most animal species. It is when it comes to civilised societies that we conceptualise violence as an inappropriate way of expressing this power and control.

Violence, in all its forms, often involves extremes of behaviour. We often think of shouting as violence, but silence can be just as violent. Also, depriving your partner of all sexual contact can be as violent as forcing him or her into sexual activity. I’ve known situations in which silence was deliberately or nondeliberately used to ‘kill’ the partner or spouse. The violence of silence lies in its power to annihilate the spirit – the contact, the talking, the life-line – of any worthwhile relationship. Silence is a 094

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powerful form of communication that can be as passionate as noisy fighting and can be as devastating to the self-esteem as hitting and bruising. The same goes for depriving a partner of affection, sexual contact or any other type of stone-walling used in relationships.

When we think of violence as a way of keeping control over others, especially those who are close, it is apparent that human versatility is infinite. “I don’t know what I’d do if you leave me” is a very violent statement indeed, keeping someone against his or her will, inducing guilt in the other. People are, in fact, violent in all sorts of ways. Shouting and screaming to induce fear, using threats to induce fear, taking control of everything in the house, taking financial control of all the joint assets, stalking and bullying one’s partner or spouse, using namecalling to induce insecurity, making someone believe he or she depends on you and that, without you, she or he is nothing are just some examples.

In fact, violence is the annihilation of the victim’s self-esteem and, as with child abuse; it is most powerful when it happens in close and intimate relationships. It is when the doors are wide open and the guards are down that the ‘abuser’ comes in and grooms in preparation for later devastation.

Anyone can potentially abuse. Abusers are often insecure about themselves and concerned about losing their status and perceived position of power. Their status is not only their personal construction but it is often also inferred, sometimes even by the victims themselves, and sometimes even socially. Abuse is often recursive in nature and becomes very predictable over time. Abuse and violence are at times socially reinforced and embedded in a cliché such as “all men are...” or ‘all women are…”. Many a man believes that the worse he treats his wife, the more she will love him and many women collude in the belief that all men want is sex and that refusing to have sexual relations is an effective punishment.

The abuser’s personality is often a parasitic one. Psychologically, abusers live off their victim’s self-esteem. Often, they are concerned about losing control over their victim. This control can be lost if the victim realises that he or she is being

abused and puts a stop to it. To prevent this, abusers often criticise, coerce, attack verbally some personal defects – whether physical, psychological or historical – etc.

They use strong adjectives to instil guilt, helplessness and therefore submission.

Statements like “You are nothing”, “You need to see a doctor” (implying a psychiatrist),“You are mad”, “You are just like your mother/father”, “Your family is ….”, “You couldn’t live without me”, “You will not find a job” and similar derogative statements all induce a sense of inadequacy in the ‘victim’.

In this way we can talk about an abuser who needs help in learning to express power and control in a more effective and negotiating way and in building selfesteem and an ability to feel loved. This is often better achieved by a combination of clear and firm statements about the unacceptability of such derogative criticism. It also helps to provide the abuser with reassurance to reduce the insecurity. The more paranoid abusers become, the more likely they are to feel insecure and therefore the more likely they are to attack.

We can also talk about a victim who needs help to learn to protect herself or himself.

It is important to learn to be aware of the cycle of violence and protect oneself by cutting short the cycle at some point by behaving differently. One big mistake victims often make is that they sense the abuse very early in the relationship but choose not to comment about it, hoping that the abuser will change, or that the abusive behaviour is just a phase. In this way, they are excusing the abuser. Speak up as quickly as possible, seek professional help and discuss your relationship concerns with a family therapist to see what you can do about it as early as possible.

Violence and abuse can be very visible, as in hitting and punching. It can also be very subtle, as in silence or personal criticism. The abuse is often cyclical and involves very predictable behaviour.

Abusers are often worried about losing control over others (and themselves) and can be considered parasites of the other’s self-esteem. One big mistake often made by victims is not speaking up earlier, thus allowing the abuser to peck away at their self-esteem. V

azzopardi.charlie@gmail.com

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Decisions, decisions...

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