Paper Plane has been unveiled as the public sculpture chosen from among a number of proposals to commemorate 100 years of aviation in Malta. The Luqa-based sculpture, which was created by Paolo Giordanella and executed by Lampuki Arts, was commissioned by the Ministry for Tourism together with the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure.

Paper Plane is an impressive, dramatic monument with dynamic clean lines that represent an equally simplistic concept. There is no hidden abstract message. It is uncluttered and uncomplicated, while being aesthetically pleasing.

Giordanella’s concept stems from the dream of mankind’s desire to fly. The simple Paper Plane reminds us that with dreams, imagination, experimentation and determination, whether it takes 100 years or more, anything is possible.

Public art should never be a selfish indulgence; it needs to fulfil a brief

This inherent desire to strive also prevails in Giordanella’s character. The installation of this latest piece marks a 15-month period since Giordanella quit his job lecturing in fine arts to pursue his career as a fulltime artist.

“For me, it’s not about job security and my pension, but about my innate desire to create and express myself. It is not always easy, though, as one has to embrace the unknown and stay focused,” the artist said.

“I believe public art should never be a selfish indulgence; it needs to fulfil a brief. Thus, it necessitates a professional team with a common ethos, that public art is for and to be regarded by the public. This is the bottom line. That said, my personal work is the contrary to this ethos and can be less agreeable,” he said.