Transformer: In Limbus, an exhibition which symbolically reflects upon the links between current migrant stories and the building industry – in particular the participation of the migrant collective in a booming Maltese economy and their status as newcomers to Europe – is on display until Sunday at Spot B, Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta.
The title makes reference to two key aspects defining the reality for immigrants in Malta: on the one hand, the perception of the island as a pre-European liminal space, which embodies transition as a permanent condition, while on the other, the feeling of disenchantment and frustration at Malta being an unexpected destination in an otherwise idealised Europe.
Indeed, a high number of immigrants in Malta are here by mistake, as a consequence of shipwrecks, ambiguous rescue initiatives or institutionalised EU relocation policies. So Malta becomes a state of in-between, of living in permanent limbus, reinforced by the precarious legal status they are granted as residents.
In Limbus is part of Transformer, a multifaceted, two-year project presented by Blitz, Valletta, in collaboration with Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, London.
Supported by the Multi-Annual Support Grant, Arts Council Malta and part of the Valletta 2018 cultural programme, entrance is free. For more information, visit kreattivita.org or call 2122 3200.