Imagine creating an artwork you are able to wear, whether as a hat, a handbag, on your shoes or even on your skin.

Virag Andersson

This is what various artists will be doing next week during an event dedicated to ‘wearable art’.

The term has a broad definition: it includes everything from jewellery and accessories to fibrous and non-fibrous materials such as leather, plastic and metal. These can be sewn, glued, constructed, painted, tattooed, collaged, riveted, woven or knitted.

“Creatives are encouraged to bring examples of their work to be worn,” organiser Yuliya Shulaeva, of My Events, said. “They can either bring a model or wear their pieces themselves but all should adhere to the underlying theme of using fashion as art and art as fashion.”

The event, being held in Valletta on Wednesday, forms part of a series of art networking events titled Blu Tack, whose concept is based on spontaneity, equality and adaptability.

Kevin Attard

The idea for the pop-up gatherings came from a friend of Ms Shulaeva who commented that the local creative scene needed “a more spontaneous, light-hearted approach” to attract a much wider audience.

The theme Blu Tack is inspired by a series of impromptu photography competitions held at a bar, where participants are given a piece of Blu Tack adhesive and allowed to display their work in any area they wished.

“Someone once said that you can fix anything with Blu Tack – after plugging up a hole in their car radiator,” Ms Shulaeva remarked. “Guests are able to stick their work in any of the designated areas of the venue. Everyone is equal and can adapt to the different scenarios while being encouraged to think outside the box,” she continued.

Events of this sort are fairly new, with the first Blu Tack session, themed ‘Red’, held last September. Ms Shulaeva also started a project titled iCreate, tailored to support and highlight talent by, among others, showing short video clips of their works at her events and on social media. Guests can vote for their favourite piece and win prizes from sponsors.

Lara Spiteri. Photo: NAT Photography

About 20 artists are taking part in the wearable art showcase. Indonesian artist Intan Galistri’s accessories are influenced by nature and modern, surrealist art; Lara Spiteri works with recyclable art and paints on clothing; Valentini Argyropoulou, a shoes and accessories designer from Greece, makes earrings from plastic leftovers; Deborah Attard designs vintage-inspired jewellery and accessories; Monika Kopcilova, of the Czech Republic, paints on shoes; Hungarian Gabriella Lukács designs leather bags and co-national Virag Andersson is a jewellery designer who works with enamel.

Also on display will be Maltese filigree work by Kevin Attard and splashes of colour by tattoo artist Edgar Farrugia, which “seem like they’re about to drip from the skin” according to Ms Shulaeva.

The Ukrainian, who has a PhD degree in waste management and is a former associate professor at the Donetsk National Technical University in her home country, would like to see artists, both professionals and aspiring ones, present at the event.

“Come and see amazing works, get inspired, discuss, socialise and give your vote to your favourite piece. Be part of our new artistic platform combining fashion and visual art,” Ms Shulaeva said.

Blu Tack: Wearable Art takes place on Wednesday at The Little Red Door, 26, St Dominic Street, Valletta, at 8pm.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Edgar Farrugia. Right: Intan Galistri.

Deborah Attard