Maltese Artist Matthew Attard to Represent Malta at the 60th Biennale di Venezia

Arts Council Malta proudly announces that Maltese artist Matthew Attard, born in 1987, will represent Malta at the esteemed 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. This historic occasion marks the first time that a solo Maltese artist has been entrusted with the national pavilion. Attard’s exhibition, titled “I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP,” curated by Lead Curator Elyse Tonna and Co-Curator Sara Dolfi Agostini, promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of cultural heritage and digital technology.

At the forefront of this venture is the youngest team ever to represent Malta at the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. “I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP” melds contemporary drawing, historical narratives, and cutting-edge digital technology, reflecting Attard’s recent investigations into AI and digital mediums as forms of artistic expression.

The inspiration behind the project stems from Attard’s fascination with historical images of ‘ex-voto’ ship graffiti, which adorn wayside chapels across Malta. These ancient maritime symbols, etched into stone by seafarers seeking divine protection, resonate across cultures as emblems of hope and survival amidst the tumultuous seas. Attard’s work seeks to delve into humanity’s relationship with artificial intelligence and digital technology, intertwining historical imagery with contemporary digital drawing techniques.

The exhibition’s title, “I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP,” serves as a metaphor for both the objective and subjective aspects of Attard’s artistry. It alludes to the artist’s utilization of a digital eye-tracking device for drawing, drawing parallels between tangible historical drawings and ephemeral digital creations. Through a multi-layered installation at the Malta Pavilion in the Arsenale, Attard aims to provoke contemplation on authorship, perception, and the evolving relationship between humans and machines in an increasingly digitized world.

As the global community grapples with issues such as climate change and technological advancement, “I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP” offers a poignant reflection on the human condition. By challenging societal faith in techno-symbiotic relationships, Attard prompts viewers to reconsider their roles in an ever-changing landscape.

The Malta Pavilion’s participation in the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia is made possible through the support of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government. Under the leadership of Dr. Romina Delia and the Internationalisation team at Arts Council Malta, the pavilion continues to serve as a platform for critical dialogue on contemporary art and cultural identity.

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, expressed his enthusiasm for Attard’s representation of Malta, hailing the project’s exploration of human existence and survival amidst historical and futuristic intersections. Attard himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his work on an international stage, emphasizing the significance of bridging cultural traditions with technological innovation.

“I WILL FOLLOW THE SHIP” promises to captivate audiences at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of human experience and the evolving role of technology in shaping our collective destiny.