Theme
We use many things in our daily lives—from the functional to the whimsical. These objects surround us in
places making up the fabric of everyday life, but with time we often end up overlooking them; we tend to
stop seeing them because they become part of the invisible humdrum.
Still-life, 2D artworks portraying non-descript everyday objects or places.
Landscapes and/or seascapes will not be accepted.
This diptych transforms objects that initially signified a distinctly Mediterranean way of life
into the unnoticed background of daily existence. As a foreigner living in Malta, sunblock,
aftersun lotion, mosquito repellent, and sunglasses first appeared as markers of a new
climate and culture, constantly demanding attention. Over time, however, these essential
items receded into the visual humdrum of everyday life, becoming so familiar that they were
almost no longer seen.
By isolating these utilitarian objects within the tradition of still life, the paintings restore a
sense of presence to things that have slipped beneath conscious notice. Their anonymity is
central to the work; they are neither symbolic luxury items nor nostalgic relics, but
functional companions to ordinary routines. The superimposed Cross of Saint John anchors
the composition within its Maltese context, functioning both as a formal geometric structure
and as a subtle reminder of the island's cultural identity. Interwoven with the everyday
objects, it suggests how place gradually becomes inseparable from the habits and material
culture of daily life.