The exhibition ‘Crowded’ by Debbie Bonello serves as a reflection on Malta’s transition from solitude during the pandemic to a current state of overcrowding.
The artist, known for her focus on portraits and en plein air landscapes, has taken a more experimental and creative approach in this collection, using anonymous figures to symbolise the loss of individual and national identity amidst growing physical and psychological congestion. Curated by Justine Balzan Demajo, the exhibition invites viewers to question Malta’s socio-political and economic realities, highlighting the impact of social media and an influx of events on our sense of self. To provide a multidisciplinary perspective, the exhibition incorporates archival materials and photographs, including works by Magna Żmien, the National Archives, and various photographers who documented Valletta’s evolving landscape and community over the past century. This offers an introspective view on how Malta’s cultural and urban identity has shifted over time.
