Spaces in Suspension

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This is a collaboration between photographers Joseph P Smith and Therese Debono.

 

Once an icon of luxurious hospitality, the Grand Hotel Verdala in Malta closed its doors in 1997 and was left in a derelict state. It is being reflected upon by the two artists at a time when the building has been removed from its original purpose for decades, but moreover, in a very different reality. What was once a meeting point for film stars, top diplomats and high-end tourism, has now become a space suspended in time, where traces of a previous life still linger and a new fate awaits. The documentation of the place happened during COVID lockdown, a time when the concepts of “hospitality” and “meeting” were, and still are, suspended in time. Since then, the building has been totally demolished to make way for a new development.

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The artists also managed to trace some ex-staff members whom they photographed on the site of the derelict building.

 

Joe and Therese both have a Masters Degree in Fine Art - Digital Art from the University of Malta and have exhibited extensively locally and abroad. 

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Curatorial statement by Prof Vince Briffa

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An exhibition and installation of the work was shown at Spazju Kreattiv between October and December 2021.  This project was supported by Arts Council Malta.

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Prints available in limited editions. Printed on archival cotton paper. Send email for enquiries and to view to whole collection.