Massive sand sculptures are coming to Malta this summer
Three international artists will create works inspired by Greek mythology at sites in Valletta, Birżebbuġa and Bormla
Sand sculptors from around the world are coming to Malta this summer as part of the Malta International Arts Festival.
In a first for the country the sand sculptures will be displayed around the island, including at the Valletta Campus Theatre, Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa, and Dock No. 1 in Bormla.
The sculptures will be on display between June 12 and 21 from 9 am until 11 pm and will all revolve around the theme of Greek mythology.
Italian artist Michela Ciappini will create a sculpture in Birżebbuġa in collaboration with Dance Beyond Borders as part of Refugee Week. The project will involve refugees as well as members of the local community.
Ciappini began creating sand sculptures on beaches in 2004. By 2010, her artistic practice had expanded to include snow and ice sculpting. She has since worked professionally as a sand and ice carver across the globe.
Her accolades include the Sculptors’ Choice Award at the San Diego Sand Sculpting Challenge in 2014 and first prize in the solo ice sculpture competition Gelato d’Oro in Rimini in 2019.
Spanish artist Óscar Rodríguez will design a sculpture that will also serve as the set for a contemporary dance production he will create in collaboration with national dance company ŻfinMalta.
The performance will take place at the University of Malta’s Valletta campus. Rodríguez Vila is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist who has worked with sand, snow and ice for more than 20 years, exhibiting in 34 countries across four continents.
Through his ongoing project Migratory Tides, he explores the boundaries between the so-called first and third worlds, with installations at borders such as those between the United States and Mexico, and Europe and Africa.
Belgian artist Enguerrand David will present a sculpture at the Dock 1 waterfront in Cospicua, which aims to reflect the limestone architecture lining the harbour.
He has long been interested in architecture and cultural heritage and has been engaged in ephemeral art since around 1999–2001. He has taken part in festivals and large-scale projects across Europe and beyond, often collaborating with international teams on thematic installations.
Ephemeral sculpture is an art form that uses natural and perishable materials, such as sand and ice, and is not intended to last. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the works by walking amongst them to appreciate their scale.