Malta's Venice Biennale Pavilion Explores National Identity Through 19-Chapter Installation

Raphael Vella and Bettina Hutschek are representing Malta at the 2017 Venice Biennale with their exhibition 'Homo Melitensis: An Incomplete Inventory in 19 Chapters' in the Arsenale. The installation features approximately 200 objects examining Maltese identity through themes of territory, memory, religion, and language. This marks Malta's first national pavilion since 1999. The curators describe their approach as simultaneously presenting and critiquing national identity, creating a dialogue between Vella's Maltese perspective and Hutschek's German background. Their research involved collaborations with theoreticians, scientists, writers, and artists, resulting in a complex installation that operates on multiple interpretive levels. Some elements specifically target audiences familiar with Malta, while others aim to introduce Maltese art internationally. The exhibition directly addresses the problematic nature of national representation, acknowledging that their views may not align with all Maltese perspectives. Participating artists include members of Malta's global diaspora, expanding the concept of Malteseness beyond geographic boundaries. The curators hope the pavilion will foster international networks for Malta's developing art scene, which faces institutional and financial challenges. The Venice Biennale runs from May 13 to November 26, 2017.