Portraits

2023
Assemblage with Clothes




"Portraits" is a series of three assemblage artworks composed of clothing donated by individuals who identify with genders beyond the binary. The project emerged from the artist’s thesis, "Genders Beyond the Binary: Investigating Local Maltese Contemporary Art," and was rooted in a collaborative process between the artist and three participants, each contributing garments that reflected their personal narratives. The selection of clothing was left entirely to the individuals, with no curatorial intervention based on aesthetic considerations. This deliberate choice aimed to preserve the authenticity of each contribution, ensuring that every item carried the personal significance and lived experience of its owner. Each assemblage functions as a portrait—an intimate representation of identity through material. Garments that were once used to conform to societal norms, or alternatively, to resist them, come together to illustrate a journey of self-discovery and expression. The clothing was carefully folded and sewn, not cut or deconstructed, in order to preserve its memory and integrity. This method allowed the work to honour the past lives of the garments and, by extension, the individuals they represent. "Portraits" seeks to challenge conventional understandings of identity and gender, offering viewers a sincere and tangible glimpse into the lives of those who exist beyond binary definitions.





Pheonix-Jake Saliba He/Him 165cm x 130cm

Lily Milanova She/Her
160cm x 100cm

Nick Ebejer He/Him
130cm x 90cm