2020 should not go down as the year that we forgot how to hug each other, nor the year we let fear replace solidarity. 2020 is the year we renewed our love for creativity, for taking the time to let our hopes fuel our imagination, for giving thanks. It will be remembered as the year that Science, Charity, Creativity, Solidarity, Community saved the world and saved us!
We therefore decided to launch a community gallery in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeing that a lot people are staying at home on quarantine, self-quarantine, or lockdown, we decided to spread creativity through an online campaign. Starting on the 13th of March 2020 we are asking kids, adults, artists, illustrators, anyone to submit artwork in response the below themes, also shared on our social media channels (our Facebook and Instagram pages). The submissions can be found in our new Community gallery. Our initiative even featured on Lovin Malta and MaltArti! We have set out 6 themes to fuel your imagination, check them out and don’t forget to Create, Save and Send!
Theme 1: Self-Portrait
Theme 1 is all about you! We’re spending more alone time it’s true, so why not reflect a bit on ourselves, through the powerful process of creating a self-portrait, how do we want to present ourselves to the world? Use any medium that you like and send an image of it to outreach[at]gabrielcaruanafoundation[dot]org.
Theme 2: the Image is the message
Theme 2 is calling for safety first! In a time of physical distancing we’re calling for social solidarity! Let’s encourage each other to care more. So what’s your message to the world? Use any medium that you like and send an image of it to outreach[at]gabrielcaruanafoundation[dot]org.
Theme 3: My View
Theme 3 is looking out and capturing the view from a window/balcony. It can be a detail or a whole street, can be a feeling or a colour, it’s up to you! Use any medium that you like and send an image of it to outreach[at]gabrielcaruanafoundation[dot]org.
Theme 4: Arte Povera
Theme 4 is inspired from Dada, Fluxus, Arte Povera,and Objet trouvé. These modern and contemporary art movements were radical. Artists saw discarded objects that inspired them. Gabriel Caruana was inspired by the Arte Povera movement. This movement was a response to the commercialization of the art world and many of his artworks where developed using found material and objects, that in his eyes and through his able hands where transformed in unique artworks. Take an object that’s meant for the recycling bin and transform it into an artwork and send an image of it to outreach[at]gabrielcaruanafoundation[dot]org.
Theme 5: Thanks!
We thank all the workers that keep us safe, healthy, covered, fed and entertained. We thank nurses, doctors, police officers, delivery people, grocers, journalists, teachers and volunteers. Use your imagination to give thanks. It can be a drawing a sculpture, a photo an illustration, words, text. It can be anything that signifies thank you! Send an image of your work to outreach[at]gabrielcaruanafoundation[dot]org.
Theme 6: Hopes and dreams
Theme 6 explores our hopes and dreams. In a time that can be difficult art can allow us to dream, to hope, it allows us to transmit our stories, be they personal or of communities. Use any medium to interpret this theme and send an image of your work to outreach[at]gabrielcaruanafoundation[dot]org.