Commonwealth countries, including Malta, have been invited to take part in an Art Pageant, as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, with an overall title of ‘River of Hope’ focused on environmental issues. The Malta School of Art was represented by 30 nine-year-old students who were led by educators Kamy Aquilina, Leanne Lewis and John Paul Muscat, to develop the theme of Sustainable Development. Our students used Recycled material to create collages and flags on the theme related to Polluted Waters. These students all attend the award in Visual Arts modules ‘Introduction to Processes and Techniques II’.
This event forms part of the Thames Festival Trust programme which is delivered in partnership with the British Council.
Group 1 – SOA201B (9 years old)
Teacher: John Paul Muscat
Through this project, learners looked at how human action can damage rivers and sea waters we depend on. Since water pollution is a severe problem for several communities globally, families and communities, through no fault of their own, have to live with environmental damage caused by poor decisions of industries, international organizations and politicians.
After a group discussion exploring the added issues that climate change and water pollution bring to daily life both internationally and locally, the students were encouraged to create a poster about the dangers that water pollution brings to sea-creatures. Learners use a mixed-media approach adopting various techniques including drawing, painting, collage, frottage and mono-printing.
Group 2 – SOA201C (9 years old)
Teacher: Leanne Lewis
Through this project, learners explored the theme of polluted oceans and rivers, particularly focusing on the pollution caused by plastic and textile and its effect on sea environment. Mixed media collages where created by the students to express their concerns about pollution and emphasise the importance of protecting our rivers and our planet.
The initial part of the project consisted of students creating textures and patterns out of collected plastic materials such as plastic cutlery, bags, straws, bubble wrap and others. These textures were used together with fabric scraps and other recycled materials to create collages
The students expressed their hopes for a cleaner rivers, seas and oceans in their life-time.
Group 3 – SOA201A (9 years old)
Teacher: Kamy Aquilina
The theme explored during this project is marine pollution. Students focused on a number of sustainable development goals, considering ways of how each person can contribute to improve our surroundings. This is an important aspect in the Maltese context, considering that we live on a collection of small islands surrounded by the sea.
Throughout the project, the students worked in groups, kicked off by sessions of brainstorming and research. The students experimented with different materials. Processes and techniques such as collage, mono-printing and 3D sculpture. The final work created by all the groups, brings together the ideas of all students and is composed by recycled materials.
Through this work, students wanted to raise awareness about oil and plastic pollution. More sea species will be living if everyone starts acting quickly. We can all perceive the difference, but a sea turtle cannot, and if we lose nature, we will be lost forever. Once we choose hope, everything will be possible.
The Mikiel Anton Vassalli College is the national network of specialised schools for Visual and Performing Arts Education in Malta and Gozo.
Malta Office of the College Principal
32, Joseph Abela Scholaro Street,
Hamrun HMR 1304, Malta
Gozo Office of the College Principal,
Mikiel Anton Vassalli College, Industrial Zone,
Jean De La Valette Street,
Xewkija, XWK 3000, Gozo
+356 2598 3710
mavassalli.college@ilearn.edu.mt
