What is Studio 87 about?
Justine: Studio 87 is a collective art space. I wouldn't call it a gallery, in that its sole purpose is not just to exhibit and sell artists' works. On the first floor it also serves as a restoration studio, whilst the ground floor will be dedicated to creating a platform for emerging foreign and local artists and to shed light on them. Prominent artists will also be exhibited, but I think it is very important to think of the future generation of artists. I want it to be a space that is open to the community and not intimidating, which the art world can sometimes be. I want it to move, inspire and also educate - as well as catering for activities such as pop-up events and workshops.
Inigo, could you tell us about your On Malta exhibition?
The exhibition is basically a survey on my documentary photography in Malta so far. I've looked at three separate themes in the exhibition, which encompasses photographs from 2010 onwards. I moved here in 2010, so although it is about Malta, it is also about a sense of discovery and about finding my way through and trying to explore the island visually. The three themes in the exhibition are politics, religion and landscape, or how space is used on such a small island. 'Religion' looks at how religion is celebrated outside and how it is part of Maltese society - which is both iconography and street parties, that juxtapose quite interestingly.
From 10 years of photographing this country, what can you tell us about Malta?
Inigo: The more I live here, the more interested I am. Maltese identity is such an intriguing mix. As much as I'm interested in Malta's history, I'm interested in Malta's present and Malta's future and this is a very interesting time to be photographing here. For such a small country it is very unique and eccentric and special. I'm aware of the flaws, but to me there's something that clicks with me and makes me want to know more. Of all the places I've photographed it is still my favourite.
What are your plans for Studio 87 in the near future?
Justine: We also held a pop-up event with Malta Creative Collection on the 15th of this month, which was on display until the 22nd June, an interesting collaboration between sculptor Sallyanne Morgan and local duo Te fit-Tazza.
We want to exhibit art which isn't so safe, art which is exciting, art which can move - so we have some interesting plans for September and October. During the summer period I would like to utilise and take advantage of the roof, where we could have film screenings and other culture-infused events.