Marisa Attard

Malta is a small island state in the Mediterranean Sea on the southernmost tip of Europe close to North Africa.  It is rich in history and its people are very resourceful.   Joining up with the European Union has opened up windows and doors of opportunity.  Our borders have expanded and we are open to the sharing of ideas and values especially those of equal opportunities for all EU members.

Being both an artist and illustrator mostly of children's books, I decided to focus on how being in the EU has been beneficial to our youth through the opportunities it offers in education, work experience and the interaction between other Europeans that helps to broaden our minds and outlook.

The medium I have used is acrylic paint and collage. On the back of the gown I have depicted a group of children standing on our little island. Towering above them is a Maltese cityscape that is closing in on itself, keeping them in, restricted.

On the front of the gown you can see the change that being part of the EU has made for our youth, our future.  There is an opening up of the cityscape, we are given the opportunity to venture out and experience a wider reality - to exchange ideas and work with others. Although this was possible before, we were very limited and opportunities were not available to all. 

On the sleeves I had to depict something that I feel very strongly about.  On one side are sailing boats and people enjoying our beautiful sea. We are a popular tourist destination and we welcome our guests with open arms.

In strong contrast, on the other sleeve are the migrants and asylum seekers, mainly Africans, who risk a very dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea in a desperate attempt to escape wars and persecution. A tragic reality that very often ends in death.