WiN transposes the concept of the lottery with a personal and human experience: the loss of the artist’s mother, Rose Schembri (1958 – 2015). Spectators are encouraged to try to open with keys the fifty-seven (57) wooden boxes presented, each holding an item that belonged to the artist’s late mother. After the son-artist carefully selected each object, he covered them with gold leaf, to point out their metaphoric preciousness.
The number of personal belongings placed in the boxes – fifty-seven (57) – is significant, echoing the late mother’s age when she passed away and opening up to a directive and immersive relation with the works. Offering these objects as prizes will serve as a catalyst for the artist to move on from this episode, while active participators will give the items a new life, generating new synergies and stories. This private memory will therefore become a collective experience.
The audience is invited to take a key from the box which is currently placed behind the reception area and to open any of the remaining boxes. Once open the item found inside the boxes can be taken.
Curator: Dr Irene Biolchini
Artist: Matthew Schembri
Venue: Space A, Spazju Kreattiv
Dates: Friday 23rd March – Sunday 22nd April
Opening Hours:
Mondays (09:00-17:00)
Tuesday to Friday (09:00-21:00)
Saturday & Sunday (10:00-21:00)
Developing the Art(ist) & Book Launch: WIN, Matthew Schembri
Friday 20 April 2018, 6pm
Studio B, Spazju Kreattiv
Matthew Schembri will be in conversation with Irene Biolchini, curator of his current solo show WIN. The event aims to discuss the opportunities available for the professional development of artists in Malta – with particular focus on the process which led to the artist’s current exhibition.