OTHER GEOGRAPHIES,
OTHER STORIES

The OmenaArt Foundation, established by Polish philanthropist and lover of art, Omenaa Mensah, exhibits a thematic pavilion at maltabiennale.art 2024.

Curatorial Team

Project Initiator; Hanna Wróblewska (PL), Curator: Natalia Bradbury (PL)

Supervisor of Exhibition Project

Boris Kudlička (SK), Exhibition Project: Małgorzata Góra (PL), Nicolò Bianchino (IT)

Project Managers

Joanna Szulc (PL), Maria Galea (ML)

INVITED ARTISTS

Curatorial Brief – Thematic Pavilion at the maltabiennale.art

maltabiennale.art 2024, set to be the cultural highlight of the year, will feature 80 artists from 23 nations, including 24 Maltese artists, and over 20 national and thematic pavilions spread across 21 historic sites in Malta and Gozo – 17 of which are under Heritage Malta’s care – the festival promises to position Malta as a hub of artistic creativity from March to May, attracting both locals and international visitors.

 

The OmenaArt Foundation introduces its thematic pavilion, scheduled for Fort St Elmo and titled “Other Geographies, Other Stories” based on the curatorial concept by Hanna Wróblewska and curated by Natalia Bradbury. Within this unique space, artists utilize the mediums of sculpture, photography, video, and installation, weaving a common thread of activism through their work. Originating from Poland and Ukraine, these artists reside and create in various European locations, including Spain and the UK, and engage in international residencies. Their artistic exploration delves into themes of migration, transformation, and the repercussions of turbulent change. Despite diverse generational and artistic backgrounds, these artists find a convergence of experiences within a shared narrative.

 

In an era marked by climatic, social, and political upheavals, the artists raise a fundamental question: Can we forge a new world with a different order? Their point of reference is the ancient Mediterranean civilizations, questioning whether today’s conflicts stem from the same principles that governed those civilizations – principles of struggle, exploitation, revenge, and tribalism. The selected works of women artists provide a unique perspective on other geographies, social dynamics, private mythologies, and alternate histories, challenging established narratives and inviting a ‘herstorical’ viewpoint.

 

The artists emphasise values such as empathy, reflection, compassion, sensual pleasure, care, and solidarity, showcasing the potential for change not only in times of peace but also in times of war. Their collective message resonates across borders – from Poland, Ukraine, Malta, and Europe, to the broader global context. Polish artist Ida Karkoszka is currently on a three-month residency in Malta, which is allowing her to fully immerse in the natural elements of the Island while creating a coral stone sculpture that forms part of the same thematic pavilion.

 

“OmenaArt Foundation is honoured to be part of maltabiennale.art 2024. I feel very proud because we have an opportunity to present a unique art collection to a wider audience and open a new form of artistic dialogue. For me, this event also has a personal dimension, as I will be able to fulfil one of my artistic dreams. In our pavilion, visitors will see works by young and acclaimed artists that address universal themes such as identity and community. We believe that our actions during maltabiennale.art 2024 will impact not only our audience but also the entire artistic discourse, creating an inspiring experience for an international public“, says Omenaa Mensah. “Our participation in the maltabiennale.art 2024 coincides with the launch of an important artistic-business project in Malta that my team and I have been working on for many months. For the first time, we will invite our guests to LuginsLand of Art in Rabat, a new hub for exhibitions, discourse, and diverse artistic events” adds the CEO of OmenaArt Foundation.

 

“Artists forming the exhibition “Other Geographies, Other Stories” represent different environments, generations, and countries, at the same time there is a Polish component that connects them. Transformations, migrations, and the lack of a defined “home” inspire them to search for their identity, nationality, and physicality, exploring the boundaries associated with being a woman and an artist. The works of Jagiełło, Dostlieva, Karpowicz, Karkoszka, and Falender reveal abstract limits outlined by patriarchy, historical trauma, social revolt, and artists’ own bodies. The exhibition’s narrative perfectly matches the character of the island – a place that has been a combination of different geographies and histories for thousands of years.” – says the curator Natalia Bradbury.

maltabiennale.art 2024 website: https://maltabiennale.art

Curator

Natalia Bradbury is a Polish curator and international art advisor with over a decade of experience in both the Polish and international art markets. Operating between Poland and the UK, she has collaborated with auctions, galleries, art agents, and renowned curators, showcasing her versatile expertise.

 

Presently, Natalia holds the position of Head of the OmenaArt Foundation. Her focus lies in the exploration of the growing importance and market value of the emerging generation of artists in Europe. She diligently examines the factors contributing to the recent development of this sector, demonstrating her commitment to understanding the evolving dynamics of the art world.

 

Natalia Bradbury has been chosen to curate the thematic pavilion at the MaltaBiennale.art focusing on female artists, a testament to her leadership and influence in the field. This role further solidifies her standing as a key figure shaping the discourse around contemporary art on both national and international levels.

Photo Credits:
1. Artwork by: Iza Jagiełło, from the series Affective Territories
2. Artwork by: Barbara Falender, Title: SHE
3. Artwork by: Lia Dostlieva, from the series Book of Long Objects
4. Ida Karkoszka during her residency in Malta, photo credits: Wojtek Ciszkiewicz