We are proudly presenting our first edition of the Student Spotlight initiative! We have a lot of talented members within our MMSA family, and we would like to showcase their work.

The first edition features David Grima, a MD V student, who has a passion for photography, and organised solo art exhibitions for the public, such as linji sfuzi and arbanġ.

Listen to what David had to say to us:

Can you tell us more about your artistic work?

I work primarily with photography, and have been doing so for the past 10/11 years. What started out as a creative outlet quickly turned into a way of life, as in the words of Dorothea Lange; “the camera teaches people how to see without one.” As I mature and get older I have drifted into, and out of, different styles, from street photography to the conceptual and the abstract. Lately, I have also started to dabble with mixed-media, exploring photography not as the traditional two-dimensional medium but rather amalgamating photographs, and the use of thread, in the physical space. I am very interested in nature, perception and memory (and their interactions within the visual environment) and explore these themes in my works.

What has inspired you to start photography?

My eldest sister first introduced me to photography and it was a sort of natural progression to pursue it, albeit on the side. Drawing inspiration from the greats of photography, Cartier-Bresson, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Ansel Adams and the likes, I started to shoot whenever and whatever I could. But what really ignited my passion for photography was stumbling on the captivating story (and photographs) of Robert Capa. The only surviving pictures of the D-Day landings are his!
 

How do you balance this work with your studies?

Now that’s a fine line. I really don’t know the answer to that question. I would like to think that time management is key, but I’m guilty of not managing it really well… I guess one does whatever one needs to do to keep sane.

What is your most cherished memory?

It’s not easy to choose just the one.

Setting up for my solo exhibition this summer at Spazju Kreattiv, along with close friends and loved-ones who helped pitch in to consolidate months and endless hours of work, certainly was a big highlight.

Moreover, I think my most cherished memories involve artworks helping to foster a conversation between people and a dialogue of ideas. I think, there is no greater reward than that.

Thank you David for being our first entry of our Student Spotlight initiative!

Do you know of an MMSA member whose work deserves to be recognised? Then nominate him/her by sending an email to president@mmsa.org.mt!