
The Spaces Between Us tesplora r-realtà tal-akkomodazzjoni soċjali f’Malta li spiss tiġi injorata. Ispirata mit-tfulija ta’ persuna maħbuba f’housing estate, il-proġett juri kemm it-tbatija kif ukoll is-saħħa kwieta tal-ħajja komunitarja.
L-akkomodazzjoni soċjali f'Malta espandiet taħt il-Prim Ministru Dom Mintoff fis-snin sebgħin, meta ġew ittrasformati l-eks kwartieri militari Brittaniċi u nbnew proprjetajiet ġodda f’żoni bħall-Marsa, l-Imtarfa, u Santa Luċija. Dawn l-ispazji inbnew għall-affordabbiltà iżda ħafna minnhom issa qed jiffaċċaw negliġenza u stigma. Permezz ta’ ritratti tal-ħajja ta’ kuljum bħall-ħwejjeġ minxurin fil-gallariji, faċċati mikdudin, u atti żgħar ta’ kura, il-proġett joffri ħarsa umana lejn dawn l-ambjenti. Intervista ċentrali bejn żewġ individwi li jiġu minn xulxin minn ġenerazzjonijiet differenti żżid dimensjoni personali lix-xogħol.
Influwenzat mit-teorija tat-tieqa mkissra, il-proġett jirrifletti fuq kif it-traskuraġni viżibbli tista’ tirrifletti kwistjonijiet soċjali aktar profondi, filwaqt li jagħti ġieħ lir-reżiljenza li tinsab f’dawn il-komunitajiet.
Bijografija
Jake beda l-fotografija fl-2021, u żviluppa l-prattika tiegħu kemm fil-qasam tal-moda/editorjali kif ukoll f’dak dokumentarju. Fil-moda, jiffoka fuq l-istil, l-arti, u r-rakkont viżiv, filwaqt li fil-fotografija dokumentarja jesplora l-ħajja ta’ kuljum u r-realtajiet soċjali. Dawn l-oqsma kibru flimkien u llum jiddefinixxu l-identità tiegħu bħala fotografu.
“The Spaces Between Us” beda wkoll fl-2021, ispirat minn konverżazzjoni ma’ persuna qrib Jake li trabbiet f’housing estate man-nanniet tagħha. L-istorja tagħha wriet kemm l-isfidi kif ukoll ir-reżiljenza f’dawn il-komunitajiet, u hekk saret il-bażi tal-proġett. Permezz ta’ dan ix-xogħol, Jake jiddokumenta l-intimità, it-tbatija, u s-sens qawwi ta’ komunità li jsawru l-ħajja fil-housing estates ta’ Malta.
Artist
Jake E. Gialanzè
Kuratur
Patrick J. Fenech
Dan il-proġett huwa appoġġjat minn Arts Council Malta u Aġenzija Żgħażagħ bħala parti mill-programm Artivisti.
The Spaces Between Us explores the often-overlooked reality of social housing in Malta. Inspired by a loved one’s childhood in a housing estate, the project captures both hardship and the quiet strength of community life.
Malta’s social housing expanded under Prime Minister Dom Mintoff in the 1970s, transforming former British military barracks and constructing new estates in areas like Marsa, Mtarfa, and Santa Luċija. These spaces were built for affordability but many now face neglect and stigma. Through photographs of daily life such as laundry on balconies, worn facades, and small acts of care, the project offers a human view of these environments. A central interview between two related individuals from different generations adds a personal dimension to the work.
Influenced by the broken window theory, the project reflects on how visible neglect can echo deeper social issues, while honouring the resilience found within these communities.
The Spaces Between Us is part of the mentorship programme Artivisti.
Biography
Jake began photography in 2021, developing his practice in both fashion/editorial and documentary work. In fashion, he focuses on style, artistry, and visual storytelling, while in documentary photography he explores everyday life and social realities. These fields have grown together and now define his identity as a photographer.
“The Spaces Between Us” also began in 2021, inspired through conversation with someone close to Jake who grew up in a social housing estate with their grandparents. Their story revealed both the challenges and resilience within these communities, forming the foundation of the project. Through this work, Jake documents the intimacy, hardship, and strong sense of community that shape life in Malta’s social housing estates.
Artist
Jake E. Gialanzè
Curator
Patrick J. Fenech
This project is supported by Arts Council Malta and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ as part of the programme Artivisti.
January 21 - February 22
January 22 - March 8
March 4 - April 12