The hierarchy of learnt things | Aaron Bezzina

What are the most important things you’ve learnt at MCAST this year?

It is very difficult to pin down the most important things, especially when some of these ‘things’ do not entirely relate to art but to other fields in life, more specifically the life of a Maltese student attending a particular establishment. In retrospect it could be concluded that there was is ‘hierarchy of the importance of learnt things’ but the fact that something (or anything) is actually learnt is an achievement; and an achievement, is by its nature always defined as a good thing.

How would you compare your progress this year to that of last year?

This year’s work is relatively more consistent to that of the previous year. The progress is almost equivalent to two years ago stepping up to last year; knowledge is constantly built upon on the already present bulk. The dissertation is the most effective tool, allowing the student to focus his practice and serving as a solid basis not just for the sake of the dissertation but also for future work. Futile tasks and topics to one’s ideas are ignored, which allows you to amass some serious artistic experience.

What are some of your key themes and artistic preoccupations? Have they evolved in any way during your time at MCAST? 

There are no specific themes which interest me particularly apart from ‘art’ itself. Art as an expression and a decision is enough to ignite my intrigue; as a result of this, there is no commitment to a theme or a medium for all it matters. One carries out research, works and experiences with the intention of ‘enhancing’ one’s insight on a predetermined subject – in this case art. It would be quite a pity if along this endeavour nothing has been developed.

What will be next step for you?

The intention is to extend this experience, that is, the life of a Maltese student. It is a good way of passing one’s time. This is not necessarily considered as a means to an end but the ultimate intent would be of dedicating all the time, usually associated with ‘office hours’, to one’s practice and in this case again… art.