I will follow the ship

Artists

Matthew Attard

Press release

National Participation - Malta

The youngest team to ever represent Malta at the Venice Biennale, will present I Will Follow the Ship, a work that incorporates contemporary drawing, cultural heritage and digital technology, originating from Attard’s latest explorations into AI and drawing technology. This is combined with his interest in historical images of ex-voto ship graffiti, vernacular iconographies which speak of ancient local tales of faith and salvation across the Mediterranean. Located on the facades of chapels throughout Malta, it is thought that the ship graffiti, ephemeral etchings in stone, were crafted by seafarers due to the religious significance and political immunity these buildings offered. This maritime graffiti resonates with many cultures whose relationship with the sea has been—and still is—crucial. The ship remains a unifying metaphor of hope for survival. 

Commissioner: Arts Council Malta
Curators: Sara Dolfi Agostini and Elyse Tonna