‘They criticise us, then they copy us’ – Alex Borg

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Strait Street, you’ll find Alex Borg’s studio. The street, once infamous for its red-light district, now buzzes with creativity, a testament to Borg’s influence. He’s not just an artist; he’s an architect of Malta’s cultural resurgence.

From Controversy to Cognition

Borg, a seasoned artist and activist, has been pushing boundaries for decades. His work, often provocative, has sparked debates and controversies. Yet, he wears these controversies like badges of honour. “They criticise us,” he chuckles, “then they copy us.”

Remember the Għajn Tuffieħa installation? The giant, inflatable, neon-pink rabbit that graced the cliffs in 2018? It was Borg’s brainchild. Critics howled, but tourists flocked. Today, it’s a symbol of Malta’s embrace of contemporary art.

Art as Activism

Borg’s art is more than canvas and pigment. It’s activism. It’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting our norms, our taboos, our progress. His studio, a former brothel, is now a beacon of cultural transformation. It’s a symbol of how art can reshape spaces and minds.

Borg’s latest project, Valletta 2030, is a bold vision for Malta’s capital. He envisions Valletta as an open-air museum, a city where art isn’t confined to galleries, but spills onto streets, into public spaces. “Art should be for everyone,” he says, “not just for those who visit museums.”

Cultural Crossroads

Borg’s influence extends beyond Malta. His work has been exhibited in Europe, Africa, and Asia. He’s a bridge, connecting Malta to the global art scene. Yet, he remains deeply rooted in local culture. His art is a dialogue, a conversation between Malta and the world.

Borg’s studio, with its eclectic mix of art and ephemera, is a microcosm of this dialogue. It’s a cultural crossroads, a place where ideas meet, mate, and multiply. It’s a testament to Borg’s vision: art as a force for change, for growth, for connection.

As we leave Borg’s studio, the sun dips low, casting a golden glow over Strait Street. The street, once shunned, now celebrated. Like Borg’s art, it’s a symbol of Malta’s transformation. It’s a testament to the power of art to change minds, to change places, to change the world.

“They criticise us,” Borg says, “then they copy us.” But Borg isn’t waiting for others to catch up. He’s already moving on, already dreaming up new ways to challenge, to inspire, to change.

“Art should be a verb, not a noun. It should do something, change something, mean something.” – Alex Borg

So, what’s next for Alex Borg? Stay tuned. With Borg, it’s always something. Always something bold, something provocative, something that will make you think, make you feel, make you see Malta in a new light.