Alex Borg: From Malta’s Margins to Mainstream

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Strait Street, you’ll find Alex Borg, the man who’s become synonymous with Malta’s street art scene. He’s not just a graffiti artist; he’s a local institution, a walking, talking testament to Malta’s cultural evolution. And he’s got a lot to say about how Malta’s embracing – and copying – street art.

From Subway Walls to Mainstream Galleries

Borg’s journey is a classic tale of an artist finding his voice in the margins. Born and raised in Malta, he started out tagging walls in the late ’90s, a time when street art was seen as vandalism, not art. “I was just a kid with a can of spray paint, trying to make my mark,” he recalls, chuckling at the irony.

Fast forward two decades, and Borg’s art is no longer confined to the shadows. His vibrant murals now adorn walls across Malta, from the streets of Rabat to the walls of the Malta School of Art. His work has even made it to the prestigious Muza museum in Valletta. “It’s crazy,” he says, “I went from being told to clean up my mess to having my mess in a museum.”

Malta’s Street Art Renaissance

Borg isn’t the only one to have seen his fortunes change. Malta’s street art scene has exploded in recent years. Once derided as a sign of decay, street art is now seen as a symbol of urban renewal. Cities like Valletta and Ħamrun are being transformed by colourful murals, drawing tourists and locals alike.

But Borg isn’t shy about criticising those who, as he puts it, “criticise us, then copy us.” He points to the Valletta 2018 project, which brought a wave of street art to the capital. “They said we were ruining the city, then they brought in artists from all over the world to do the same thing we were doing,” he says, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Alex Borg: Malta’s Street Art Pioneer

Despite the frustrations, Borg remains proud of his role in Malta’s street art story. He’s not just an artist; he’s a mentor, a teacher, a champion of the scene he helped create. He runs workshops, gives tours, and even has his own line of street art-inspired merchandise.

And he’s not done yet. He’s currently working on a new mural in Birkirkara, a project he’s keeping under wraps for now. “It’s going to be big,” he teases, “literally and figuratively.”

As for the future of Malta’s street art scene, Borg is optimistic. “We’ve come a long way,” he says, “and we’ve still got a long way to go. But as long as people keep painting, and people keep looking, we’ll be alright.”