This year marks the third anniversary from when I+A designed, built and commissioned Vibrance at City Gate, Valletta, Malta. Vibrance is a sculptural public art retro-fitted on the colonnades leading to the entrance of City Arcade, located in what was Freedom Square. The name and the work itself are a representation of the vibrant people who contribute to the life and energy which makes Valletta.
Vibrance was aimed to be completed by the end of December 2017 but it was commissioned just a month early. Despite its prominent location and proximity to Renzo Piano’s city gate project, Vibrance was denied formal and official recognition; in effect, Vibrance found itself established in the heart of Maltese life, silently and ominously. Like a silent giant, Vibrance now stands with its oldest counter-part: the capital’s entrance, bearing witness to the course of a nation.
The message here is strong and very much Political. Just as the Main Guard was a British symbol and stance in the face of the Grand Master’s palace imposing remnants of the Order of St John, now Vibrance equally stands observant and spirited before the seat of the state guarding the sovereignty of the Republic. Vibrance is also a testimony of our times born by virtue of parametric design, digital fabrication and an attempt to breathe in intelligence, which attempt was tamed into a static display. However, Vibrance stood defiantly as a protagonist in Malta’s recent historic events which lead to 17 days of protests for which Vibrance was a silent participant and a peaceful patriot.
Now Vibrance stands with its people amidst a pandemic that has dispersed all protests and all celebrations. It is safe to say that this year, unlike last year, Vibrance will not be hosting the usual cheerful holiday season, but will continue to rest looking over our democracy and the individuals who pass amongst it with hope and anticipation for life after COVID-19.
