Design isn’t always quiet. Sometimes it pushes back. For the May edition of FiftySix, we explore how creative work becomes a vehicle for bold, public expression. From satire to large-scale murals, two distinctive artists will show how design can push back, amplify voices, and give shape to what’s often left unsaid. Whether it’s ink on paper or paint on a wall, these are practices built to provoke thought and leave their mark.
Il-Beżżul Bieżel: Satire and the Power of the Pen
Represented by Francois Galea, Il-Beżżul Bieżel is a satirical and comical newspaper that has carved out space for political cartoons and biting commentary since its launch in 2023. Reviving a tradition of Maltese satire while drawing inspiration from icons like Charlie Hebdo, the paper takes aim at cultural, social, and political issues with sharp humour and fearless critique. Galea will unpack how satire disarms, disturbs, and draws attention to the absurdities of power—reminding us that sometimes the most cutting statements are drawn, not spoken.
Nocciola The Drawer: Murals that Speak for the Community
Hazel Oakes – Nocciola The Drawer – brings a different but equally public-facing approach. A muralist and illustrator known for bold, joyful works, Oakes transforms everyday spaces into colourful, communal landmarks. Her process is as important as the finished product: rooted in workshops and conversations, her murals reflect the lives and stories of the communities they inhabit. In this talk, Oakes will explore how public art goes beyond decoration—creating spaces of belonging and visibility where people can see themselves, quite literally, in the world around them.
Design, in these two hands, becomes a tool for speaking out—sometimes to confront, sometimes to celebrate, but always to say something that matters. Whether through satire that stings or murals that uplift, these practices show that a statement well made can shift not just conversations but also the spaces we live in. FiftySix: Making a Statement takes place on Wednesday 28th May 2025 at 6.30pm at the Valletta Design Cluster.
FiftySix Design Talks is an exciting collaboration between The Golden Glitch and the Valletta Design Cluster. This dynamic partnership brings together artists, designers, and innovators for a series of talks that explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in design. It’s a space where time-honored crafts meet contemporary ideas, all hosted within the historic walls of Valletta.
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