SITE
RITUAL (Houmt Souk)
Site-adapted Installation
4 x 5 m
2025
Situated within the entrance passage of the Fondouk Malti, the gateway between the old town’s heart and the Maltese Quarter, PONKS’ “RITUAL” installation evoked the profound history and enduring legacy of Maltese migrants in Djerba.
The art installation “RITUAL” worked with old maritime charts as building material for a sculptural environment that transcended their traditional cartographic role. Rather than being mere geographic records, these maps became narrative and symbolic vessels exploring themes of migration, identity, and the complex politics of borders.
Suspended in space and folded midway, the charts formed layered, undulating surfaces reminiscent of shifting coastlines and ocean waves — both visually dynamic and deeply metaphorical. Interlaced with these maritime maps were translucent sheets crafted from cured glue, delicately painted to capture and filter ambient light. Upon these fragile surfaces, poetry was sewn as fine threads, embedding intimate narratives within the installation. The delicate interplay between the tangible textures of the maps and the ethereal glow of the poetry invited viewers into a contemplative space — one that reflected on migration’s layered histories as lived experience, memory, and ongoing cultural dialogue.
This large-scale installation drew on the rich story of 19th-century Maltese migration to Tunisia, a movement that was spurred by economic hardship in Malta and saw entire communities cross the Mediterranean seeking new beginnings along Tunisia’s coastline, including Djerba. These settlers established vibrant communities centered around places like Fondouk Malti and landmarks such as St. Joseph’s Church, blending Maltese identity with local culture over time.
Through “RITUAL”, PONKS created a meditative passage where geography, history, and human stories converged, offering a poignant tribute to the Maltese diaspora and their lasting imprint on Djerba. It also referred to the present day migration challenges in the Mediterranean.
RITUAL: JAOU Tunis 2024. PHOTOS: Mehdi Ben Temessek.
BACKGROUND
PONKS is the artistic duo consisting of French visual artist Julien Vinet and Maltese poet Sam Alekksandra. They are based in Malta and combine their creative disciplines — visual art and poetry — in collaborative works. Julien Vinet brings a background influenced by Japanese calligraphy and monochromatic visual art, while Sam Alekksandra contributes poetic narratives, often woven into the artwork as fine threads. Together, they create immersive environments that engage with layered histories and human stories through a blend of visual and literary forms. Their collaboration reflects a deep connection to Mediterranean culture, migration, and the shared history of the Maltese diaspora in North Africa.
COLLECTIVE EXHIBITIONS
2025 Valletta (mt), REFUGEE WEEK MALTA
2025 Valetta (mt), PUBLIC SPACE
2024 Tunis (tn), JAOU Festival
2024 Shanghei-Zhujiajiao (cn), ACENTRIC SPACE
LINKS
JULIEN VINET
EXHIBITION
2024 Shanghai (cn), WE+艺术 Gallery
2024 Chengdu (cn), NY20+
2023 Berlin (de), Berlin Art Week
2022 Sliema (mt), R GALLERY
2019 Berlin (de), KUEHLHAUS
2018 Berlin (de), HAUS KUNST MITTE
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STUDIES
2002 Paris (fr), SORBONNE UNIVERSITY: BA Visual Arts
2002 Paris (fr), JEAN TRUBERT DESIGN ACADEMY: BA Design
BIO
Lives in Malta.
LINKS
julienvinetstudio.com
@julien.vinet
SAM ALEKKSANDRA
EXHIBITIONS
2025 Hamrun (mt), REFUGEES’ WEEK
2025 Valetta (mt), SPAZJU KREATIV
2024 Valetta (mt), 2B GALLERY
2024 Chongqing (cn), DIMENSIONS ART CENTER
2024 Valletta (mt), MALTA BIENNIAL
2023 Berlin (de), MAHALLA c/o Berlin Art Week
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STUDIES
2019 Valetta (mt), UNIVERSITY OF MALTA: BA Political Science and English Literature
LINKS