An ancient Maltese tradition practiced deep in the heart of St Albans has won two artists $10,000 in The Substation’s contemporary art prize.
Sonia Leber and David Chesworth were awarded this month at Newport for their 11-minute video, One from Mosta, Two from Zabbar.
It features members of the Maltese club, Klabb Ghannejja Maltin, engaged in an anachronistic tradition, in which improvised and often inflammatory grievances are publicly aired in song.
Ms Leber said the tradition of spirtu pront, which translates to quick wit, developed in the working class bars of Malta.
“We found this club in St Albans where the men keep up this tradition in Australia, beyond what they might keep up in Malta,” she said.
“When we went to the club, of course, we didn’t understand what they were doing.
“It’s extremely skilful because it’s in a very ancient form of Maltese language, and it has to fit to the musical form and it has to be funny and witty and relevant.
“The idea is that there has to be mild form of argument that’s spicy enough to maintain the argument over a period of time, but not too personal and not likely to create too much offence, because then you have real conflict.”
West Footscray resident Laresa Kosloff won the $2000 Westie Award for her two-minute video, I can’t do anything.
It was made during her artistic residency in Prato, Italy, and features local residents and visiting art students repeating the title phrase.
