the (rbc) arvhices

Winds Bring Gifts Ashore... The Weathervane from the rubberbodies collective on Vimeo.

THE SITE & THE WEATHERVANE The Weathervane of Sliema is the first of four public art sculptures which the Windrose Project will be installing in Tas-Sliema, Marsaxlokk, L-Imġarr and L-Għarb.

The Sliema weathervane boasts the reassuring form of the perennial saddled bream, or kaħlija. The saddled bream is reputed to be a challenging yet rewarding recreational catch and has long captured the imagination of the amateur fisherman. Today, Sliema’s relationship with the elements has almost entirely disappeared as high rise buildings now shelter the coastal town. The Windrose Project chose this location since this particular stretch of coastline forms part of the little ‘natural’ landscape that the community has been left with. The coast, tiny in comparison to the urban development in Sliema is an expanse of white rocks spreading alongside the promenade facing Northerly and Easterly winds. It offers spectacular views of strong, high waves from the North Easterly Grigal while in summer it transforms into a densely populated and active area frequented by residents and holidaymakers alike.

THE CONVERSATIONS Our main collaborators in Tas-Sliema are Leli Camilleri, the President of the Għaqda tas-Sajjieda Dilettanti [Amateur Fishermen’s Association] in Sliema, and Mayor Anthony Chircop, who was born in Sliema and witnessed a significant change in his hometown. Through conversations with these two individuals, The Windrose Project designed the public art sculpture that is inspired from a weathervane.