Concept

Touch the Sky addresses a critical contemporary issue: the rapid and often unchecked urban development taking place in Gozo, Malta,  with a particular focus on the increase of high-rise buildings. The work interrogates the systemic and political frameworks that shape our relationship with the environment, raising concerns about the unsustainable path we are pursuing on the island.

This piece is intended as a platform for environmental awareness, advocating for a more sustainable and respectful approach to development.

Background

In the years leading to the period of the creation of this work, several Gozitan mayors, including those of Xlendi, Marsalforn, San Lawrenz, and Qala voiced concerns about widespread new developments across the island. Their plea was simple yet urgent: to respect the character of rural villages that were increasingly being overshadowed, both literally and metaphorically, by high-rise buildings.

Although these high structures are often presented as symbols of progress and modernity, they are built with questionable planning and consideration for their environmental and social impact. Contrary to the argument that “building upwards” saves rural land, high-rise developments pose significant threats to both the natural environment and quality of life. These buildings reduce natural light, disrupt wind patterns, contribute to urban heat and radiation, and increase air pollution.

Furthermore, unlike traditional village homes, high-rise living can foster isolation and alienation, factors known to negatively affect health and well-being, and even correlate with reduced life expectancy.

The Work

Touch the Sky takes the form of a cylindrical tower, presented with a minimalist and restrained aesthetic. It symbolically represents the interruption of life by a concrete barrier that prevents a germinated seed from growing, offering a powerful visual metaphor for the way development can stifle nature and vitality.

The title plays on the expression often used to describe ambition and achievement; “touching the sky”, here used ironically to critique society’s obsession with height and grandeur. It also alludes to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis, in which the pursuit of architectural greatness led to confusion and chaos; a cautionary tale that still resonates today.

Materials: Clay, Metal, Concrete, Epoxy

Dimensions: Approx. 60 cm (height) x 20 cm (diameter)