Charlene Galea: Breaking Boundaries
2B GALLERY | 6 - 9 APRIL 2025
In an exclusive interview with Artpaper, conceptual and performance artist Charlene Galea discusses her groundbreaking exhibition opening on the 6th of April at 2B Gallery in collaboration with art collector Dr. Joanna Delia. Through her distinctive approach of using the body as a medium, Galea has created powerful works that challenge societal norms and explore contemporary themes through both analog and digital photography.
With a background in Creative Direction for Fashion and an MA in Digital Fine Arts, Galea has exhibited internationally, including shows at Kleine Humboldt Galerie Berlin, Mutuo Galeri Barcelona, and École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie in Arles, France. Her work consistently pushes boundaries to exploring identity, body politics, and societal norms.
On Body Politics and Personal Expression
“Body politics has allowed me to understand myself in my body not just through performance but in how I live in this body one is born in through my everyday life,” Galea explains. Her work often incorporates autobiographical elements, reinterpreted through movement, costume, and text. “Through performance, I have tackled subjects such as shame and failure, very often giving space for others to resonate with.”
The artist goes on to explain that her work addresses broader themes including stereotypes, media influence on body image, abortion rights, and body positivity. “The aim is to emphasise how bodies are treated, viewed and valued when deeply connected to broader social structures and ideologies.”
Collaboration and Community
Despite often being perceived as a solo performer, Galea reminds us of the collaborative nature of her work: “Solo exhibitions involve collaborations: whether it’s with a curator, a model, another image maker, a graphic designer, a musician, costume designer, for example. It’s never just about me.”
Her recent residency at MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum, titled My Body is Not Your Business Card, exemplifies this approach. The project included community engagement and culminated in a “Walk of Shame” performance giving a voice to suppressed narratives. “It was not about me being a solo artist in a space – it was about ‘us’!”
Artistic Evolution and Future Vision
Galea’s journey from fashion to performance art began during her studies at London College of Fashion. “When one tutor told me my work is ‘fine art’, I went to google the meaning. I then discovered books related to performance – that is when I found a connection to my creativity.”
Her creative process combines extensive planning with intuitive development, often beginning with a simple trigger – a word, story, space, costume, or feeling. She draws inspiration from artists like Nan Goldin, Martin Creed, Cosey Fanni Tutti, and the Theatre of the Absurd movement.
Looking ahead, Galea sees both challenges and opportunities in Malta’s art scene. “I wish my body to be given more spaces where I can create for an audience with zero censorship,” she states. Her upcoming projects include a performance at the School of Disobedience’s annual festival, where she’ll present “Drops of Dopamine in my Drops of Serum.”
A Message to Emerging Artists
Galea’s advice to young artists encapsulates her philosophy: “If your first submission doesn’t go through, don’t take it personally – find other ways to communicate your work. Your work is still worth it if you believe in it, a gallery is just a space – think about turning any space into a gallery instead.”
Press, collectors and art enthusiasts are welcome to experience Galea’s bold vision from the 1st until the 9th of April by appointment. There will also be an invite-only event on the 6th of April from 5pm until late with local wines and resident DJ. Join their mailing list and reserve your space: www.2b.mt/rsvp
For more information: www.2b.mt.
Interview by Michelle A, Corporate PR for 2B Gallery, exclusively for Artpaper.
