My essentials: Matylda Jarosz’s cultural picks

About  

I’m a Polish-born fine artist, researcher and art tutor based in Malta. My practice moves between painting, textiles and digital work, exploring our relationship with nature, place and sustainability. Alongside my own artistic research and exhibitions, I teach sewing, contemporary weaving and sustainable art-making, sharing creative skills while continuing to develop my practice through experimentation, walking and material research.

Book

One book that particularly interested me is A Geological Walk Around the Maltese Islands. I picked it up because I was already interested in the relationship between the Maltese landscape and my artistic practice, but it made me look at places I thought I knew, differently. I found it fascinating to learn how much geological history is contained in the rocks beneath our feet. It also reminded me that walking can be a form of research in itself.

Film

A film I watched recently and really enjoyed was Apex. What stayed with me most was the build-up and the mystery surrounding what had happened to the people involved, especially the fact that the truth remained undiscovered for so many years. I also loved the soundtrack and thought the lead performances were excellent. I particularly connected with the female protagonist, who is a traveller and explorer drawn to adventure and adrenaline. That adventurous curiosity felt surprisingly familiar to me.

Internet and TV

One person I enjoy following online is Eva zu Beck, a Polish travel creator who documents her experiences in places that are often far beyond the usual tourist destinations. I like the curiosity behind her travels and the way she immerses herself in different landscapes and cultures rather than simply visiting them. As someone who also moved abroad, I find her perspective particularly interesting. I think her content is a good reminder that travelling can be about learning, observing and being open to unfamiliar experiences.

Music

I’ve been listening to Half Moon Run for quite a while, and they are one of those bands I keep returning to. I like the atmosphere of their music and the way their songs can feel both energetic and introspective. Their sound works particularly well for me when I’m travelling, walking or working in the studio. I think music can become connected to certain places and periods of your life, and their songs have accompanied quite a few of mine.

Place

One of my favourite areas in Malta is around Selmun, particularly the walks towards Għajn Ħadid and Imġiebaħ. I like places where you can step away from the built-up parts of the island and feel surrounded by the landscape. I often enjoy walking without having a particular destination, noticing the rocks, plants, sea and changing light. Fomm ir-Riħ is another place I love for a similar reason. These landscapes allow me to slow down and experience Malta through observation rather than simply passing through it.