🎙️ Welcome to Episode #64 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Maltese artist and design architect Nigel Baldacchino, whose work spans photography, architecture, poetry, and experimental music. Nigel's unique artistic approach blends deep philosophical inquiry with intuitive photographic practice, resulting in visually and conceptually rich projects. From exploring themes of anxiety and perception to discussing his international exhibitions, this episode offers an insightful look into Nigel’s creative world.
About Our Guest: Nigel Baldacchino
Nigel Baldacchino (b. 1989, Malta) is an artist and design architect known for his diverse creative output. His photo-text publication Soon Out of Context (2019) combined poetry with found imagery, while his experimental ambient project Pool Night (2021) introduced his sonic explorations under Belgian label Complex Holiday. In 2023, he was part of the prestigious Penumbra Foundation Long-Term Photobook Program, and in 2024, he served as exhibition designer for the first edition of MaltaBiennale.Art. His photography has been exhibited internationally, including at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mulhouse, alongside artists such as Raymond Meeks, Awoiska van der Molen, Bénédicte Blondeau, and Bernard Plossu.
Tune in to this episode to:
- Explore Nigel’s transition from architecture to photography and how it shaped his artistic voice.
- Learn how anxiety fuels his creative process and his thoughts on the connection between mental health and art.
- Discover the story behind "Those Eyes, These Eyes, They Fade," a traveling exhibition he co-founded.
- Unpack his photographic series "The Sea" and its themes of contradiction and perception.
- Hear the fascinating history behind "Pineto," his project documenting a forgotten Maltese park before its erasure.
- Get a glimpse into his upcoming solo exhibition in South Korea and what’s next in his career.
Don’t Forget to:
- Subscribe to the podcast for more deep dives into contemporary photography and creative expression.
- Like & Share this episode to support independent artists.
- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
EPISODE LINKS:
Nigel Baldacchino’s Website: nigelbaldacchino.com | Nigel’s Instagram: @nigelbaldacchino
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Coming Up…
1:48 - Welcome & Introduction
3:40 - From Architecture to Photography
5:05 - Founding Those Eyes, These Eyes, They Fade
7:25 - Building Community in the Art World
28:19 - The Impact of Mentors & Influences
31:29 - How Anxiety Fuels Creativity
41:50 - Nigel’s Free-Flowing Approach to Photography
58:45 - The Poetic Nature of Nigel’s Photography
1:05:35 - Exploring Contradictions in The Sea
1:27:29 - Using a 500mm Lens to Capture Hidden Stories
1:32:46 - The Erasure of History in Malta’s Pineto Park
1:37:10 - First Solo Exhibition in Korea
1:38:20 - New Work: Promise Litter
1:47:56 - The Role of Text in Photography
1:51:48 - Closing Thoughts & Future Projects
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