Ramon Azzopardi Fiott, also known as RAFiott, has collaborated with Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) to create the official merchandise collection. The collection features six commissioned designs, each representing a colour from the pride flag, focusing on Maltese culture and Queer identities. The series' style is inspired by RAFiott's 2021 MeliTENSION Collection, which was exhibited at MUŻA, and occasionally references specific works from that collection.
RAFiott is a local queer digital artist whose works explore the multifaceted theme of identity. His art ranges from introspective self-portraits to surreal creatures with deep semiotic significance. Through his complex relationship with the island, RAFiott produces art that reflects a distinctly queer and Maltese perspective.
The rainbow flag, designed by Gilbert Baker, has represented the queer community since the 1970s, particularly after the assassination of Harvey Milk. The six-colour pride flag we use today is a modification of the original which also featured hot pink. The remaining colours have retained their original meaning.
Blue symbolises serenity.
This design captures the essence of serenity as envisioned by RAFiott, evoking a tranquil scene of boats gently swaying on calm waters. Its inspiration hails from the renowned Maltese luzzu, a familiar sight in picturesque fishing villages like Marsaxlokk. This T-shirt carries the artist's nostalgic childhood memories of carefree summer days spent by the sea.
What makes the Blue | ARC X RAFiott T-shirt truly unique is the serene demeanour of the sentient boat. Its distinctive feature, the bushy eyebrows, pays homage to the age-old tradition of adorning Mediterranean vessels with eyes, a practice dating back to ancient Egyptian times. These "Luzzu Eyes" serve as protectors, guarding the souls on board from malevolent sea spirits. Today, they stand as a powerful symbol of Malta and are a recurring motif in the artist's creations.
Embrace Maltese heritage and celebrate queer visibility every time you wear this T-shirt.
Discover Ramon Azzopardi Fiott's art at rafiott.com