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.
Violet symbolises spirit.
There’s no doubt that queer people have spirit. Aside from the great achievements by members of our community, like cracking the enigma code, or painting masterpieces whilst bedridden, there is a great strength in the smaller acts of kindness, joy, and creativity found in us. This T-shirt pays tribute to our unique strength and resilience. LGBTQIA+ youths have been alienated and often kicked out of their homes, to grow up and form houses of their own, and become mother to the next generation of abandoned queens. It’s the spirit of people like Martha "Pay it no mind" Johnson, Sylvia Rivera & Stormé DeLarverie that was instrumental to the Stonewall Riots which grew into the queer movement we have today.
Violet | ARC X RAFiott honours RAFiott's acclaimed 2021 digital painting "Triton," now part of the Maltese National Gallery’s permanent collection. This artwork and the T-shirt it inspired celebrate the power that comes from embracing your true self.
With a pink triangle framing the figure, a symbol with dark roots but defiantly reclaimed by Queerkind, this T-shirt is a testament to our pride and resilience. The Triton gracefully waves the progressive pride flag, spreading visibility and unity to all corners of our community.
Order your T-shirt today and proudly wear the spirit of pride while commemorating a queered landmark of the island. Celebrate the strength in our compassion.
Discover Ramon Azzopardi Fiott's art at rafiott.com