RyanFalzon

Despite immersing himself in the study of visual arts, Falzon always aspired to be a writer. He dedicated time to refining his writing skills while creating and studying art. He believes that artists are not merely driven by inspiration but rather by an uncontrollable force compelling them to express themselves through a chosen medium. This force cannot be suppressed and inevitably demands to be poured into a work of art.

Falzon sees the time and space that artists inhabit as deeply relevant to their work. He has no interest in working in isolation on outdated or disconnected themes. Instead, he embraces a nonlinear approach to narration, a stream of consciousness that nevertheless remains grounded in the present. This results in a collage-like or pastiche effect, undoubtedly influenced by his visual art practice.

A central theme in his work is the impact of social media, identity, gender dynamics, relationships and the passage of time on the Millennial and Gen-Z generations. This subject resonates with him personally, as he draws from his own experiences of love and heartbreak. He also closely observes the rapid and often chaotic transformation of Malta’s social landscape, weaving these shifts into his creative expression.

This is particularly evident in his debut book, Sajf (‘Summer’, Kotba Calleja, 2022). The novel follows a young, unnamed physics teacher who, during the summer break, escapes the constraints of his full-time job and immerses himself in his true passion: modifying, enhancing and restoring vintage cars. This pursuit holds far greater meaning to him than the work that consumes most of his time during the school year.

Nevertheless, the protagonist yearns for a deeper connection with another human being – something he fails to find in his fleeting, half-hearted flings. This theme runs throughout the novel, mirrored in both his relationship with his job and his interaction with others: the futile attempt to apply a short-term fix to a long-term problem. His affairs feel hollow and unfulfilling because his heart belongs to Sarah, the one woman he truly desires. Yet, through a mutual understanding, they both believe that pursuing a romantic bond beyond the physical relationship would jeopardise their friendship. This misguided mindset reflects a broader disconnect in today’s era of constant connectivity, in which we are always in touch yet profoundly detached, where we have freedom of speech yet nothing substantial to say beyond the parameters of a tweet. To this end, the protagonist compiles numerous lists, which provide structure and direction to his life.

Falzon’s work embodies the restlessness of a contemporary life that is fragmented and fixated on the present moment. It reflects a zeitgeist that is not only indifferent to the answers but too apathetic and misguided to even ask the questions.