News – by Jenny Manduca
Spirit of Resilience 2024 - Alfie Borg
For the third time running, Hudson’s Chairman, Alfie Borg, channels a whole year of his hard work into a pop art exhibition in aid of the Hudson Foundation, entitled Spirit of Resilience. The exhibition, held at the Mercury Shopping District, St Julian’s, from November 21st to December 1st, captures the strength and complexity of the human spirit. It features iconic figures such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jordan, Jimi Hendrix, Salvador Dalí, Jesus Christ, Muhammad Ali, Albert Einstein, and many more.
All proceeds from the sale of art pieces and prints will support the Hudson Foundation’s causes, including helping Ukrainian refugee children in Malta, aiding AAA Malta (Association for Abandoned Animals), and contributing to Park tal-Majjistral by planting and nurturing olive trees within the area.
In the new year, the foundation also aims to sponsor a playground in Bulebel for children with autism and challenging behaviors, a project developed by Inspire in collaboration with HSBC. Additionally, Hudson will support the renovation of a part of Inspire’s Marsascala facility, which provides various programs for adults with disabilities.
The new outdoor playground will provide an inclusive and engaging space for children of different abilities. Featuring high-quality equipment such as trampolines, swings, and soft flooring, the playground will encourage physical activity in a safe environment, offer a controlled sensory experience, and promote social interaction.
About Spirit of Resilience
This collection invites viewers on a vibrant journey through the complexities of the human experience, exploring profound themes that shape our lives. Borg’s work delves into the intricate tapestry of life, where every decision, moment of reflection, and whispered prayer interweaves with our core beliefs and self-perception.
In this exhibition, Borg’s bold and dynamic pieces challenge us to reflect on the power of spritual beliefs and the equally potent belief in oneself. Through vivid colors and striking imagery, he captures the essence of Zen, illustrating how mindfulness and focus can transcend the physical realm. Each artwork serves as a mirror, encouraging self-reflection and contemplation of the concept of karma—how our actions ripple through the universe and shape our destinies.
Spirit of Resilience also invites us to ponder a tantalizing question: If we could turn back time, what would we change? Borg’s art explores the resilience required to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of fame, where the pursuit of recognition often collides with the desire for authenticity. Amid the chaos, his work celebrates the enduring love of life, highlighting the beauty of love and relationships that sustain and transform us. In this immersive exploration of the human spirit, Alfie Borg’s pop art serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The Art Process
The artistic process begins with the spark of inspiration, as Alfie finds a subject that resonates with him. This could be anything from the beauty of nature to human emotions, fame, or societal issues. Once an idea takes shape in his mind, Alfie sketches it on paper, capturing the essence of the envisioned artwork.
Next, he gathers and notes ideas on how to bring the piece to life, exploring techniques, compositions, and color schemes that best convey the intended message or evoke the desired emotions. Alfie experiments with various mediums, including acrylic painting, collage, and graphic design, selecting the one that enhances the artwork’s impact. To add depth and intricacy, he hunts for unique embellishments from various suppliers.
Alfie and Art
Alfie has been passionate about art since childhood, often sketching and doodling on any surface he could find. His art is not created to please others but to bring his visions to life on solid wood. Unlike many artists who draw inspiration from landscapes, Alfie is inspired by the contemporary art scenes from New York, Los Angeles, and London galleries, along with his love for cartoons, movies, music, and superheroes.
Alongside his artistic endeavors, Alfie founded and chairs Hudson Holdings Ltd, a company instrumental in introducing leading sports and fashion brands to Malta, Africa, and Southern Europe. Until a few years ago, Alfie also served as the Chief Executive Officer.
Inspired by Albert Einstein’s words, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world,” Alfie has consistently harnessed the power of imagination in his life.
Alfie’s professional and artistic pursuits complement each other, creating a harmonious balance in his life. Art is the catalyst that aligns his work and family life. Alfie is married to Veronica, and they have two children: Tara, who is married to Tim and baby Seb, and Sean, who is engaged to Emily. They also cherish their beloved dog, Brandy.
The Hudson Foundation
The Hudson Foundation was established to contribute to society by “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless.” The Foundation is committed to helping Ukrainian refugee children, supporting AAA Malta (Association for Abandoned Animals), and contributing to Park tal-Majjistral.
In 2025, the foundation will support a joint project between Inspire and HSBC to build a playground for children with autism and behavioral challenges, as well as fund renovations of Inspire’s Marsascala premises. All sales of artwork and prints from Spirit of Resilience will be entirely donated to these causes.
For more information, visit www.hudson.com.mt/the-hudson-foundation.
Available Art Pieces
The pieces are selling out fast. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the exhibition at Mercury Shopping District, St Julian’s, where pieces and framed prints are also available at Urban Jungle.
