Steve Bonello — Interview
We could not seriously carry out research on local illustration without having a chat with artist and cartoonist, Steve Bonello. Steve Bonello is one of Malta’s finest satirical cartoonists. His work is instantly recognisable, razor sharp and very, very funny.
Now, before interviewing Steve, I actually interviewed Prof.Gorg Mallia. We had a long chat about the history of Maltese illustration, where we are and where we’re going — but one of those questions was on whether he thinks illustration can actually result in change. Gorg’s answer was that it indeed can result in change and he also offered some examples, however he also told me that him and Steve Bonello have an ongoing argument about this. Apparently Steve Bonello does not believe it does.
Steve, do you still believe this and can you explain why/why not?
My argument with Gorg goes back to the hunting referendum of 2015. The press was well organised to support the spring hunting ban. Press cartoonists produced some of their best and clever work — but a referendum which was totally winnable was lost because of heavy partisan weighing in. It is very difficult to beat this system with illustration — however clever. The same can be said of so many publications (children’s books especially) highlighting local environmental and over-development issues. Illustrators do a good job — but ultimately the bastards win.
What are your opinions on current Maltese illustration?
I think local illustration is on quite a healthy level. I see new and exciting stuff emerging. I think we need more illustration in publications — be it magazines, newspapers whatever. I feel this is lacking right now.
Pens and permanent inks on paper, 24 July 2022.
Local illustrators and nostalgia — are we too centered on traditional Maltese motifs, architecture, natural landscape or do we need to experiment more and move forward?
Nostalgia can be a magnet and the reality of a lost ( or fast disappearing) urban and countryside fabric might draw some of us to record what is either ideal — or just still surviving. I suppose I could be accused of the same with my tree illustrations — but I genuinely love my trees and I am quite happy if I am raising any awareness on this. The best compliments I get on this theme is when people tell me that they have started looking (really looking) at trees.
How do you think local illustrators are responding to the changing landscape of Malta?
This is difficult — I don’t see illustrators doing much in this sector — it’s more the cartoonists who are forever harping on this…
When asked what is the difference between illustrators and cartoonists…
I feel that cartoonists are more brash — more in your face so to speak. And ready to put the middle finger up to authority that most illustrators (I feel) tend to shun from doing. This is just my gut feeling.
We’d like to thank Steve Bonello for taking the time to answer these questions that will ultimately contribute to our research paper on Maltese Illustration and how our landscape is reflecting on the development of our work. Food for thought as always. I do feel Steve has a point when stating that cartoonists are more brash, although this is something that is more pronounced locally. When people see something in the style of a political cartoon they are ready for criticism, but when then see something more illustrative, they are not as prepared, which is why ‘pretty’ illustration might actually be more effective at pressing for change.
Sure, we see a lot of illustrated architecture where local illustrators are trying to document beautiful buildings that are at risk of being torn down — but is this really enough? Can we do more? I think we all know the answer.
