Declaration of Dependence
No Need to Sparkle,
Maltese Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2026
With Declaration of Dependence (A Game of Surrender), Adrian MM Abela presents a composition structured as a stage divided into three temporal zones. To the left, eight coins spin on a table, representing the future. To the right, a drawing depicts the past. At the centre, viewed through an opening in the curtain, the personification of Malta exists within a game engine.
-
![]()
Installation view of Adrian MM Abela's "Declaration of Dependence," 2026, Malta Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Photo by Samuele Cherubini.
-
![]()
-
![]()
Installation view of Adrian MM Abela's "Declaration of Dependence," 2026, Malta Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Photo by Samuele Cherubini.
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Credits
Declaration of Dependence (A Game of Surrender)
No Need to Sparkle, Maltese Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2026
Curated by Margerita Pulè
Commissioned by Arts Council Malta
Interactive Installation + Animation
Production: falsework studio - Matthew Doyle & Yuehao Jiang
Technical Director: Cecil Boey
Senior Technical Artist: Tyler “vonpixel” Muehlen
Interaction Designer: Jonathan Moore
Technical Artist: Jovanni Mixco
Photography + MoCap Lighting: Brandon Kelly
Project Manager: Andy Li
Model & Performer: Aslan Scardina
Voice & Melody: Cher Camilleri
Special Thanks
Rachel Ho, Yasmin Kuymizakis