In this captivating cultural exploration, Moira Scicluna Zahra, a 38-year-old lecturer and illustrator, shares her favorite artistic inspirations. Starting with literature, she highlights her recent read, “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai, praising its raw narrative of alienation, which pulls readers into a world of identity struggles. Despite rooting for the protagonist, she senses a grim conclusion looming over the story.
Moving to film, Zahra enthusiastically recommends two films: “Dream Scenario” starring Nicolas Cage, which delves into the complexities of cancel culture through a professor whose dream appearances lead to fame and infamy, and “Your Monster,” a unique romantic comedy-horror that uses a woman’s encounter with a closet monster to symbolize her fears, enhanced by visually striking storytelling.
On the digital front, she enjoys following illustration accounts and alternative fashion influencers, notably Leandra Medine Cohen (@leandramcohen), known for her Man Repeller blog, which celebrated women’s independent fashion choices. Zahra appreciates Cohen’s eclectic style, which stands apart from the uniformity often found in social media fashion.
Music has transformed for Zahra over the years, shaped significantly by her kids’ tastes. However, she maintains a deep love for The Cure, drawn to their signature sound that encapsulates both joyous and melancholic melodies. Contemporary favorites like Billie Eilish and The Weeknd also occupy her playlists, appealing to her affinity for atmospheric pop.
Lastly, Zahra reminisces about her cherished spot in Malta, Wied iz-Zurrieq, a place of wild beauty where she spent many summers swimming with family and friends. Its untouched majesty, in a world of construction, brings her nostalgia and solace, reminding her of simpler, carefree days spent under the sun and by the sea.
Moira Scicluna Zahra, a lecturer and illustrator, shares her cultural favorites including the introspective novel “No Longer Human,” illuminating films like “Dream Scenario” and “Your Monster,” along with her fascination with alternative fashion influencers. Music from The Cure and contemporary artists like Billie Eilish resonates with her evolving tastes. Lastly, her fond memories of swimming in Malta’s Wied iz-Zurrieq reveal a deep connection to nature and nostalgia.
Moira Scicluna Zahra’s cultural picks reflect a deep appreciation for art in both its traditional and modern forms. From literature to film and fashion, her influences speak to a journey of personal discovery and nostalgia. By merging current tastes with cherished past moments, she paints a vivid picture of her creative world, urging others to explore the richness of cultural experiences.
This article provides a snapshot of the cultural preferences and artistic inspirations of Moira Scicluna Zahra, a lecturer and illustrator. It covers her literary interests, cinematic views, internet influences, musical tastes, and personal reflections on a beloved location in Malta, intertwining her professional insights with personal narratives, presenting a holistic view of her cultural engagement.
Original Source: www.maltatoday.com.mt
