info@jotabone.com
Instagram: @jotabone
Lives and works in Malta
Jo Tabone is a Maltese interdisciplinary artist exploring themes of body, intimacy, and the gaze through film, photography, and drawing. Her work investigates society’s compulsion to stare—particularly at human differences and disability—challenging the power dynamics between observer and observed. By turning passive glances into active reflection, she invites viewers to confront their own gaze and question the unspoken social codes that shape perception.
Holding an MFA in Digital Arts from the University of Malta, Jo has exhibited widely in Malta, Cornwall, and Berlin (Berlin Art Week 2023). Her artistic practice extends beyond traditional exhibition spaces, engaging in community theatre projects with Kneehigh and Wildworks in Cornwall and leading workshops for institutions such as The Eden Project and Newlyn Art Gallery.
In addition to her personal practice, Jo has worked in the film industry as a scenic artist and props painter, contributing to productions like Agora, World War Z, and Captain Phillips. She brings a deep understanding of visual storytelling to all her projects, whether on canvas, film, or within immersive installations.
Her work exists in a constant dialogue between vulnerability and strength, intimacy and distance—an invitation for audiences to step into an evocative space of self-awareness.
Education
- MFA in Digital Arts – University of Malta, 2013 – 2014
- BA (Hons) in Art for the Community – Roehampton Institute, London, 1996 – 1999
- Diploma in Oil Painting & Ceramics – Institute of Visual Arts, Malta, 1994 – 1995
Awards
- 2025 – Crea Venice Awarded Special Mention for the Quality of my Research
- 2025 – Arts Council Malta Fund for Work Show Grow Expansion Course
- 2013 – ArtHouse Jersey, St Mary - Lock In Residency - Islanders
- 2006 – Bursary – City of Lights, Truro (Processional Lantern Design)
Solo & Group Exhibitions
- 2023 – Art Week, Berlin. Collective with R Gallery
- 2019 – Marsalforn, Gozo
- 2016 – Paradiso – Sliema, Malta
- 2014 – Propolis – Masters Degree Show, St. James
- 2012 – 9 Parts of Desire – St. James
- 2004 – Windows – Juuls, Malta (Sold Out)
- 2003 – Il-Forn – Birgu, Malta
Commissions & Installations
- 2015 – Installation for ZfinMalta National Dance Company
- 2013 – Production Design for Neith, Ziguzajg Festival
- 2012 – Project Managed Ziguzajg Village, St. George’s Square, Valletta
- 2004 – 2005 – Time of Gifts – Eden Project (Shrine Design & Construction)
Art Teaching &Workshops
- 2023 – Workshop Artist for Backlot Exhibition by Charlie Cauchi, Spazzju Kreattiv
- 2021 – Art Workshops for Ukrainian Community
- 2015 – 2021 – Art Teacher at San Anton School, Malta
- 2013 – Shadow Puppetry Workshops, Learning Support Centres
- 2012 – Puppet-Making Workshop Artist, Ziguzajg Festival
- 2007 – Lead Artist for Truro City of Lights Lantern Making
Scenic Artist
- 2021 – Present – Various international productions as Scenic Artist
- 2011 – Sinbad The Sailor - Scenic Artist
- 2010 – 2011 – Game of Thrones (HBO) – Assistant Scenic Artist
- 2012 – Captain Phillips – Head Props Painter
- 2011 – World War Zombies – Head Props Painter
- 2011 – Asterix and Obelix – Painter
- 2010 – The Devil’s Double – Set Dresser
- 2008 – 2009 – Agora – Assistant Scenic Artist
- 2008 – Wickie the Viking – Set Dresser
Theatre & Production Design
- 2013 – Neith – Production Design, Ziguzajg Festival
- 2013 – Nonna Genoveffa – Set Build & Painting, Unifaun Theatre
- 2012 – 9 Parts of Desire – Art Director & Set Designer, Troupe 18:45
- 2011 – No Exit – Art Director & Set Designer, Troupe 18:45
- 2009 – Allo ‘Allo – Set Dresser & Prop Master, FM Theatre Productions
- 2003 – 2005 – A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings – Art Director, Set & Props Designer, Wild Works / Kneehigh