In her new bilingual picture book Ġewwieni / Innards, Maltese author-artist Miriam Galea delves into the visceral, complex experience of childbirth – a theme still underrepresented in art and literature. The book, published by Kotba Calleja, offers a deeply personal yet political reflection on the female body and psyche, where “the inside turned in, the outside turned out”.
Through tender portraits of her child – “Rose, my little one, with ginger locks, rosy cheeks and eyes blue as a storm” – Galea juxtaposes innocence with raw physicality.
The author Miriam GaleaGraphic imagery of the female form, barren trees and childlike scribbles blend to reveal both vulnerability and power. This visual and textual dialogue seeks to reclaim childbirth from its romanticised and patriarchal framing, celebrating it instead as an authentic, embodied experience.
Ġewwieni / Innards is Galea’s second publication following Ors (Bear), also released by Kotba Calleja, was designed by Studio Speculoos in Belgium and funded by the National Book Council Malta.
Galea will be present at the Kotba Calleja stand today to sign copies, and at 2pm, the author will also be leading a panel discussion about children’s books.
Baby RoseA drawing by the author will be included with every signed copy. Signed artist prints will be on sale at the Malta Book Festival and at the book launch at Studio Solipsis, Rabat, on December 20.
The launch will feature an exhibition of original works and a discussion around the theme.
The book is available from Il-Lokal (Mdina), Valletta Contemporary, kotbacalleja.net and is at the Malta Book Festival for its final day today. Also stay tuned for the book launch event on December 20 at Kotba Calleja, Studio Solipsis, Rabat.