As spring beckons, so does our appetite for getting out and about, and the months ahead offer plenty of reasons to do so with a bustling calendar of art and cultural events. Keep reading for ongoing and upcoming exhibitions taking place throughout March.
Seeing Music by Frank Briffa
An exhibition dedicated to the late Frank Briffa – a science educator and artist who was raised in London with a lifelong passion for the arts – pays homage to his love of music with 30 of his oil on canvas paintings inspired by musical compositions that had resonated with him throughout his life. Currently on display at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta, the paintings “are not mere illustrations, but a quest for a pictorial equivalent to the language of music.” Until 11 April
Sejbiet u Stejjer – Malta Art Biennale
The Malta Pavilion, the national highlight of the ongoing Malta Art Biennale which will be open at MUZA – the National Muesum of Art in Valletta, explores the concept of identity through real and conceptual narratives in the context of Malta’s changing historical fabric, under the theme ‘Sejbiet u Stejjer’ (Findings and Stories). Participating artists range from photographers to visual and installation artists, including Alex Attard, Debbie Caruana Dingli and Ryan Falzon among others. From 13 March to 31 May.
Coming Home to Me by Johanna Barthet
Artist Johanna Barthet, widely known for her contemporary portrait paintings that capture the inner thoughts and emotions of her lifelike characters, will be showcasing her latest works at Camilleriparismode in Rabat. The collection of portraits captures “the essence of self-discovery; each brushstroke tells a tale of resilience and growth, inviting you to reflect on your own path.” From 25 March to 13 April.
I Can’t Breathe by Svetislav Martinovic
In his solo exhibition at Christine X Art Gallery in Sliema, artist Svetislav Martinovic addresses pressing issues of our time: societal consequences of brutality – with the exhibition title drawing on the last words of American citizen George Floyd whose murder by police officers in 2020 sparked global outrage – as well as the environmental impact of unrestricted development, “exploring a shared sense of suffocation in a society grappling with multiple challenges.” Until 28 March.
Sagru Profan by Rupert Cefai
In his latest collection of works which will be exhibited at Art e Gallery in Victoria, Gozo, visual artist Rupert Cefai explores everyday scenes of rituals that border between the spiritual and the mundane in his characteristic approach that stands on the threshold between real and abstract. “The works reflect a human tendency to do everyday things with religious solemnity, and sometimes treat religious rites as everyday occurrences.” From 16 March.
Paradoxum by Dave Calleja
In his debut solo exhibition at Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq in Mqabba, Dave Calleja delves into the symbolism of masks through a series of pieces made from metal, each displaying idiosyncratic characteristics. Using a black metal that is devoid of distinct features as the starting point for each mask, the artist uses embellishments to create unique pieces that serve as “poignant commentary on the perpetual quest for self-discovery.” Until 31 March.
Main image: Seeing Music / Photo by Mark Scicluna
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