Celebrating Artistic Diversity: Inaugurating International Pavilions In Malta 2024
Minister for the Arts, Owen Bonnici officially inaugurated six more pavilions that are part of maltabiennale.art 2024. These pavilions represent Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, China, and the Lugisland of Art Pavilion (Omenaart Foundation) during the Malta Biennale 2024.
He emphasised that the Malta Biennale 2024 offers an important platform for both Maltese and international artists and curators to express themselves with diverse perspectives. Through exhibitions, installations, and discussions, the Biennale showcases the richness of global art and encourages better dialogue between artists and diverse communities, aiming for better societies, with a focus on the Mediterranean.
“These events symbolise a celebration of cultural unity and exploration, promoting dialogue through artistic expression,” said Minister Bonnici. He concluded by saying that art and culture offer strong opportunities to convey messages effectively.
During the pavilions’ inauguration, Mario Cutajar, President of maltabiennale.art and Chairperson of Heritage Malta, was present along with various officials from the agency.
Also attending the inauguration of the Polish Pavilion was Deputy Minister for Culture of Poland Marta Cienkowska, who also had a formal meeting with Minister Bonnici discussing common areas of interest.
Spain – “No man is an island,” located at Villa Portelli in Kalkara, enters the concept of identity in pluralistic dimensions, emphasising cultural encounters and exchanges as fundamental aspects. Carefully curated by Angel Moya Garcia, the pavilion offers an experience that stimulates thought, inviting visitors to reflect on art and society through the artistic work of Avelino Sala.
Poland – The Polish pavilion at Villa Portelli offers an immersive experience curated by Krzysztof Stanisławski. Artists Ryszard Grzyb, Zdzisław Nitka, Krzysztof Skarbek, Zbigniew Maciej Dowgiałło, and Piotr Dumała showcase contemporary Polish art while reflecting on historical archives. Through reinterpretations of biblical narratives and exploration of artistic techniques, the pavilion provides a dynamic representation of Polish culture and heritage.
Austria – The Austrian pavilion curated by Carl Aigner at Fort St. Elmo in Valletta offers a transformative experience. “Humanity’s Spectrum” uses terracotta figures to represent various aspects of human existence, while “Scapegoating through time” explores historical victimisation. The artistic work of Christian Gmeiner serves as a centre symbolising hope and empathy.
Italy – Eugenio Tibaldi’s installation, “Informal Inclusion,” challenges conventional narratives by emphasising open spaces and untold stories at Villa Portelli, Kalkara. Curated by Francesca Guerisoli and Nicolas Martino, the exhibition sheds light on the complexities of inclusion and colonial legacies, encouraging visitors to reconsider historical perspectives and engage in contemporary issues.
China – Curated by YAN Weixin, the exhibition at Fort St. Elmo explores the intersections of words and portraits, inviting visitors to rediscover buried memories and create shared cultural experiences. Artists like YAN Shanchun contribute to this exploration, intertwining history, spirituality, and artistic expression.
Open stands at the Lugisland of Art, Omenaart Foundation, under the theme “Space & time,” curated by renowned Slovak designer Boris Kudlička. This exhibition features works by established Maltese and Polish artists, including site-specific installations with historical references, along with a curated selection from important collections and artists.
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