Discover Francis Ebejer The Painter At MUŻA’s Exhibition Celebrating 100 Years Since His Birth
A new exhibition titled “In-naħa l-oħra – Francis Ebejer il-pittur”, meaning the other side of Francis Ebejer, the painter, has been launched by Heritage Malta at MUŻA- the National Community Art Museum, in Valletta, runs till 31st of August.
Francis Ebejer is one of Malta’s most revered cultural figures and the exhibition celebrates 100 years since his birth in 1925. He is best known as a distinguished playwright and novelist whose contributions in the sector – including novels, short stories, and plays that were published and performed internationally –transformed the local scene. In his work, he challenged conventions and gave voice to the evolving identity of post-war Malta.
“Francis Ebejer was a giant in Malta’s literature and art scene, who left an invaluable legacy in writing and painting. His works, both on stage and on canvas, reflect the social and cultural changes of our country in a profound and artistic way,” said Culture Minister Owen Bonnici.
The public has the opportunity to discover a lesser-known and very intimate aspect of Francis Ebejer’s creativity through his visual art in this new show at MUŻA. Ebejer’s literary legacy is still his greatest claim to fame, but in his later years, painting emerged as a significant medium for his expression. It gave him a platform for reflection and abstraction, enhancing his writing and enabling him to explore identity, memory, and self-discovery in a totally other but no less expressive medium.
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The exhibition brings together a curated section of Ebejer’s visual works, including 14 art pieces – four recently acquired by the national collection and others generously loaned from his son Damian Ebejer’s private collection. Highlights include evocative paintings such as “Tal-Ħut (Fishwoman)” and “Day’s End on Southern Cliffs”.
Other exhibits like his manuscripts, posters, awards, a bronze bust of the author as well as Ebejer’s personal typewriter are also on display and help the viewer get a window into his life.
This exhibition, which includes video from the Public Broadcasting Services’ archives, is supported by the Akkademja tal-Malti and the University of Malta’s Department of Theatre Studies, which is chaired by Prof. Marco Galea.
“This exhibition presents Francis Ebejer in a new way, by showing him as a painter and not only as one of the leading writers in Maltese literature. It is fitting that on the 100th anniversary of his birth, the Maltese people look at Ebejer in a more holistic way, in all his art. MUŻA wants to give such opportunities because it aspires to celebrate artists from every angle – their creativity, views, thoughts and aspirations,” said Chairman of Heritage Malta and MUŻA’s Director, Mario Cutajar.
Entrance to this exhibition is free and visitors can view it from 10am till 6pm. An illustrated catalogue is also available, free of charge.
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