designMT’s Exhibition At Valletta Design Cluster: A Celebration Of Craftsmanship And Innovation
As part of Malta’s first-ever design expo, designMT, the Valletta Design Cluster is host to an impressive array of exhibitions running until 5th October.
Located in the heart of Valletta, the venue offers a perfect blend of rich history and modern creativity. The former slaughterhouse turned cultural hub provides a unique backdrop for showcasing cutting-edge design from Maltese and international creatives.
This historic location, originally built in the 17th century and once used for light industries and bakeries, now serves as a centre for Malta’s growing creative industry.
The exhibition at Valletta Design Cluster features four unique installations that blend tradition with contemporary design.
Here’s a glimpse into the four featured exhibitors at Valletta Design Cluster:
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Embrace by Christopher Saliba
This contemporary sculpture features two interlocking circular segments crafted from Corten steel sheets. Blending classical ideals of proportion and symmetry with modern technology like CNC and laser cutting, Embrace is designed for outdoor display, developing a weathered patina over time. This sculpture symbolises the merging of traditional and modern aesthetics.
Christopher Saliba is a renowned Maltese artist specialising in abstract and expressionist painting, sculpture, and etching. With an international career and numerous solo exhibitions, Saliba’s work is celebrated for its emotional depth and connection to the natural world.
MINIMA by Maurizio Ascione
MINIMA explores the balance between nature and architecture, advocating for a return to timeless principles like order and proportion. The exhibition highlights how thoughtful design can create harmonious spaces that enhance the human experience. It reflects Ascione’s philosophy that architecture should bridge fundamental principles with modern needs.
Maurizio Ascione, co-founder of 3DM Architecture, is an award-winning Maltese architect known for his focus on form, materiality, and light. His projects blend innovation with tradition, and his works have been recognised internationally.
Merkaba – The Flower of Life by Gabriella Lukacs
Merkaba celebrates the beauty of Maltese bobbin lace through a collection of elegant and sustainable fashion pieces. Incorporating traditional elements into modern designs, the collection features bags made from high-quality natural fibres, honouring Malta’s rich lace-making heritage.
Gabriella Lukacs is the founder of the fashion brand GABE, which promotes sustainability through zero-waste designs. Her commitment to durability and timeless aesthetics ensures that each piece reflects conscious living and environmental responsibility.
Erosion – Stoneware Clay by Sue Mifsud
This exhibition features five stoneware bowls inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, exploring the theme of erosion. Each bowl represents a different stage of erosion, questioning how traditions evolve over time. The collection captures the delicate balance between permanence and change in both the natural world and human culture.
Sue Mifsud, a ceramics designer based in Rabat, is known for her bespoke functional ware. Her designs are heavily influenced by Malta’s landscapes, and her pieces can be found in prominent restaurants and private collections.
These four exhibitions at the Valletta Design Cluster are a stunning example of how tradition can be reinterpreted through modern design. Be sure to visit this incredible showcase of talent before the exhibition closes on 5th October.
Other locations for more exhibitions from designMT are located at Auberge D’Aragon, Fortress Builders and St John’s Cavalier.
For more details about the expo, visit designMT’s website for additional information.
With free admission, it’s an unmissable opportunity to explore the future of Maltese design.
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