Discover ‘TOPIA’: A New Exhibition At MUŻA By London-Based Artist Barnaby Barford
The Minister for the Arts, Owen Bonnici, has officially opened ‘TOPIA,’ a new exhibition by London-based artist Barnaby Barford, at MUŻA – Malta’s National Community Art Museum in Valletta.
Running until 19th January 2025, the exhibition offers a unique exploration of Malta’s rich cultural and socio-economic fabric, viewed through the lens of its local shops.
“Heritage Malta continues to nurture cultural dialogue and ‘TOPIA’ exemplifies the fusion of art and heritage, sparking important conversations about our evolving society,” Minister Bonnici stated.
The exhibition showcases over 11,000 photographs of shops across Malta and Gozo, transformed by the artist into 1,000 representations of real local stores, meticulously crafted from fine porcelain. These are set against a backdrop of iconic Maltese stone walls, inviting reflection on the fast-evolving communities of the islands.
Noel Zammit, CEO of Heritage Malta, highlighted the cultural significance of the exhibition: “‘TOPIA’ connects us to Malta’s living heritage in an innovative way, reminding us of the profound role these local shops play in shaping our communities and identity.”
Visitors are invited to step into a world of curiosity and nostalgia, where each small shop tells its own story. From traditional pastizzerias and corner bakeries to barbershops and hardware stores that have served generations, the installation captures the essence of local commerce in exquisite detail. “Barford’s work allows us to reflect on both the enduring nature of these shops and the rapid changes they face in today’s world,” Dr. Katya Micallef, MUŻA’s curator, added.
In addition to the visual installation, visitors can delve deeper through recorded interviews with shop owners, offering personal insights into the people behind the storefronts. This multisensory experience touches on broader themes of identity, consumerism and community.
“TOPIA encourages us to think beyond the stress of urban life, as we walk through the exhibition’s design. It transports us to current issues of street transformation, urban planning and changes in retail practices,” Heritage Malta Chairperson Mario Cutajar remarked.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase these unique fine porcelain creations online, with proceeds supporting Heritage Malta’s community and contemporary art initiatives. The exhibition is accompanied by a publication featuring interviews and photographs of shop owners, as well as a series of lectures focusing on changing street landscapes, demographics, urban planning and the balance between business and community needs.
Opening hours are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm until the end of October and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm starting in November. Entry to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket.
For more information, visit the Heritage Malta website or follow Heritage Malta and Barnaby Barford on social media for updates.