MICAS Inaugurates Landmark Art Exhibition: Bridging Heritage And Contemporary Expression
The first art exhibition on the site of the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) was inaugurated during the International Art Weekend 2023.
This marks an important milestone in the journey of MICAS, hosting its first art exhibition titled “What is to become is already here” by Conrad Shawcross, on the space’s grounds. The inauguration of this series of contemporary art installations by the renowned English artist within the historical military architecture of the Infirmary also marked the launch of the fifth edition of the MICAS International Art Weekend.
During the event, the Minister for the Arts Owen Bonnici, expressed pride in the work being done to expand a significant portion of art in Floriana, within a historic military architecture previously inaccessible to the public, now being offered back with a cultural richness.
He mentioned that this project progresses with the aim of completion and inauguration by the year 2024. “This exhibition not only allows us to showcase excellent art within parts of MICAS’s site but also the spaces themselves, which are equally impressive,” stated Minister Bonnici.
“The substantial government investment in our cultural infrastructure not only strengthens our cultural sector but also allows us to make our historical heritage and art more accessible to the public. Simultaneously, this provides us with opportunities for new international relationships and creates a different cultural tourist market,” Dr. Bonnici explained.
On behalf of MICAS, Chairperson Phyllis Muscat stated that the entity aims to develop a robust and varied international program while promoting exceptional contemporary art and artists. She highlighted how, through investment from European Regional Development Funds and national funds, MICAS has made significant progress this year, constructing galleries at an accelerated pace. “We are thrilled that MICAS officially opens its doors this year,” said Ms. Muscat.
Contemporary artist Conrad Shawcross expressed how he was one of the first artists to visit Malta as a guest of MICAS and immediately felt a connection with Malta’s history and geography. In his address, he explained how he drew inspiration from the site’s position, its history, proximity to the sea and the marina, and the vistas that the elevated view affords. Shawcross collaborated closely with MICAS to support the exhibition, which includes his artwork spread throughout the entire MICAS site. In fact, “What is to become is already here” includes three distinct bodies of work. The title of this exhibition offers a glimpse into its essence: a prelude and ambition for what lies ahead in MICAS, as it kicks off its inaugural year. The title also directly references the fact that as MICAS opens its doors, the new building stands within historic fortifications that have existed for centuries and have witnessed incredible stories.
MICAS will enrich its collection of contemporary art with the acquisition of “The Dappled Light of the Sun (Formation I)” by the same artist – a structure consisting of approximately 1,600 tetrahedrons. This exceptional artistic work, inspired by the perpetual motion of the natural world, will complement the works of Ugo Rondinone and Cristina Iglesias in MICAS’s permanent collection. These acquisitions reflect MICAS’s commitment to democratising art while ensuring these masterpieces are accessible and enjoyed by all.
The MICAS Creative Committee, led by Edith Devaney, collaborated closely with the artist to bring to life this event, allowing Conrad Shawcross’s artworks to explore the historical landscape of the Infirmary and become a reality. The MICAS International Art Weekend 2023 attracted a notable international audience and concluded on Saturday with a keynote lecture from the esteemed Director of American Museums, Timothy Rub, discussing the theme of the responsibility of museums to support both continuity and the evolution. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Artistic Director Edith Devaney, with Timothy Rub himself, Waqas Wajahat, Conrad Shawcross, and Dr. Georgina Portelli as panelists.
The Minister for the Arts, Owen Bonnici, emphasised the importance of the exhibition and the MICAS project in expanding Malta’s cultural landscape.
He highlighted the efforts to make historical and contemporary art accessible to the public and to create new cultural tourism prospects. These initiatives stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to enriching Malta’s artistic and historical heritage while fostering international connections.