A new exhibition exploring silence, sacred architecture, and Malta’s modernist heritage is coming to Valletta this spring.

Titled ‘SILENCE WITHIN ABUNDANT BIRDSONG’, the exhibition is presented by the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture and will be held at the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta from 13th March to 17th April 2025.

Curated by Andrew Borg Wirth, with Sera Galea as assistant curator, the show features new works by Austin Camilleri, Julian Vassallo, Victor Agius, and Laetitia Troisi De Menville.

It marks the first exhibition to be hosted by the office of the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture.

‘SILENCE WITHIN ABUNDANT BIRDSONG’ seeks to celebrate fifty years since Manikata Church entered Malta’s churchscape. The iconic church, designed by Richard England, has long been considered a highlight in Malta’s modernist architectural heritage.

The exhibiting artists explore their connection to Manikata’s site, its surrounding landscape, and the sacredness of the space through sculpture, photography, and music.

“The church is a space of silence. Its threshold attempts to mask the sound of its outside. Whilst an abundant birdsong hovers around its walls, the architect sees potential in conserving its absence,” writes curator Andrew Borg Wirth.

The exhibition invites contemplation of the sacred through silence — an immersive reflection on space, nature, and spiritual stillness.

As Prof. Richard England notes in the catalogue: “The intangible problem in designing a sacred building is that you are measuring against the immeasurable. Above all what is required is to create loci of meditative silence, prayer and mystic.”

The exhibition’s accompanying catalogue features contributions by Chris Abel, Ann Dingli, Prof. Joe Friggieri, Ella Fleri Soler, Elyse Tonna, Prof. Maria Frendo, and Anthony Bonnici, offering deeper insight into the themes and context of the show.

The exhibition is supported by APS Bank, The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, R Lautier The Natural Stone Workshop, and Spades Wines & Spirits.

A special book launch will also be held on 10th April 2025 from 6pm to 9pm at the Malta Society of Arts.

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