Unveiling The Legacy Of Sculptor And Bronzesmith Joseph Chetcuti At MUŻA
A landmark exhibition showcasing the extraordinary life and work of the late Maltese artist Joseph Chetcuti is on show right now at Valletta’s MUŻA.
The National Museum is currently showing the most extensive collection of Chetcuti’s works ever presented to the public.
Curated by Lisa Gwen, this exceptional presentation will mark the fourth anniversary of the artist’s passing. This exhibition marks Gwen’s first foray into curating an exhibition centered on three-dimensional works and her first show at MUŻA.
“Joseph Chetcuti was not only ‘il-brunżar’, but he was also an artist in his own right, whose contribution to the artistic landscape in Malta was and still is, considerable,” Gwen explained.
Life class at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence, circa 1983
Chetcuti, who was known primarily for his work in the Foundry and his design of public artworks and monuments, rarely exhibited his pieces during his lifetime. His singular solo exhibition occurred during Notte Bianca back in 2014.
This new exhibition, which has been in preparation for over two years, aims to shed light on the depth of Chetcuti’s contribution to Malta’s artistic landscape.
'The two Rebeccas', presented in both plaster and bronze.
The unique presentation has transformed the Camerone at MUŻA into a three-part narrative that radiates from the center outwards.
The central focus is a poignant series of portraits, flanked on one side by an array of maquettes and monuments designed for public display, and on the other, by a deeply human exploration of the body.
Beyond the art itself, the presentation strives to give visitors a sense of who Chetcuti was as an individual. The exhibition is imbued with personal touches such as Chetcuti’s spectacles, favorite books, pencil case, and toolbox.
Items from the Funderija, including a casting ladle, bronze ingots and their molds, and a crucible, are also on display.
Joseph at the Malta Government School of Art, circa 2013
Supported by Heritage Malta, the exhibition is open to the public from May 19th to June 25th.
Photo Credits: Therese Debono
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