Malta Biennale: Where Art Meets Identity

Picture this: the sun dipping below the ancient walls of Valletta, casting a warm glow over the Grandmaster’s Palace. The city’s usually bustling streets are a little quieter, but there’s an undercurrent of anticipation. Why? Because the Malta Biennale is about to open its doors once again.

The Malta Biennale, held every two years, is more than just an art exhibition. It’s a celebration of our island’s unique identity, a chance to explore what it means to belong to this little slice of the Mediterranean. This year’s edition, titled ‘Resilience’, promises to look the heart of what makes us Maltese, and how we’ve weathered the storms – both literal and metaphorical – that have shaped our culture.

Resilience. It’s a word that’s become synonymous with Malta in recent years. From withstanding the Great Siege to bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic, our resilience is etched into the very fabric of our islands. The Malta Biennale, under the artistic direction of Dr. Hilda Tagiuri, seeks to explore this spirit through the lens of contemporary art.

“Resilience is not just about surviving,” says Dr. Tagiuri. “It’s about thriving, about finding beauty and strength in the face of adversity. That’s what we want to showcase at this year’s Biennale.”

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Art in Unexpected Places

The Biennale isn’t confined to the walls of a gallery. It spills out onto the streets, into historic buildings, and even underwater. Yes, you read that right. This year, you can expect to find art installations in some of Malta’s most iconic locations, from the ancient streets of Mdina to the modernist architecture of the City Gate in Valletta.

One of the standout pieces is set to be ‘Submerged’, an underwater installation by Maltese artistustin Grech. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Hole in Gozo to witness this unique blend of art and nature. It’s a reminder that our resilience isn’t just about surviving on land; it’s about protecting and preserving our underwater world too.

The Biennale isn’t just about resilience; it’s about belonging. What does it mean to be Maltese in the 21st century? How have our identities evolved over time, and how do we navigate the complex mix cultures that make up our islands today?

Artist and curator Evarist Bartolo’s piece, ‘The Maltese Identity: A Work in Progress’, aims to tackle these questions head-on. Through a series of interviews and oral histories, Bartolo will present a snapshot of Maltese identity today, highlighting the diversity and richness of our cultural scene.

The Malta Biennale runs from October 21 to November 20, 2022. With over 100 artists from Malta and beyond showcasing their work, there’s plenty to see and do. So, mark your calendars, grab your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the heart of our islands through the lens of art.

As Dr. Tagiuri puts it, “The Biennale is a chance for us to look at ourselves, to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s about celebrating our resilience, our belonging, and our shared humanity. And that’s something worth experiencing.”