Art, Memory, and Identity: Exploring Masterpieces at St John’s Co-Cathedral

Imagine standing before Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, the vibrant colours and dramatic scene unfolding before your eyes. Now, picture delving deeper into this masterpiece, exploring the artist’s techniques, the historical context, and the personal stories it evokes. This is precisely what the ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series, held at the grandeur of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, promises.

The series, organised by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, aims to shed light on the artworks adorning the cathedral’s walls, and the stories they tell about Malta’s history and identity. “Art is not just about aesthetics,” explains Dr. Kenneth Cassar, the foundation’s director. “It’s a reflection of the society that created it, a mirror to its history, culture, and identity.”

The lectures, held in English, cater to both locals and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Malta’s rich artistic heritage. The first lecture, ‘Caravaggio in Malta: The Art of Subversion’, explored the Italian master’s controversial yet influential works in Malta, including ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’.

The series continues with ‘The Art of Mattia Preti’, delving into the work of another Italian artist who left his mark on Malta. Born in Rome, Preti spent much of his career in Malta, his works adorning the cathedral’s oratory. The final lecture, ‘Contemporary Art in Malta: Where Are We Now?’, will look at the local art scene today, asking where it’s been and where it’s headed.

Each lecture is accompanied by a guided tour of the cathedral, allowing participants to see the art up close and personal. The tours, led by knowledgeable guides, offer insights into the cathedral’s architecture and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the art and its context.

For Dr. Cassar, the lecture series is about more than just art appreciation. It’s about engaging with Malta’s heritage, understanding its past, and shaping its future. “We want to create a dialogue,” he says. “We want people to ask questions, to think critically, to connect the dots between art, history, and identity.”

And it’s not just about the past. The series also looks to the future, encouraging participants to consider their own role in shaping Malta’s artistic identity. As Dr. Cassar puts it, “Art is not something that just happens. It’s something we create, something we participate in. And that’s what we want people to take away from these lectures.”