Explore Art, Memory & Identity at St John’s Co-Cathedral Lecture Series

Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the grand facade of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Now, picture yourself not just admiring the Baroque masterpiece from the outside, but delving into its rich history and the stories it holds, one lecture at a time. This is exactly what’s in store for you this autumn, as the Art, Memory, and Identity lecture series takes you on a journey through art, history, and the very soul of Malta.

The lecture series, organized by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, is a trilogy of thought-provoking sessions that explore the intricate relationship between art, memory, and identity. Kicking off on the 12th of October, the series will take place in the cathedral’s Oratory, a space as rich in history as it is in beauty.

Each lecture is a standalone exploration, allowing you to pick and choose which sessions to attend, or commit to the entire series for a comprehensive journey. The first lecture, Memory and the Making of Malta, will look the ways in which Maltese history has been shaped and remembered through art. Dr. Kenneth Gambin, an expert in Maltese art history, will guide you through the ages, from the prehistoric temples to the present day.

The second lecture, The Art of Remembering: Maltese Art and the Great Siege, will focus on the pivotal role that art played during the Great Siege of 1565. Dr. Anthony Vella, a historian specializing in the period, will explore how art was used to commemorate the siege and solidify Malta’s identity as a fortress against the Ottoman Empire.

The trilogy concludes with Identity and the Art of the Present, a lecture that brings us into the 21st century. Dr. Mark M. Galea, an art historian and critic, will discuss the role of contemporary Maltese art in shaping and challenging our collective identity. From the vibrant street art of Valletta’s streets to the thought-provoking installations in local galleries, this lecture promises to be a timely exploration of where we stand today.

But the lecture series is more than just a series of talks. It’s a community of thought, a gathering of minds eager to engage with the past, present, and future of Maltese art and identity. Each lecture will be followed by a Q&A session, offering you the chance to ask questions, share your thoughts, and discuss your interpretations with the speakers and fellow attendees.

And if you’re worried about missing out on any of the insights, fear not. Each lecture will be followed by a publication in the St John’s Co-Cathedral Journal, ensuring that the thoughts and ideas shared during the series will continue to inspire and inform long after the final lecture has ended.

So, whether you’re an art enthusiast eager to deepen your understanding, a history buff looking to explore a new angle, or simply someone curious about the stories that shape our collective identity, the Art, Memory, and Identity lecture series is an opportunity not to be missed. Tickets are available online, and with prices starting at just €10 for a single lecture, there’s no excuse not to join in the conversation.

As you stand in the heart of Valletta, looking up at St John’s Co-Cathedral, remember that you are not just a spectator to history. You are a part of it. Your presence, your thoughts, your questions – they all contribute to the ever-evolving mix Malta’s story. So, join the conversation. Share your thoughts. Let’s explore our art, our memory, and our identity together.