Explore Art, Memory & Identity at St John’s Co-Cathedral
Unveiling Masterpieces: St John’s Co-Cathedral Hosts Lecture Series on Art, Memory, and Identity
Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, gazing up at the grand facade of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Now, picture yourself stepping inside, not just to marvel at the opulent Baroque interior, but to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the art that adorns its walls, the memories it holds, and the identity it reflects. This is exactly what’s in store for you this autumn, as the cathedral kicks off a fascinating lecture series.
Art in Conversation: The Lecture Series
The ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series, organised by St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation in collaboration with the University of Malta, aims to shed light on the cathedral’s rich artistic heritage and its role in shaping Malta’s collective memory and identity. Kicking off on the 18th of October, the series will look the stories behind the masterpieces that have turned the cathedral into a veritable museum of art.
The first lecture, ‘The Making of a Masterpiece: Caravaggio’s ‘Beheading of Saint John”, will explore the dramatic history behind one of the cathedral’s most famous paintings. Dr Kenneth Cassar, an art historian and expert on Caravaggio, will guide attendees through the creation of this iconic work, which was painted by the Italian master during his brief stay in Malta in the late 16th century.
From Caravaggio to Contemporary Art
The series will also explore more recent additions to the cathedral’s collection. In ‘Art and Devotion: Contemporary Art in St John’s Co-Cathedral’, Dr Mark Mifsud Bonnici will discuss the role of contemporary art in a historic setting, focusing on the cathedral’s ongoing commissioning of modern and contemporary artworks.
Other lectures in the series will explore the cathedral’s role in Malta’s religious and national identity, its architectural evolution, and the stories behind its many artworks. Each lecture promises to offer fresh insights into the cathedral’s rich history and its place in Malta’s cultural scene.
Practical Information
Lectures will be held in the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral, starting at 7 pm. Tickets are €5 per lecture or €20 for the full series, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. For more information and to book your place, visit the St John’s Co-Cathedral website.
So, why not spend an evening delving into the fascinating world of art, history, and identity? It’s a unique opportunity to engage with one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks in a whole new way. As Dr Kenneth Cassar puts it, ‘Art has the power to connect us with our past, to reflect our present, and to inspire our future. This lecture series is a chance to explore that power in one of Malta’s most remarkable settings.’
