Unveiling the Canvas of Identity: Lecture Series at St John’s Co-Cathedral

Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, the sun casting a golden glow over the grand facade of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Now, picture yourself not just admiring its architectural splendor, but delving into the very soul of the building, exploring the intricate relationship between art, memory, and identity. This is precisely what the ‘Art, Memory, Identity’ lecture series promises, kicking off this October.

Art as a Mirror to Malta’s Past

Organized by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, this series aims to shed light on the cathedral’s rich history and its role in shaping Malta’s collective memory and identity. The lectures will explore the artworks that adorn its walls, each a testament to a different era, a different story.

Take, for instance, the famed ‘Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ by Caravaggio. Its dramatic lighting and intense narrative have captivated visitors for centuries. But what does it tell us about Malta’s past? About the society that commissioned it? These are the questions the lectures hope to unravel.

Memory Weaving: Local Histories and Global Connections

The series will also explore how Malta’s art has been influenced by, and in turn influenced, the wider world. From the Knights of St John who brought European artistic trends to the island, to the local artists who left their mark on the global art scene, the lectures will weave a mix local histories and global connections.

Consider the work of Maltese artist Esprit Barthet, whose paintings of Maltese landscapes and people can be found in institutions as far-flung as the Louvre and the Victoria and Albert Museum. His art is a testament to Malta’s unique position at the crossroads of cultures, a theme that will resonate throughout the series.

Identity in the Making:

The lectures will not just look the past, but also explore how art, memory, and identity intersect in contemporary Malta. They will ask: How do we, as a society, remember and interpret our past? How does our art reflect, and shape, our identity today?

In the words of Dr. Kenneth Cassar, Director of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, “This series is an invitation to look, to think, and to engage with our shared heritage. It’s about understanding where we come from, and how that shapes who we are, and who we want to be.”

So, mark your calendars. Starting this October, St John’s Co-Cathedral will not just be a place of worship, but a forum for ideas, a space for reflection, and a window into the very heart of Malta’s identity.