Exploring Art, Memory & Identity at St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, surrounded by the hum of daily life. Now, step into the hushed grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where the air is thick with history and the walls whisper tales of art, faith, and power. This is where the ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series begins, an intellectual odyssey that promises to illuminate the masterpieces that adorn these hallowed walls and look the very soul of Maltese identity.

A Symphony of Art and History

St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a Baroque marvel designed by the renowned architect Gerolamo Cassar, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living museum, a testament to Malta’s rich history and a canvas for some of Europe’s most renowned artists. The ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series, organized by the St. John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, invites us to explore this symphony of art and history, note by note.

The series kicks off with ‘The Art of Commemoration’, a deep dive into the cathedral’s ornate architecture and the stories it tells. From the grand entrance to the intricate stone carvings, every detail is a testament to Malta’s past, a collective memory etched in stone. Dr. Kenneth Cassar, a prominent art historian, will guide us through this architectural narrative, shedding light on the symbolism and the stories behind the grandeur.

Masterpieces Unveiled

The series continues with ‘The Art of Caravaggio’, a close encounter with the masterpieces that grace the Oratory. Here, in the dim light, Caravaggio’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro brings the biblical scenes to life, inviting us to engage with the divine in a deeply personal way. Dr. Silvana Muscat, an expert on Caravaggio’s Maltese period, will lead this exploration, helping us understand the artist’s genius and his impact on Maltese art.

But the series isn’t just about looking back. It’s also about looking within, about understanding how art shapes our identity. In ‘Art and Identity’, Dr. Maria Attard will explore how art has reflected and influenced Maltese identity over the centuries. From the Knights of St. John to the present day, art has been a mirror, a tool for self-expression, and a catalyst for change.

A Call to Engage

The ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series is more than just an intellectual exercise. It’s a call to engage, to question, and to understand. It’s an invitation to step into the past, to explore the present, and to imagine the future. It’s a reminder that art, in all its forms, is not just something to be admired from a distance. It’s something to be experienced, to be felt, to be lived.

So, mark your calendars, Valletta. The cathedral’s doors are open, and the masterpieces are waiting. The ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series begins on the 15th of October, and it promises to be a journey you won’t want to miss.