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 ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’, a captivating lecture series, is unfolding, delving into the very soul of Maltese heritage.

St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its ornate interior and stunning Caravaggio masterpieces, is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living museum, a testament to Malta’s rich history and a canvas for exploring the complex relationship between art, memory, and identity. The lecture series, organized by the Malta Tourism Authority and the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, is exploiting this unique setting to shed light on the island’s artistic heritage and its role in shaping Maltese identity.

The series kicked off with a fascinating lecture by Dr. Keith Sciberras, who explored the use of art as a means of remembrance and commemoration within the cathedral. From the intricate marble tombs of the Knights of St John to the ornate altarpieces, every piece tells a story, preserving memories of Malta’s past for future generations.

No discussion of Maltese art would be complete without delving into the work of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The troubled genius spent just three years in Malta, yet left an indelible mark on the island’s artistic scene. The lecture series has dedicated several sessions to exploring Caravaggio’s time in Malta and the impact of his work on local art and identity.

Dr. Kenneth Cassar, a renowned art historian, led a session focused on Caravaggio’s masterpiece, ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’. Housed in the cathedral’s Oratory, this powerful painting is a stark reminder of the Knights’ brutal methods of justice and their role in shaping Malta’s history. Through his lecture, Dr. Cassar invited attendees to consider the role of art in challenging and reinforcing power structures, inviting them to engage with the painting on a deeper level.

The lecture series isn’t just about looking back; it’s also about looking forward. Upcoming sessions will explore how Maltese identity has evolved over time, shaped by a complex interplay of art, culture, and historical events. From the island’s prehistoric temples to its contemporary street art, each session promises to offer fresh insights into what it means to be Maltese.

Dr. Maria Attard, a cultural anthropologist, will lead a session on ‘Maltese Identity in the 21st Century’. Drawing on her extensive research, she will explore how Maltese identity is evolving in the face of globalization, migration, and the challenges of the digital age. It’s a timely topic, inviting attendees to reflect on their own sense of identity and how it’s shaped by the world around them.

The lecture series is more than just an intellectual exercise. It’s a call to engage with Malta’s rich cultural heritage, to question, to explore, and to understand. It’s an invitation to step out of the bustle of Valletta’s streets and into the quiet grandeur of St John’s Co-Cathedral, to stand before a masterpiece and let it speak to you. Because art, memory, and identity aren’t just subjects for academic study. They’re the very fabric of our shared human experience.

“Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” – Pablo Picasso