Malta’s Art & Identity: Lecture Series at St John’s Co-Cathedral

In the heart of Valletta, the grandeur of St John’s Co-Cathedral stands as a silent sentinel, its ornate interior hiding countless stories waiting to be told. This autumn, the cathedral is set to become a hub of intellectual discourse as it hosts a lecture series exploring the intricate relationship between art, memory, and identity.

Kicking off on the 26th of September, the series, titled ‘Art, Memory, Identity: Exploring Malta’s Heritage’, is a collaboration between St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and the University of Malta. It promises to look the rich mix Malta’s history, unravelling the threads of memory and identity woven into the island’s artistic heritage.

The series will commence with a lecture by Dr Kenneth Cassar, exploring the role of art in preserving and shaping collective memory. Dr Cassar, an art historian at the University of Malta, will discuss how artworks in St John’s Co-Cathedral and other Maltese historical sites have served as visual chronicles of the island’s past.

From the intricate frescoes adorning the cathedral’s oratory to the monumental paintings in the Grand Master’s Palace, Malta’s artistic heritage is a tangible link to its history. Yet, as Dr Cassar notes, “Art is not merely a reflection of the past, but also a means of interpreting and shaping it.”

The subsequent lectures will explore how Malta’s identity has evolved through the centuries, as reflected in its art. Dr Maria Grazia Cassar will discuss the influence of the Knights of St John on Maltese art, while Dr Anthony Vella will look the impact of British rule on the island’s cultural scene.

Dr Vella, an expert in Maltese cultural history, notes that “Malta’s identity is a palimpsest, with each historical period leaving its mark, sometimes overwriting, sometimes complementing what came before.” This lecture series aims to peel back those layers, offering insights into the complex interplay of influences that have shaped Malta’s identity.

Other lectures in the series will explore more contemporary themes, such as the role of art in Malta’s post-independence narrative and the impact of globalisation on local artistic practices.

Each lecture will be followed by a Q&A session, encouraging audience participation and fostering a dialogue about Malta’s artistic and cultural heritage. The series is open to the public, with tickets available at the cathedral’s entrance.

Dr Mario Buhagiar, Director of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, invites everyone to “join us in this exploration of Malta’s rich artistic heritage. By understanding our past, we can better appreciate our present and shape our future.”