Malta’s St John’s Co-Cathedral Explores Art, Memory & Identity

In the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital city, stands the grand St John’s Co-Cathedral. This architectural gem, with its ornate Baroque interior, is about to reveal more than just its artistic splendor. Starting this month, it hosts a lecture series that delves into the intersection of art, memory, and identity, promising to shed new light on the cathedral’s rich history and Malta’s cultural heritage.

The lecture series, titled ‘Art Unveiled: A Journey Through Time’, is a collaboration between St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and the University of Malta’s Department of History of Art and Culture. It aims to explore the cathedral’s artworks, their historical context, and the stories they tell about Malta’s past.

Kicking off on the 23rd of September, the series will take attendees on a chronological journey through the cathedral’s art, from its 16th-century origins to the present day. Each lecture will be led by a specialist in the field, offering insights into the art, the artists, and the cultural climate that shaped them.

But this is more than just an art history lesson. The series seeks to explore the role of art in shaping collective memory and identity. How do these artworks, many of which depict religious themes, reflect Malta’s historical and cultural identity? How have they influenced, and been influenced by, the island’s social and political scene?

Dr. Rossella Selmi, the series’ coordinator and a lecturer in the Department of History of Art and Culture, explains, “Art is not just about aesthetics. It’s a mirror to society, reflecting our values, beliefs, and collective memory. Through this lecture series, we want to explore how St John’s Co-Cathedral, and its art, have shaped and been shaped by Malta’s identity.”

St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its grand altarpiece by Mattia Preti and intricate stone carvings, is no stranger to transformation. From a simple church to a co-cathedral, from a place of worship to a museum, its role has evolved over centuries. This lecture series is another chapter in that story, transforming the cathedral into a space for learning, reflection, and dialogue.

For those interested, the lectures will be held at the cathedral itself, allowing attendees to engage with the art and history in situ. The series will run monthly until June 2023, offering a unique opportunity to explore Malta’s cultural heritage in depth.