Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, surrounded by the humdrum of everyday life. Now, picture stepping into the grandeur of St John’s Co-Cathedral, where silence descends, and the air is thick with history. This is where the ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series is about to unfold, delving into the very soul of Maltese heritage.

A Cathedral of Stories

St John’s Co-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is no stranger to tales. Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, its walls echo with stories of chivalry, faith, and resilience. The lecture series, organized by the Malta Heritage Trust and the Valletta 2018 Foundation, aims to unravel these stories, one masterpiece at a time.

“St John’s Co-Cathedral is a treasure trove of art and history,” says Dr. Victor Mallia-Milanes, Director of the Malta Heritage Trust. “This lecture series is an opportunity to explore the artworks, understand their significance, and connect with our past.”

Art as a Mirror to Identity

The series kicks off with ‘The Art of Caravaggio’, exploring the controversial yet brilliant Italian artist who left an indelible mark on Maltese art. Subsequent lectures will look the works of local masters like Mattia Preti and Rembrandt’s influence on Maltese art. Each session promises to shed light on the artists’ techniques, their inspirations, and the cultural context that birthed these masterpieces.

“Art is not just about aesthetics,” says Dr. Kenneth Cassar, art historian and lecturer at the University of Malta. “It’s a reflection of the society that created it. Through these lectures, we’re not just looking at art; we’re looking at ourselves.”

Memory in Stone and Canvas

The lectures will also explore how art has shaped Maltese collective memory. From the grand tapestries depicting the Great Siege of Malta to the intricate stone carvings narrating biblical stories, art has been a medium through which Maltese people have remembered, understood, and passed down their history.

“Art is a form of collective memory,” says Dr. Mallia-Milanes. “It’s how we remember our past, understand our present, and imagine our future.”

The series will culminate in a guided tour of the cathedral, led by the lecturers themselves. It’s a chance to walk among the art, engage with the stories, and truly absorb the atmosphere of this extraordinary place.

So, if you’re curious about the art that shaped Malta, the history that shaped the art, and the identity that shaped it all, mark your calendars. The ‘Art, Memory, and Identity’ lecture series promises to be an enlightening journey through time, right in the heart of Valletta.