In the heart of Valletta, at the entrance of the Church of St. Catherine of Italy, stands a crucifix unlike any other. It’s not the traditional wooden figure you’d expect, but a sleek, minimalist sculpture in corten steel. This modern take on a centuries-old symbol is the work of Maltese artist Alexia Pace, and it’s just one example of how local sculptors are reimagining the crucifix for the 21st century.

The crucifix has been a staple of Christian art for centuries, its iconography deeply rooted in tradition. Yet, Maltese sculptors are pushing boundaries, experimenting with materials and forms to create contemporary interpretations that challenge conventional norms. Pace’s steel crucifix, for instance, eschews the familiar figure of Christ for a stylized, abstract representation.

This shift is not isolated. Walk around Malta’s churches and public spaces, and you’ll find crucifixes that defy convention. At the Mdina Cathedral, you’ll see a bronze crucifix by Anton Agius, its elongated proportions and textured surface offering a fresh perspective on the traditional form. In the small town of Qrendi, a corten steel crucifix by Joe Caruana stands tall, its rusted patina a stark contrast to the whitewashed church facade.

One of the most striking aspects of these modern crucifixes is their use of unconventional materials. Steel, bronze, and even recycled materials are replacing wood and marble. For Pace, steel was a natural choice. “It’s a strong, durable material that can withstand the elements,” she explains. “But it also has a certain coldness, austerity even, that I wanted to explore in relation to the crucifix.”

Caruana, on the other hand, favors corten steel for its weathering properties. “I like how it changes over time,” he says. “It’s a living material, constantly evolving, much like our understanding of faith.”

These modern crucifixes are not just aesthetic experiments. They’re also expressions of faith, and catalysts for dialogue. They challenge us to question our perceptions of the sacred, to engage with our faith in new ways. Pace sees her crucifix as a starting point for conversation. “I want people to look at it and think, discuss, question,” she says.

Father Mark Sultana, a Maltese priest and theologian, welcomes this dialogue. “Art has always been a way of expressing and exploring our faith,” he says. “These modern crucifixes are no different. They’re a sign of the times, reflecting our contemporary understanding of the sacred.”

Despite the controversy that sometimes surrounds modern interpretations of religious art, Maltese sculptors continue to experiment. Upcoming projects include a recycled plastic crucifix by Lisa Falzon and a light installation byustin Falzon that will transform the traditional Good Friday procession into a contemporary spectacle.

As Malta’s art scene evolves, so too does its religious art. These modern crucifixes are not just sculptures; they’re symbols of a changing faith, a faith that’s open to dialogue, to questioning, to growth. They’re a testament to the power of art to challenge, to inspire, to transform.