Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1183404
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 NOVEMBER 2019 7 CULTURE THE first in a series of publi- cations dedicated to a theoret- ical reassessment of modern art, The Unreality of Realism offers a critical analysis of Re- alism as manifested in nine- teenth and twentieth-century art. Beginning with the premise that the study of art history is an inquiry into power mecha- nisms, and hence also the re- lationship between truth and power, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci examines a myriad of canonical positions that have framed the history of modern art. This book debates the topic of Realism as an art historical category from a theoretical and philosophical perspective. It contextualises interna- tional and Maltese modern art in a broad geographi- cal and temporal framework with comparative strength, and unveils compelling asso- ciations between artists and artworks. The Unreality of Realism continues on Schembri Bona- ci's previous scholarly work in a bolder and more extensive manner. The author provides a revi- sion of former arguments and posits novel ones to invoke a frank dialogue on the versatil- ity of artistic and intellectual concepts and their evolution across space and time. Maltese Modern Art Series: History & Theory Volume 1 The Unreality of Realism Books Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci TODAY, Heritage Malta in collabo- ration with Battlefront Re-enactment Group, is commemorating two impor- tant events – the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War and the 101 anniversary of Remember- ance Day 11.11.1918 – at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum in Val- letta. The outbreak of the Second World War took place when Nazi Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939. Although Malta formed part of the Brit- ish Empire, the islands weren't on the front-line until Fascist Italy declared war on the Allies on the 10th June, 1940. During the early morning of the fol- lowing day, the first enemy bombers appeared over Malta, where a stick of bombs fell on the Cavalier of Fort St. Elmo, killing six Royal Malta Artillery soldiers, including Boy Busuttil. Every 11 November, Malta, Britain and the Commonwealth countries, pay tribute to the fallen servicemen and ci- vilians of the two world wars. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Empire and Dominions. It was originally called "Armistice Day" to commemorate the agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, 11th November, 1918, at 11.00am; that is on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. A number of activities will be organ- ised during the day. The programme is as follows: 9.15am – 10.30pm: Patrols and drill practice; 1100am: Remembrance drill, moment of silence; 11.30am - 1.30pm: Equipment and weapon showcase for the public, clean- ing and maintenance of items in a his- torical manner 3.30pm - 4.30pm: Re-enactment, air raid siren played by a member of the Air Raid Precautions (ARP), talk about ARP behaviour/Role and their equip- ment and relation to civilians, firing of weapons. Price is €5 per person. Last admission is at 4.30pm. For more information, visit www.her- itagemalta.org Commemorations at Fort St Elmo and National War Museum