Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536039
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 JUNE 2025 ART New bronze monument unveiled at St James hospital entrance MALTESE artist and designer Chris Ebejer has completed a new bronze monument that now graces the entrance of St James Hospital in Buleben, limits of Zejtun, offering a powerful sym- bol of compassion, healing, and serenity. The monumental sculpture, crafted in Ebejer's signature style with contemporary sensi- tivity, depicts a graceful robed figure—its open arms and se- rene expression evoking peace and welcome. The work reflects Ebejer's deep understanding of the human condition and his commitment to public art that resonates with spiritual and emotional depth. Creating this piece for St James Hospital was an emo- tional and artistic journey," said Ebejer who has been work- ing on this big artistic project. Hospital director Dr. Josie Muscat expressed with me his wish to install at the entrance square of the Saint James Hos- pital a statue representing our Lady which initially was pro- jected in the plans when the hospital was being build. The figure represents a guiding presence for healing, comfort, and hope. I wanted people walking into the hospital to feel accompanied by the presence of Virgin Mary and cared for." The sculpture is cast in bronze, a material long associ- ated with timeless strength and endurance. Ebejer created this sculpture in the studio in Tus- cany and worked closely super- vising a team of Italian artisans to materialise this timeless work in Bronze. The marble pedestal and surrounding land- scape for the bronze monu- ment were also thoughtfully designed by Ebejer to comple- ment the sculpture's serene presence. The pedestal carved from three solid blocks of mar- ble features clean lines with an embracing shape, subtly ele- vating the figure without over- powering it whilst it has gentle curves to echo the flow of the statue's embracing arms creat- ing a seamless visual transition from base to figure. The artist incorporated the monument into a new designed entrance with surrounding landscape in- cludes low greenery and a car- pet paving pattern that draws visitors inward, encouraging quiet reflection and creating a harmonious, welcoming en- trance to St James Hospital. The monument now wel- comes patients, visitors, and staff at the hospital's main en- trance, becoming an instant landmark and point of reflec- tion. Archbishop Charles J. Sciclu- na blessed the monument. Chris Ebejer, whose works are displayed in public spaces of notable mention as Mechanical spring in Changchung China, The Mater Dei monument at the main Hospital and MUT monument in Foriana and the bronze doors at Montecristo estates. His works are found in numerous private collec- tions worldwide. In 2021 he was given an artistic award in Troina for his artistic merits and his work acquired for the new contemporary museum. He continues to shape the cul- tural and emotional landscapes of Malta through his powerful visual storytelling. Maltese artist and designer Chris Ebeje working on the monument