Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536520
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 18 JUNE 2025 CULTURE Smuggler: Eric Kaiser's artistic exploration of Malta THE National Community Art Museum, MUZA, in Valletta, is set to host Smug- gler, a solo exhibition by French artist Er- ic Kaiser, from June 20 to July 27, 2025. The exhibition features over 50 paintings reflecting Kaiser's artistic journey since relocating to Malta in 2022. At the heart of Smuggler is the recur- ring motif of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), a plant that, despite being non-native, has become deeply embedded in Malta's landscape and identity. For Kaiser, this symbol of resilience and adaptation mirrors his own experience of integrating into a new cultural environment. If at first, the painter's subject consists of still-lives made of personal domestic "archives", his works move on reinterpreting clas- sical and historical paintings, and por- traits by layering them with cactus im- agery, offering fresh perspectives on tradition and contemporary life. The exhibition includes distinct series such as Cactus Still-life Religious, where everyday objects replace sacred figures in classical compositions, questioning the intersection of spirituality and con- sumerism. Cactus Botanic elevates the plant itself as a subject of artistic study, while Cactus Faces and Ghost Cactus blend art history with Kaiser's signature motif. His reinterpretations of works from MUZA's collection, including pieces by Guido Reni, Guiseppe Ver- miglio, Stefano Erardi and Mattia Preti, bridge past and present through bold visual experimentation. With Smuggler, Kaiser presents a vi- brant and thought-provoking dialogue between old and new, inviting audienc- es to see Maltese heritage through an imaginative and playful lens. The exhibition runs at the Camerone, MUZA, from June 20th to July 27th 2025. Openning hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays till Sundays from 09:00 till 16:30. Ella Henderson to perform at Isle of MTV Malta 2025 MTV today announced Ella Henderson as its final headliner for Isle of MTV Malta 2025. The festival will take place in Malta's Il-fosos Square on 15th July, with previously announced headliners ALOK and Damiano David. Addition- ally set to perform is Maltese star Mir- iana Conte. With over 3 billion streams and 10 UK Top 10 singles, British musician El- la Henderson has garnered widespread acclaim over her career. Since bursting onto the global music scene with her #1 debut "Ghost" - which was the fastest selling debut single by any British art- ist that year - Ella has become a 4-time BRIT Award and Ivor Novello nominee. She has collaborated with some of the world's biggest artists including David Guetta, Becky Hill, Rudimental, Jax Jones and fellow Isle of MTV headliner Alok. Alongside her Isle of MTV Malta performance, Ella is headlining several UK festivals this summer, and will join OneRepublic on their European tour later this year. Maltese singer Miriana Conte is famed on the island for her electrifying perfor- mances that push the boundaries vocal- ly and visually. Most recently, Miriana represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest, with her track "Serving Kant" becoming a viral sensation. Over its 16 editions, Isle of MTV Mal- ta has brought tens of thousands of mu- sic fans to the square every year to enjoy show-stopping performances from the world's biggest stars, including Alesso, Ava Max, David Guetta, Jessie J, La- dy Gaga, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, N.E.R.D, Nelly Furtado, OneRepublic, RAYE, Rita Ora, Scissor Sisters, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Grennan. The event will broadcast on MTV in- ternationally on 13thSeptember, 2025 in more than 150 countries, and will livestream on @MTV social channels, plus Pluto TV on 15thJuly. Additionally, the show will be available on-demand on Paramount+ at a later date. The festival is part of Isle of MTV Malta Music Week, a series of club nights and parties across the hottest venues on the island from 15th-20th July. Tickets for Isle of MTV Malta are availa- ble now viawww.isleofmtv.com. Follow @IsleOfMTV on Facebook, Insta- gram, Twitter and TikTok to keep up with the latest news from the event. Left to right: Ella Henderson and Miriana Conte