Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538544
'In-Naħa L-Oħra': New Muża exhibition spotlighting Francis Ebejer 3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 AUGUST 2025 CULTURE HERITAGE Malta has opened a new exhibition titled 'In-naħa l-oħra – Francis Ebejer il-pit- tur', celebrating the birth cen- tenary of one of Malta's most revered cultural figures. The exhibition, hosted in a new ex- hibition space at MUŻA – the National Community Art Mu- seum, in Valletta, runs till the 31st of August. Born in the rural village of Ħad-Dingli in 1925, Francis Ebejer is best known as a dis- tinguished playwright and nov- elist whose contributions in the sector – including novels, short stories, and plays that were published and performed in- ternationally – transformed the local scene. His work resonated deeply with the Maltese public, not only for its literary merit but also for the way it challenged conventions and gave voice to the evolving identity of post-war Malta. This new exhibition at MUŻA offers the public a chance to ex- plore a lesser known and deeply personal side of Francis Ebejer's creativity: his visual art. While Ebejer remains primarily cel- ebrated for his literary legacy, painting became an important form of expression for him, particularly in his later years. It provided him with a space for introspection and abstraction, complementing his literary work and allowing him to delve into themes of identity, mem- ory, and self-exploration in a completely different, yet equally expressive, medium. 'In-naħa l-oħra – Francis Ebe- jer il-pittur' brings together a curated selection of his visual works, including 14 art pieces – four recently acquired by the national collection and others generously loaned from his son Damian Ebejer's private collec- tion. Highlights include evoca- tive paintings such as 'Tal-Ħut (Fishwoman)' and 'Day's End on Southern Cliffs'. Personal artefacts like man- uscripts, posters, awards, and Ebejer's own typewriter, along- side a bronze bust by renowned sculptor Anton Agius, on loan from Spazju Kreattiv, also com- plement the display. This exhibition is supported by the Akkademja tal-Malti and the Department of Theatre Studies at the University of Malta – led by Prof. Marco Galea, and fea- tures footage from the Public Broadcasting Services' archives. During the opening event, Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and the Local Government, explained how: "Francis Ebejer was a giant in Malta's literature and art scene, who left an invaluable legacy in writing and painting. His works, both on stage and on canvas, reflect the social and cultural changes of our country in a pro- found and artistic way." "Today, we remember and honour him through this exhibi- tion which brings out his artis- tic side. I wholeheartedly thank each person who contributed to this initiative," he concluded saying. Mario Cutajar, Chairman of Heritage Malta and MUŻA's Director, remarked: "This exhi- bition presents Francis Ebejer in a new way, by showing him as a painter and not only as one of the leading writers in Mal- tese literature. It is fitting that on the 100th anniversary of his birth, the Maltese people look at Ebejer in a more holistic way, in all his art. MUŻA wants to give such opportunities because it aspires to celebrate artists from every angle – their creativity, views, thoughts and aspirations. It presents a space where artists have their say. MUŻA was born to involve the community, and it aspires to be at one with it, in- cluding in the initiatives being taken to make MUŻA an elevat- ed experience." Entrance to this exhibition is part and parcel of the regular admission ticket of the muse- um, which opens daily from 10:00 till 18:00. An illustrated catalogue is also available, free of charge. For more information visit https://heritagemalta.mt/ whats- on/in-naha-l-ohra-fran- cis-ebejer-il-pittur/. This new exhibition at MUŻA offers the public a chance to explore a lesser known and deeply personal side of Francis Ebejer's creativity: his visual art