Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541988
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 DECEMBER 2025 CULTURE Giorgio Preca painting donated to the Malta Society of Arts AN oil painting by renowned Maltese modernist Giorgio Pre- ca was formally donated to the Malta Society of Arts (MSA) on Wednesday 10 November at the Society's historic premises, Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta. The work was presented in per- son by the artist's son, Massimo Preca, who travelled to Malta specifically for the occasion. The painting, titled Yellow Vase, Sauce Boat and Bottle, was re- ceived by the MSA's Acting Pres- ident, Roderick Camilleri. The donation follows the MSA's recent exhibition Still Life, Life Still, which presented works by Giorgio Preca along- side contemporary artist Ryan Falzon. Several of Preca's paint- ings were exhibited during the show, which was curated by Gi- ulia Privitelli, reaffirming his en- during relevance within Malta's artistic landscape. Massimo Preca expressed his satisfaction at entrusting the work to the MSA. "It gives us great joy to donate this painting to an organisation of such his- torical significance as the Mal- ta Society of Arts, of which my father was also a member," he says. "We would like to thank the MSA for the well-attended exhibition held last August and September, and we are pleased to entrust this work to an in- stitution that has consistently supported and celebrated my father's contribution to modern art." Roderick Camilleri welcomed the gift on behalf of the Society, emphasising its cultural signif- icance. "Giorgio Preca was one of the leading pioneers of early twentieth-century modern art in Malta, and he occupies a founda- tional place in the development of Maltese modernism," notes Camilleri. "We are honoured to welcome this important work into our collection, and we will remain committed to preserv- ing it and presenting it with the utmost care. This donation also highlights the significance of Still Life, Life Still, and our rewarding collaboration with Massimo and his team sets a positive prece- dent for future partnerships." Painted in 1963, Yellow Vase, Sauce Boat and Bottle (oil on canvas, 60 × 50 cm), forms part of a series of still lifes in which Pre- ca expanded his exploration of abstraction. Through simplified, distilled forms, the objects take on an almost metaphysical pres- ence. The ceramics were chosen from those the artist habitually selected for his compositions, serving as both representational subjects and as vehicles for au- tonomous aesthetic expression. A restrained yet expressive pal- ette enhances the sculptural quality of the objects, while the deep-toned background height- ens their luminosity. The inter- play of light and form lends the work a strong sense of plasticity even while maintaining a delib- erate two-dimensionality. The painting was first exhibited at Galleria Stagni in Rome in 1964. Giorgio Preca, born in Valletta in 1909, is widely recognised as a pioneer of Maltese modernism. After studying at the Malta Gov- ernment School of Art and the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, he held his first exhibition at the Auberge d'Italie, later the National Museum of Fine Arts. During his time in Rome, he ex- hibited alongside leading figures such as Balla, Severini and Afro. A longstanding member of the Malta Society of Arts, having joined in 1939, he regularly par- ticipated in its exhibitions. His groundbreaking 1948 exhibition at The Phoenicia Malta is con- sidered by many art historians to mark the beginning of Maltese modernism. In 1952, Preca became Presi- dent of the Modern Art Group and honorary president of Atel- ier '56, and in 1953 was elected President of the Malta Cultur- al Institute. He introduced a modern approach to religious imagery in Malta and contin- ued pushing his style towards surrealism and abstraction, no- tably in works such as his Alien Series. His international impact is reflected in exhibitions at the Venice Biennale (1958) and at the Commonwealth Institute Art Gallery in London (1966). Preca remained dedicated to ar- tistic experimentation through- out his life, making an enduring contribution to Malta's artistic heritage. "This donation not only en- riches the Malta Society of Arts' growing collection, but also strengthens its ongoing commit- ment to safeguarding Malta's ar- tistic legacy," adds Camilleri. "By welcoming this important work by Giorgio Preca, the MSA con- tinues to honour the artists who shaped the country's cultural identity while fostering new dia- logues between past and present for generations to come." For more details about the Malta Society of Arts please vis- it www.artsmalta.org or www. facebook.com/maltasocietyo- farts. The painting, titled Yellow Vase, Sauce Boat and Bottle, was received by the MSA's Acting President, Roderick Camilleri Giorgio Preca in Valletta