Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544566
GOZO-BASED artist Austin Camilleri does not create work with the aim of being univer- sally liked. Rather, his practice is grounded in the idea that art should prompt questions and invite interpretation, an approach reflected in his latest work. The arrival of WIEĦED, a new sculpture by Camilleri at Ras ir-Reqqa on the outskirts of Żebbuġ in Gozo, has gen- erated a range of respons- es. While some view it as a meaningful addition to the island's cultur- al landscape, others have questioned its meaning and placement. Reactions on- line have varied. One comment- er wrote: "Maybe the artist could explain what he means with this sculp- ture. As it is, it's just a confusing form." Another remarked: "I can't make heads or tails of it." Others have taken a more p o s i t i v e view. One comment- er noted: "Whether one likes it or not is a mat- ter of individual taste. However, every piece of art has its place, and when it is in the right set- ting, it is better appreciated." WIEĦED, which translat- ed means "one," is one of four sculptures selected through an open call for Public Art in 2021 by the Ministry of Gozo. It then went on to be commissioned by the ministry in 2023. The sculpture hopes to "marks a bold intervention that re- thinks the relationship between monument, landscape, and cul- tural identity." Sitting down with GozoTo- day, Camilleri said that he had "no ambition," to aspire for grand things or to "take people to task." SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 24 APRIL 2026 • ISSUE 093 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday €1.00 CONTINUES PAGE 6 The horses of Xwejni provoke debate Tourist activity in Gozo and Comino accounts for over 40% of arrivals in early 2026 GOZO and Comino continued to attract a significant share of Malta's inbound tourism in the opening months of 2026, with more than four in ten visitors including the islands in their travel plans. In February 2026 alone, a to- tal of 103,579 tourists visited Gozo and Comino, account- ing for 41.6% of all inbound tourists for the month. This figure includes both same-day and overnight visitors. LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt WIEHED, a new sculpture at Ras ir-Reqqa on the outskirts of Zebbug in Gozo (Photo: Sean Mallia). Inset: Gozitan artist Austin Camilleri CONTINUES PAGE 6