Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546491
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 ART MSA Members' annual exhibition to open at the Malta Society of Arts KIND | STRANGE | BEAU- TIFUL will feature an array of artworks produced in dif- ferent media, including paint- ing, sculpture, photography, ceramics, printmaking and mixed media – the variety giv- ing rise to a rich visual con- versation that celebrates im- agination, technical skill and diverse artistic voices. Visitors will move between the familiar and the unexpected, encoun- tering moments of strong con- trast as well as quieter affini- ties. Rather than presenting a single, linear narrative, the exhibition invites visitors to explore freely, make their own connections, and consider — or perhaps challenge — their understanding of what may be described as "kind, strange or beautiful". The curator Prof. Charlene Vella, from the Department of Art and Art History at the Uni- versity of Malta, says: "In this project, curation played an es- sential role in transforming a broad and highly varied body of submissions into a coherent ex- hibition. The process involved not only selecting the works, but also considering how they might speak to one anoth- er through subject, medium, colour, scale, technique and mood." Vella's aim was there- fore "to respect each artist's individuality while establishing meaningful relationships and a sense of rhythm throughout the galleries." She notes that "The exhibition does not pro- mote a single artistic style; in- stead, it allows many different voices to coexist within a care- fully considered whole", in line with the spirit of the MSA's mission, as also represented by the varied Artistic Programme and courses on offer. The title, KIND | STRANGE | BEAUTIFUL, provides a loose interpretative framework where the ideas are "deliber- ately porous: something beau- tiful may also be strange, while kindness, humanity or tender- ness may be expressed in unex- pected ways." Vella hopes that the exhibition will encourage viewers to question such dis- tinctions. The exhibition offers an en- gaging snapshot of the creativi- ty found within the Malta Soci- ety of Arts' membership today. It brings together a remarkable range of artistic voices, from established practitioners to emerging artists and individu- als who may be exhibiting their work publicly for the first time. For Vella in fact, "The partic- ipation of younger artists was one of the principal reasons I accepted the invitation to curate this exhibition. I was particularly interested in dis- covering what a new genera- tion is creating, what concerns occupy them and how they are approaching both traditional and contemporary media." She notes that the exhibition also includes international artists residing in Malta, alongside practitioners who have recent- ly relocated to the islands af- ter exhibiting or studying fine arts abroad. Their presence introduces different experi- ences and perspectives into the local artistic conversation. Vella is sensitive to the nature of a members' exhibition as "reflect[ing] the vitality of an artistic community", where al- though each work retains indi- viduality, different generations speak to each other, and there is a strong collective and com- munal dimension. Vella comments on what vis- itors can expect from the exhi- bition: "Visitors can therefore expect to encounter works that are technically accom- plished, emotionally resonant, thought-provoking and, at times, surprising." Vella draws our attention to the exhibition space itself: "The venue itself provides an- other compelling reason to visit. Palazzo de La Salle is one of Valletta's most beautiful his- toric buildings, and its restored interiors and interconnected galleries greatly enhance the experience of the works on display." She points out that the Art Galleries, with their parquet floors, decorated ceil- ings and historic architectural details, provide "an exception- al setting for art", and that considerable care and invest- ment have gone into adapting these spaces for exhibitions, including installing the appro- priate lighting for displaying artworks. "Both the exhibition and the building deserve to be experienced in person." The Malta Society of Arts has been supporting artistic edu- cation and practice for almost 175 years. Vella comments on its historical and continuing role: "Its history is closely in- tertwined with the develop- ment of the arts in Malta, and generations of artists have benefited from its exhibitions, teaching, mentorship, bursa- ries and other opportunities. Yet an institution's history should not be regarded simply as a legacy to admire; it must be sustained and continual- ly renewed." She ends with a message encouraging more public participation in the MSA's mission, recognising art and culture as public goods: "I strongly encourage members of the public to join the Socie- ty, not just artists. Membership is a meaningful way of support- ing a not-for-profit institution that has served Malta's cultural life for nearly two centuries. It also helps ensure that the So- ciety can continue to provide opportunities for artists, fos- ter education and artistic ex- cellence, and remain relevant to new generations. Support- ing the Malta Society of Arts means supporting both Malta's cultural heritage and the fu- ture of artistic practice on the islands." The President of the MSA, Dr Joe Borg, comments: "The MSA Members' Exhibition is one of the landmark events of our year, greatly anticipated by members and public alike; this particular edition is especially important, coming three years after the last Members' Exhibi- tion, and re-launching the ex- hibition as an annual occasion. It is a huge collective and cu- ratorial effort, capably handled by Prof. Charlene Vella." KIND | STRANGE | BEAU- TIFUL, a collective exhibition showcasing artworks from over 80 artists, is on from 17 Septem- ber to 15 October 2026 at the Art Galleries of the Malta Soci- ety of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta. Admission is free. For further information, including opening hours, visit www.artsmalta.org.