Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546491
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 Giorgio Preca art inspired by The Sleeping Lady shown to the public for the first time PAINTINGS by pioneering Mal- tese artist Giorgio Preca, never seen previously, converse with some of the oldest artefacts in the national collection, in a new exhibition inaugurated by Her- itage Malta at the Gran Salon of the National Museum of Archae- ology, Valletta. The exhibition will run until Sunday 4th October 2026. Titled 'Hidden Goddesses – Unseen paintings by Giorgio Preca', the exhibition spotlights a collection of 31 artworks – in- cluding a self-portrait – inspired by the Maltese goddess. These were unveiled by Preca's family following the success of the ex- hibition about him held at MUŻA five years ago. Through this initi- ative by MUŻA, as in MUŻA Ħde- jk, the National Community Art Museum is once again extending its reach beyond the confines of its building to celebrate Maltese artists and art in places that hold a connection to them. The main muse behind these works was the 'Sleeping Lady' – a small prehistoric clay statuette from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, which over the years became an iconic image of Malta. Pre- ca reinterprets this figure with his distinctive style, using dark lines, bright colours and simpli- fied forms, and creates a direct dialogue between Malta's pre- historic heritage and the artistic expression of his era. The works reveal Preca's artistic maturity and his deep connection to Mal- tese cultural heritage. A pioneer of modern art in his homeland, Giorgio Preca worked as a restorer at what was then known as the National Museum, in the same building where the exhibition is being held today – the Auberge de Provence in Re- public Street, before leaving our shores for good in 1956. Most likely it was during this period that he closely studied the arte- facts that later inspired the col- lection. Visitors will be able to better understand the thought behind the brush, as many of these pre- historic artefacts – some original and some copies – are exhibited alongside the paintings. More- over, the exhibition is arranged in semicircular spaces around a central passage, evoking the unique shape of the Mnajdra structure. The exhibition also explores themes such as memory, herit- age, and representation, while examining the place of these art- works in the context of the cul- tural scene, museum narratives and the shaping of national iden- tity in post-Independence Malta. During the exhibition's inaugu- ration, Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, remarked that: "This exhibition clearly demon- strates how our cultural heritage continues to inspire new gener- ations and evolve through time. Through Giorgio Preca's artis- tic vision, the 'Sleeping Lady' is reimagined in a contemporary visual language that bridges our prehistoric past with modern ar- tistic expression, reminding us that our identity is strengthened when we continue to reinterpret and appreciate our heritage from fresh perspectives. As a govern- ment, we remain committed to investing in initiatives that make culture more accessible while ensuring that Maltese art contin- ues to inspire present and future generations."" Heritage Malta's Chairman and MUŻA Director, Mario Cutajar, commented: "Giorgio Preca took bold steps when he was among the first to introduce new artistic trends in our country. He opened doors, and around him gathered young artists who stood by him even when his work was cen- sored by the Establishment. I see this as evidence that Maltese art has never been far removed from the developments which were taking place, particularly in Europe, and that the Maltese art- ist is a thinker driven by a thirst for change, seeking to better express his ideas and aspirations. The link between art and events in our country further demon- strates this. This exhibition cel- ebrates the artist who lived beyond his homeland while re- maining deeply connected to his roots, both as a Maltese and in his artistic identity." Heritage Malta's Chief Execu- tive Officer, Noel Zammit, said that: "This exhibition is a pow- erful example of how our herit- age is truly alive, and how each generation rediscovers and in- terprets it in its own way. As part of its mission, Heritage Malta en- sures that the sites and museums in its care remain relevant plac- es, where people can find the spark that ignites curiosity and dialogue. Through these works, which bring together archaeol- ogy, modern art, history, and im- agination, visitors are invited to reflect on where we come from and who we are today." As part of this initiative, the art- ist's family will give the painting 'Sleeping Goddess', dated 1972, as a permanent donation to the national collection. An illustrated, detailed catalogue about these works, in English, accompanies this exhibition. It is available for purchase from Heritage Mal- ta's museums and sites, as well as online through https://herit- agemalta.mt/store/hidden-god- desses-unseen-paintings-by-gior- gio-preca/. Admission to 'Hidden Goddess- es – Unseen paintings by Giorgio Preca' is included in the National Museum of Archaeology experi- ence. The museum opens every day, from 09:00 to 19:00, with last admission at 18:30. The exhibition space is fully ac- cessible. For more information and tickets, visit: https://heritage- malta.mt/whats-on/hidden- god- desses-unseen-paintings-by-gior- gio-preca/ THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION