Joseph Farrugia was born and raised in Cospicua. Since childhood he displayed a profound interest in drawing and painting. He read for a degree in Economics at the University of Malta between 1977 and 1979, and studied art and art history on his own. In 1996 he completed a Masters degree in Marketing. Joseph has held numerous managerial posts and also served as a consultant in marketing and human resources management to many companies in Malta. For a number of years he taught Economics, Art and Art History to Sixth Form students at St Edwards College and St Aloysius College. For the past seven years, Joseph has occupied the post of Director General at the Malta Employers’ Association.

Over the past 20 years, Joseph has organised various art exhibitions at the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Archaeology and other major galleries in Malta. He has also appeared on television programmes as a cartoonist on many occasions.

In June 2007, Joseph was invited to hold a personal exhibition at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, which coincided with the International Labour Organisation’s Annual Conference.

Joseph will be exhibiting his latest set of paintings, executed between 2002 and 2008, at the St James Cavalier until 25 January. The main theme of the exhibition, entitled Contemporary Icons, is the transient nature of human existence.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I am 49, born under Pisces on 23 February 1959.

Significant other? Children?

I have been married to Marie Louise for 22 years, and have one daughter, Sarah, aged 18. Marie Louise is an assistant head teacher at Lija Primary School. Sarah is studying law at University.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Very much what I am doing today. Maybe devote more time to my artistic activities. My life has always operated on a binary mode, with my more public activities, which I do while wearing a jacket and tie, complementing my rather introspective artistic endeavours. There is a fragile balance between the two, which is not always easy to maintain.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Not being a perfectionist makes me quite happy.

What is your favourite

occupation?

Doing good things.

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my ability to

fantasise.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Honesty, humour, and the sharing of life’s experiences – good and bad.

How would you like to die?

In epic battle against Dr Evil.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I read superhero comic books every day of my life. This is a passion that I have had since early childhood (hence the answer to the previous question).

What is your greatest regret?

“I should have learned ...to play the guitar.” I definitely want my MTV (make that VH1 classic) and one of my unrealised ambitions has always been to play in a rock band. (I do play a mean air guitar though!)

What is your most treasured possession?

A sardine can that I fixed to my studio wall 16 years ago. Its progressive rusting is a

constant reminder of my mortality. It has

featured in some of my paintings.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I have a tremendous admiration and respect for the medical profession. The power to heal and extend life gives a person a godlike

quality.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Ask Mr Hyde when he’s stuck in traffic. I also have an acute phobia of forms and anything related to administration.

Where would you like to live?

There’s nowhere in the world like Malta and Gozo. I’m happy here!

What is your most marked characteristic?

I like to think that I’m

perceived to be an objective person.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My parents, and most of my teachers.

What is it that you most dislike?

Waste of time. People who purposely walk slowly really get on my nerves.

What is your motto?

Get moving.