The Official Inauguration of the 24^th Bank of Valletta Retrospective Exhibitions, featuring works by internationally renowned Maltese contemporary artist Mary de Piro was held today at the BOV Centre in Santa Venera. The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta.

On her arrival, H.E. The President of Malta was welcomed by BOV Chairman, John Cassar White and the Bank's CEO, Mr Mario Mallia. She was then introduced to the protagonist of the exhibition Mary de Piro and the curator Dr Theresa Vella.

Addressing the guests present at the inauguration ceremony, BOV Chairman, John Cassar White said, "We are delighted to host Mary de Piro's works at the BOV Centre, adding yet another prestigious name to the series of BOV Retrospective Art Exhibitions." Mr Cassar White commended Mary de Piro for her inimitable style, range of vision and technique that are recognisable worldwide. He continued, "De Piro's evolution over the past fifty years runs parallel to the evolution of Maltese contemporary art, and this only serves to underline her valuable contribution to the national culture of our islands."

Dr Theresa Vella, curator of the exhibition, introduced the artist, saying, "Mary de Piro has upheld an artistic career for over five decades, from the sixties when her modernist vision of the Maltese landscape first brought her to critical attention, up to the present day, with her undiminished mastery in representing the abstract nature of distance, space and light."

Renowned architect Richard England, long-time friend of the artist and patron of her works, gave a short intervention about the artist, "Mary de Piro is a master artist, a cabalistic alchemist who transforms the sun-washed land and townscapes of our native isle into images of translucent mysticism and magic."

This exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue which includes a concise biography of the artist together with a reproduction of the works of art being displayed in this exhibition. The exhibition will remain open to the general public until the 1^st December 2016.