The 26th BOV Retrospective Art Exhibition featuring over 70 works of art by visual artist Joseph Calleja was officially opened on 31 May. The exhibition is hosted by Bank of Valletta plc at the Gran Salon in the Museum of Archaeology, Auberge de Provence in Valletta.
Addressing the guests present at the ceremony, BOV Chairman Deo Scerri said, "We are delighted to host this exhibition and concurrently celebrating another outstanding artist who with silent determination and an inquisitive spirit left a distinct impact on the development of modern art in Malta and participated in international artistic movements in North America."
The works of art on display span many decades, from the 1950s to recent years. "Since we started organizing these exhibitions in 1999, we have sought to pay tribute to distinguished Maltese artists," said Mr Scerri. "This commitment is in itself testimony to Bank of Valletta's ongoing commitment to promoting Maltese artistic talent."
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Edgar Preca paid a courtesy visit and were given a brief tour of the exhibition by the artist himself.
Born in 1924, Joseph Calleja is a visual artist and educator. He studied at the Malta School of Art, Valletta and The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford, as well as at the Regent Street Polytechnic School of Fine Arts in London, before moving to Canada in 1958. He has exhibited widely in Canada. His works feature in numerous collections including the National Gallery of Canada, and Hamilton Art Gallery, Ontario as well as the National Museum of Fine Arts in Malta.
The curator of this year's exhibition is Dr Theresa Vella. During her intervention, she spoke about Calleja's unique contribution to modern art in Malta, achieved through his presence in the international Op Art movement with his kinetic sculptures and 'abstract paintings in light'.
As in past editions, Joseph Calleja's retrospective exhibition is being accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue including a biographical synopsis and reproductions in colour of all the exhibits on display.
The exhibition remains open to the general public until 15 July. The opening hours are from Monday to Sunday between 09.00 hours and 18.00 hours. On Sunday 3 June at 10.30 hours, Joseph Calleja will be giving a guided tour around his exhibition. Entrance is free of charge, but registration for the 3 June event is required. One may register by sending an email to [email protected].