The art of Michel D’Anastasio, born in France with Maltese ancestry, will soon be on display at St James Cavalier in Valletta. The exhibition, entitled Kultura: sous influences, is being sponsored by Vodafone Malta Limited and will be open from 13 October to 13 November 2005.

D’Anastasio is a leading calligrapher whose passion for this particular art form began in 1989. Largely self-taught he has also been guided by both Chinese and French masters of the genre. In 2003 his innovative work using natural materials, pigments or sand was exhibited in Bruges. His latest exhibition was inspired by a visit to Ramla Bay in Gozo from where he collected a handful of red sand to use in his art.

“The collection which has been on display in Gozo will be enhanced by a further twenty pieces,” said d’Anastasio. “What will make the exhibition at St James more special is that its opening will coincide with the celebration month of the Maltese national poet Dun Karm, many of whose texts are calligraphed on to the art I will be displaying,” said Michel d’Anastasio.

“Kultura: sous influences is a fascinating exhibition which gives us a glimpse in to how the many thousands of people with Maltese ancestry might view the land of their forefathers. D’Anastasio’s art is innovative and striking and Vodafone, a company which aims to keep people closer together through communication, is delighted to be able to offer this artist and the Maltese public an opportunity to share their experiences,” said Vodafone’s Brand Manager, Ms Alison Bezzina.

Kultura: sous influences pays homage to the Maltese Islands, to its history, its environment and its language.

Apart from Dun Karm, it also celebrates the poet Ruzar Briffa, who also sang exile and dislocation, the sorrow of the Maltese, as well as the sensual beauty and the passion of living.