An exhibition of 23 sculptures by the renowned Maltese artist Antonio Sciortino was inaugurated by President Edward Fenech Adami on Saturday evening at the Exhibitions’ Hall of the Ministry for Gozo.
The exhibition, organised by the Ministry for Gozo and Heritage Malta, is being held on the 60th anniversary of the death of Antonio Sciortino which occurred in 1947. The artist had bequeathed a considerable amount of his works to the Maltese nation and today these are on permanent display at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta.
During the inauguration, the Curator of Contemporary and Modern Art of Heritage Malta Dennis Vella, spoke about the life and achievements of the artist as well as his influence on the art scene. Mario Tabone, Heritage Malta chairman, said that this exhibition was another in a series of exhibitions being organised jointly between the Ministry for Gozo and Heritage Malta and both organisations were looking forward to further collaboration in this field. Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono thanked Heritage Malta for its support in the organisation of these exhibitions whose aim is that of making our art and treasures more accessible and near to the people. She mentioned other prestigious exhibitions held earlier this year which included the Abstract Paintings from the National Collection held in January, the exhibition of drawings by Mattia Preti held during Lejlet Lapsi – Notte Gozitana in May, and now the Sciortino exhibition.
President Fenech Adami lauded the initiative taken to commemorate Sciortino on this anniversary and said that the nation is obliged to commemorate generous persons like Sciortino who gave significant contributions to the country.
The exhibition will be open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 12.30pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am till noon, until 9 September.
On 15 August, the exhibition will be open from 9am till noon.
An exhibition catalogue written by Dennis Vella has been published for the occasion and is available from the venue. Entrance is free of charge.