On the initiative of the Maltese Embassy in Spain, from 21st October to 5th December 2022, Pjazza San Ġorġ will be hosting the international exhibition ‘Enlightened Universe’ by the artist Cristobal Gabarron, an exhibition during which the United Nations International Day will be celebrated, on Monday 24th October 2022.
This exhibition was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations since its establishment and has toured many prominent cities around the world such as New York, Amsterdam, Geneva, and Brussels. This year it is being hosted in our country to commemorate the appointment of Malta on the United Nations Security Council.
This exhibition consists of a world globe surrounded by a chain in the shape of people that symbolises human diversity. The purpose is to show the principles upheld by the United Nations: peace, tolerance, responsibility, education, culture, sustainable development, and so on. The Spanish artist Cristobal Gabarron will also be staging two other events in our country, one in Spazju Kreattiv and the other at the Ġgantija temples.
Present for the launch of this exhibition were Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg and Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo, together with the Maltese Ambassador to Spain Daniel Azzopardi, the Spanish Ambassador to Malta José María Muriel and the MTA management.
Minister Owen Bonnici stated that this is yet another important milestone in the journey of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. “The past few years have indeed taught us how important it is to invest our energy and resources in art and culture, as this is ultimately the soul of a nation. The international collaboration presented today demonstrates the sector’s resilience and what can be achieved when artists from different parts of the world come together to exchange ideas and create a masterpiece that inspires, provokes, and leaves the viewer wanting to know and question more,” stated Minister Bonnici.
Minister Ian Borg said that the years 2022 and 2023 are very important years for Malta within the United Nations context, particularly due to Malta’s seat within the Security Council. He also claimed that this exhibition marks the importance of bilateral and historical relations with Spain. “Malta will continue to push the values of peace and unity. As a country we believe in the need for open dialogue and diversity in our approach”, said Ian Borg.
Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo stressed that such a prestigious exhibition at the heart of Valletta is a clear demonstration of how this country is committed to offer a diversified and quality touristic product. “An event such as this one continues to highlight the potential that the Maltese Islands have in the tourism world. The Malta Tourism Authority is committed to continue promoting tourism niches through which the Maltese tourist product remains sustainable for the years to come”, concluded Minister Clayton Bartolo.
The artist Cristobal Gabarron expressed that it is a great honour that the work or art was installed in the emblematic square, Pjazza San Ġorġ in Valletta. He thanked each and every one that contributed to give life to his vision not least to the respective ministers and ambassadors.