The Phoenicia Malta is hosting Floriography, a solo exhibition by the renowned Bulgarian artist Vania Goshe, a long-standing contributor to Malta's vibrant art scene. Featuring a collection of vivid floral compositions, the exhibition is being put up in March specifically to coincide with International Women's Day. Vania invites viewers to experience the emotive and symbolic language of flowers through her expressive brushwork and joyful palette.
The exhibition's title, Floriography, refers to the Victorian art of communicating emotions and messages through flowers. Each painting is a dialogue between form and meaning, as Vania delves into the traditional symbolism behind every bloom. Roses, symbolising love and admiration, mingle with daisies for innocence and hope, while anemones evoke anticipation and protection. Through this artistic lexicon, Vania creates a poetic meditation on life's most profound sentiments: joy, hope, love and connection.
The concept of Floriography has deep roots in art history, from Renaissance still-life paintings rich with symbolic meaning to the floral studies of the Impressionists. By centring this collection on flowers, Vania aligns her work with a longstanding artistic tradition while also making a contemporary statement. Her expressive, impasto brushwork evokes echoes of the Post-Impressionists, while her bold, vibrant colour choices recall the spirit of the Fauvist movement.
In a broader socio-cultural context, Floriography resonates with the themes of renewal, resilience and celebration. Held during Women's History Month and coinciding with Malta's annual observance of Women's Day, the exhibition also acts as a tribute to the universal strength of women and the rich, symbolic beauty they bring to the world.
In Bulgaria, International Women's Day, celebrated on 8 March, is a major celebration, honouring women's achievements and their vital roles in society, family and community. With Floriography, Vania bridges her Bulgarian heritage with her life in Malta, reflecting on the universal beauty of femininity, strength and creativity.
Goshe's work draws inspiration from Maltese life and culture, reflecting the Mediterranean landscape's influence since her relocation to Malta in 2008. Her art aims to provide an escape from the mundane; instilling a sense of optimism through harmonious and colourful compositions.
The opening night was further enhanced by a captivating mini-concert, aligning with the exhibition's celebration of nature's beauty and the strength of women by Andriana Yovanova and Bruno Arruda. This event coincided with International Women's Day on 8 March, a significant celebration in Bulgaria, honouring women's achievements and observed as Mother's Day.
About the Artist
Born in 1976 in Chirpan, south-east Bulgaria, Vania Goshe demonstrated artistic talent from a young age. She received her foundational art education at the School of Art and Music in Chirpan and continued her training through private mentorships with esteemed Bulgarian artists, including Vladimir Kondarev and Prof. Georgi Stajkov. She holds a degree in TV and Cinema Camera Operation from the New Bulgarian University in Sofia, and has worked extensively in media, including collaborations on major productions such as Big Brother, VIP Brother and Star Academy.
Upon relocating to Malta in 2008, Vania quickly established herself within the local art community. Her debut at the Malta Society of Arts' seventh national exhibition earned her an Honourable Mention, marking her emergence as a significant voice in Maltese art. Deeply inspired by the golden hues of Malta's limestone, the brilliance of its sunlight and the ever-shifting blues of the Mediterranean, Vania's style merges realism with abstraction, utilising rich textures and luminous palettes to evoke emotion and delight. Originally from Bulgaria, Vania is now a Maltese citizen and reflects, "Malta made me an artist. Malta welcomed me, encouraged me and gave me opportunities to flourish and inspiration to become an artist".