This month, jewellery designer and maker Nadège Cassar and artist Alfie Gatt will present Qawl Milbus, a collaborative exhibition bringing together contemporary jewellery and fine art through the interpretation of Maltese proverbs.

Opening at the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta on 25 September, the exhibition is the result of approximately a year of collaboration between the two artists. Drawing inspiration from both familiar and lesser-known qwiel Maltin, the project explores how sayings passed down through generations can be revisited through contemporary visual language.

Each work begins with a Maltese proverb and develops through an exchange of ideas, materials and making processes between Cassar and Gatt. Handcrafted jewellery is incorporated into paintings and sculptural compositions, with the jewellery functioning both as a wearable object and as an integral part of the artwork.

Rather than illustrating the proverbs literally, Qawl Milbus uses them as a starting point for interpretation. Through jewellery, painting and sculpture, the artists explore the meanings, observations and humour contained within these traditional sayings, while presenting them within a contemporary context.

Cassar and Gatt first met around 25 years ago while studying at the MCAST Institute of Art and Design. Their careers subsequently developed through their individual creative practices, with Cassar establishing herself as a contemporary jewellery designer and maker and Gatt pursuing his work within fine art. Qawl Milbus brings their practices together again, allowing their different approaches and skills to overlap throughout the creative process.

For Cassar, the project also expands the traditional role of jewellery. Pieces are designed to exist independently as wearable works while simultaneously forming part of the larger visual composition. Gatt's paintings and sculptural elements provide another layer through which the proverb is interpreted, creating a dialogue between object, image and meaning.

At its core, Qawl Milbus is rooted in Malta's intangible cultural heritage. Maltese proverbs have historically carried everyday observations, humour, advice and social commentary from one generation to another. By interpreting these sayings through contemporary creative practice, the project aims to contribute to their visibility and continued relevance.

The project has been supported by the Malta Crafts Foundation, reflecting a shared interest in contemporary approaches to Maltese craft and cultural heritage.

Qawl Milbus will run from 25 September until 16 October at the Malta Society of Arts, Republic Street, Valletta. The exhibition also coincides with DesignMT and Notte Bianca, placing the project within a wider period of cultural activity in Valletta. Selected works from Qawl Milbus will also feature at DesignMT at the Madonna tal-Pilar chapel from 28 September to 3 October.

Qawl Milbus - Contemporary Fine Art and Jewellery inspired by Maltese proverbs by Nadège Cassar and Alfie Gatt.

25 September - 16 October taking place at the Malta Society of Arts in Republic Street, Valletta