Biennale Salon exhibition at Mgarr

Yesterday week the "Salon" section (traditional representation and figuration) of the 2003 Malta Biennale was opened at the Gallery of Peace and Progress, 57, Main Street/Church Square, Mgarr.

Sixty-five works by artists from 14 countries are on show, besides a special homage to past Salon prize-winners. Also on show are eight bronzes by British sculptor Patricia Finch, winner of the 1995 Award, who died in 2001.

Many of her works are found in various museums and institutions in London, including the British Museum, in Greece, France, the US, and various other countries including Malta (National Fine Arts Museum, the Tempra Museum for Contemporary Art at Mgarr and the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat).

Having flown in for the occasion that very morning, American artist Michael Korber (winner of the Grand Prix des Arts at the 2001 Malta Biennale) introduced his respect for tradition in art (despite his being personally acclaimed for his own linear avant-garde art) in the Malta Biennale Salon and its past winners, Patricia Finch and Spanish artist Antonio Fuertes.

So did Malta Biennale deputy vice-president Byron Veras, having returned to Malta with his wife Vivienne for the occasion, stating that he had been instrumental in bringing Biennale founder Dame Françoise Tempra to open an art exhibition at the National Fine Arts Museum in 1990, the year she decided to mostly live in Mgarr.

Sculptor Anton Agius also addressed the gathering, which included Mgarr councillors Michael Farrugia and Frans Chircop.

The exhibition will remain open until October 1, when the 2003 Malta Biennale, inaugurated yesterday morning at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, also ends.

Opening times are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 4 to 7 p.m.