Wistin Camilleri commemoration

The interior of the Gozo Cathedral church had an unusual appearance on November 17. A display of statues was put up along the main aisle, including the side transepts.

This manifestation was organised to pay homage to the Gozitan sculptor Wistinu Camilleri on the 25th anniversary of his death.

The activity was organised by a committee made up of a group of artists, all sons of Camilleri, under the curatorship of his nephew, Austin Camilleri. This was done in collaboration with the Gozo Cathedral Chapter under the patronage of the President of Malta and the Bishop of Gozo.

The inauguration of the commemoration included a programme of classical music and soloists, as well as poetry reading.

It is not the intention to delve into the artistic merits of the statues displayed. Such an appreciation would better be left to the public and art critics had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to admire the devotional and artistic religious statues under one roof.

However, such a display makes one wonder about the spectacular appearance that the titular statues of the Maltese Islands would have created were they successfully put up at the Conference Hall in Valletta as part of the Milliennium activities programme. Unfortunately, this activity did not take place.

The eight statues consisted of titular as well as other votive ones. The spectator can admire the fine execution, which together with the devotional appearance and lifelike positions of the whole figure, create an aura of artistic satisfaction that can rarely be experienced, let alone appreciated.

The second stage of the commemoration involved an exhibition held by the Cathedral Museum at the vaulted rooms of the Sentinella. As one enters the main door, one comes across exhibits from Camilleri's personal life and his commendable artistic achievements.

One will be surprised at the display of clay maquettes and bozzetti of the papier-mâché and stone-carved statues found in the Maltese Islands and in foreign countries. The bozzetti are displayed in glass domes enabling the visitor to admire each bozzetto from all angles.

Also of importance is the proposed fine model of the Gozo War Memorial which was eventually discarded in favour of that by Pisi of Rome. There were also audio facilities playing Camilleri's narration of some of his artistic experiences.

More information can be found in a booklet which may be obtained from the curator and Camilleri's sons.

The booklet contains fine pictures by the established photographer Daniel Cilia covering some stages of the artist's personal life and his works. Such visual material is complemented by research by Joe Camilleri and Dr Aaron Attard Hili. These contributions cast an important light on Wistin's artistic life and make the reader appreciate his works better.

Congratulations to all those involved in the organisation of this rare cultural activity. One hopes that similar ones by different artists will be held in future. This will be an opportunity for the public to better appreciate this art medium.