The Venice Biennale revisited?

Some years ago three Maltese artists, Norbert Francis Attard, Raymond Pitrè and Vince Briffa, participated in the prestigious Venice Biennale. For a number of reasons it was a 'one off' participation, which ended in controversy.

My main concern as an artist is that Maltese participation in this event should resume. The art world, as everyone knows, is enormously competitive, with art schools worldwide churning out thousands of promising graduates.

That Maltese artists exhibit overseas is a known fact. Exhibiting ones work in a gallery away from Malta is always prestigious and, hopefully, a lucrative experience for the artist concerned.

However, like everything else that is viewed as an investment, there are certain criteria that influence the lasting value of the work of art concerned. How do gallerists view emerging names coming out on the market?

Typically, the artist must be in a good gallery - "good" in this context means one that has the recognition of Sotheby's and Christies, the Macys and Gimbels' of the international auction houses.

The artist should have been reviewed by an art critic, particularly museum critics, and purchased by two known and respected collectors, preferably like Charles Saatchi, who once led an advertising empire.

It is also a good idea if the artist's work had been shown at the Venice Biennale, one of the premier exhibitions with worldwide coverage.

Of course there are those who will dismiss such a checklist. Nevertheless, given Malta's size and virtual lack of recognition of contemporary Maltese art on the international scene, the Venice Biennale would be a good showcase for Malta, plus one that quality artists and those who have invested in their work would benefit from.

Participation in the Venice Biennale does not imply instant success; however it is a good negotiating tool when dealing with quality gallerists overseas. Just as we invest in the Song for Europe festival, visual artists, who have been part and parcel of Maltese cultural life for generations, should not be overlooked.