Museums: An enclave of contemplation

Museums should serve not only as an educational establishment, or simply a place that houses a collection of art objects, but also as "an enclave of contemplation, where one's thoughts can run wild", according to artist Anthony P. Vella.

Since 1994, Mr Vella has worked as a freelance designer, specialising in museum design and, therefore, he has clear notions of their function. For him, a museum should be "a place where one can learn, relax, meet, socialise and participate; it should be interactive".

Mr Vella has taught art and design for the last 14 years and is now putting up his second solo exhibition of paintings at Heritage Malta's head office in Merchants Street, Valletta, until next month.

He uses a particular sawdust mix with bonding to create low-relief painted panels. His expression results from actual experience, gained on the drawing board during his career as a graphic designer.

Born in Valletta and brought up near the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, he attended drawing lessons in his teens. The artist distinctly remembers his joy at watching the crowds walking up and down Republic Street from his balcony - a scene that has inspired him ever since.