Touchstone dialogue

Gozitan and Italian sculptors Mario Agius and Girio Marsili have concluded a two-day work-in-progress artistic project in the Valletta and Victoria open markets.

Both artists were participating in an event inspired by the sense of touch as part of the five senses project to mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in Malta.

The sculptors chiselled away at two pieces of limestone to create distinctive sculptures.

Both events drew sizable crowds. The creative dialogue highlighted the importance of cultural diversity at the workplace as an enriching experience both on a personal and professional level. The encounter also included a workshop with young Maltese sculptors at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity.

Agius began his artistic studies with the late Mgr Michelangelo Apap and furthered his studies in wood sculpture with Anton Agius.

Aguis has a number of sculptures in private collections, both locally and abroad, including London and Switzerland. His finest wood sculptures adorn various churches in Malta and Gozo. In 1989, he attended a course led by international artist Ian Norbury at the White Knight Gallery in Cheltenham.

He currently teaches technology and design in wood at the Ninu Cremona Lyceum Complex in Victoria.

Marsili attended the Accademia di Belle Arti in Carrara. Initially his interest was directed towards marble sculpture but his later research led him to approach metals, particularly bronze. Marsili currently works as a freelance artisan in Genoa.

Next month, Savio Deguara will meet Ashraf S.E. Jaraiseh, a Palestinian olive wood carver from the Fair Trade Holy Land Handicraft Cooperative Society of Bethlehem to explore different cultures and the common heritage of the Mediterranean olive tree.

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in Malta is an initiative of the European Union and is co-funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports.

St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity is the national co-ordinating body.

For more information visit www.sjcav.org or www.dialogue2008.eu