Kenneth Zammit Tabona, St Julians
Two centuries of art hidden in reserve collections
When both the Minister of Education, Youth and Culture Dolores Cristina and the opposition spokesman for youth and culture, Owen Bonnici sagely discuss the issue of contemporary art in Parliament, as was reported in these hallowed columns a couple of weeks ago and restated by Dr Bonnici in his letter of July 14, both incumbents are either unaware of or ignoring the fact that more than the lack a "contemporary museum", Malta badly needs a museum of modern art. In fact, Malta needs both.
Where art on display is concerned there is a great big void as, since Favray's 18th century portraits of grandmasters and members of the local nobility and clergy, there is relatively very little to see. Almost two centuries of Maltese art is hidden in reserve and private collections with only a smattering on display.
So, before we even discuss placing the works of living artists in a museum, I think it would make eminent sense to house those of our immediate forbearers and mentors without whom many of us, contemporary artists, would not be flourishing today. It is solely the art of those who came before us that makes contemporary art possible. It is, therefore, a logical conclusion that priority must be given to a Museum of Modern Art.
Any other way would simply be putting the cart before the horse.
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v.pulis
Jul 16th 2009, 20:38
I fully agree with Kenneth re the huge space running all the way along dock number 1.
I urge all MPs hailing from the area to get together for once and lobby for this building to be turned into another centre of culture and art. I believe that art is the only force that can unite us in this country. Let's not miss another opportunity.
J Psaila Savona
Jul 16th 2009, 18:01
so pleased that Kenneth brought out the difference between the modern and the contemporary. Come to think of it it is so very true that the last century will be passing us by with nothing to show for it. And yet the interest is there - just go to any of the local auction sales to appreciate the thirst for the works of the masters that were. If only Kenneth had a tete a tete with Renzo such a structure would have made more sense than the Parliament building! but I have no objection to Cottonera either.
albert g storace
Jul 16th 2009, 15:48
Well done Kenneth! I am in full agreement with you, and with your piece two days ago. Who said the Philistines were a vanished race? Their "descendants" are thriving very well among us!
Kenneth Zammit Tabona
Jul 16th 2009, 14:15
Jimmy
Actually what I had in mind was that splendid building (in ruins) opposite what used to be Dock No 1 in Cospicua
There could be Modern and Contemporary there and think of what added prestige it would give the area
Jimmy Magro
Jul 16th 2009, 13:25
And plse do not make the Museum in Valletta.
It is not a good policy to place all tourist attractions in one single locality. Hence I suggest that use can be made of the newly erected building near Hagar Qim. I really have no idea what will all that space be used for.
Neither do not know how MEPA - the defender of our environment - could approve such monstrous building when a farmer cannot even build a tool shed.