Luqa roundabout art work is to be restored
Top of theColonna before the vandalism. Right: The vandalised Colonna covered by palm trees. Photos: Christ Sant Fournier
Restoration work on the controversial Luqa roundabout sculpture has been given the green light and will be restored at a cost of €2,000.
Colonna Mediterranea artist Paul Vella Critien has been engaged by the Resources Ministry to start work this week and fix the damage inflicted by vandals on the phallic-shaped work when the top part was severed last May.
A ministry spokesperson confirmed the works will also include cleaning the monument as well as “remodelling” areas which need redecoration and filling, such as cracks in the ceramic column.
The cost comprises the raw materials as well as the cost of the laboratory work such as the glazing, plastering and firing of the section to be replaced.
The palm trees surrounding the work will be uprooted as the artist feels they were “covering” the sculpture. “Only a lawn is needed there to bring out the best of the monument,” Mr Vella Critien said.
He estimated that the restoration would be completed in two to three months’ time, depending on the weather. After the restoration, he hopes the plans for the lighting designs will be implemented.
In an interview with The Times earlier this year, the artist had described his sculpture as “a work of artistic technological beauty”.
The Colonna Mediterranea has been in the headlines since the day it was unveiled in 2006. Its phallic-like shape elicited a public outcry, led by the Luqa mayor.
When Pope Benedict XVI drove past it during his visit to Malta in 2010, the Neo Catechumenal Movement attempted to hide it with a huge banner.
This spurred an Osservatore Romano secretary to phone up Mr Vella Critien and say: “Paolo, che succede a Malta? Il Papa ama l’arte!” (Paul, what’s happening in Malta? The Pope loves art.)
Mr Vella Critien describes himself as a “maestro d’arte” and is widely known in international art circles, with several public art works displayed overseas.
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Phil Zammit
Nov 27th 2012, 04:30
Whether it is art, money well spent to restore it or it's location for public display - all depends on what head you're using to make the call.
Christian Borg
Nov 27th 2012, 01:13
I cannot understand how the government represents the people and when the people as a whole do not want a project, the government simply don't take any note and keeps on doing the project. This is seen here, it is seen in the case of the theatre without a roof, it is seen with the City gate without the gate, it is seen with the parliament although now I see it as acceptable.
Sandro Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 21:36
For the clever people saying that certain people don't know how to appreciate art, I find this amusing. Its true that art pieces may have deep metaphorical meaning when done correctly, but then again most things can be considered art these days, even my spilt coffee on the ground.Since this is a public place I think that the PUBLIC's voice is to be heard and if the art found unappealing, replaced.
Colin Stanley
Nov 26th 2012, 20:37
at least everyone knows the scluptor now not bad publicity for him after all.
S. Azzopardi
Nov 26th 2012, 19:52
It's a disgraceful piece of junk. The artist should be ashamed of himself and not have the audacity of calling himself a maestro d'arte and ask for 2,000 euros more to repair it. Who had the total lack of sense of wasting so much money down the drain?
Alfred Falzon
Nov 26th 2012, 19:20
Public money down the drain!'
The so-called art column should be removed and replaced by a more meaningful work of art!
Alfred A. Falzon
Michael Magri
Nov 26th 2012, 17:54
If one calls that thing `art work`, then my broom in my yard is a `masterpiece` Guys..!!! LOL :):):)
And in that case, if so, then it should be somewhere behind closed doors..
P. Attard
Nov 26th 2012, 17:38
Seems like the whole area surrounding Hal Luqa is full of clumsy monuments! Further down the road to Hal Qormi there is another such monument, which looks like a disintegrated sputnik; and then nearer to the airport someone had installed a fairlead/bollard which has nothing to do with aeroplanes! I think the monument near the old terminal simply illustrates our childish mentality regarding art!
Ian Christie
Nov 26th 2012, 16:44
I would offer to restore it for far less, and make it anatomically correct too if needs be :)
John Zammit
Nov 26th 2012, 16:10
In Barcelona there a pornographic art museum but To see it you had to go in yourself No one ask you to do so but here like it or not you have to look at it
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 16:28
This is art - it is porn for those who want to see it as porn.
Johan zammit
Nov 26th 2012, 16:50
It's PORN and as it's porn it should be exhibited in an other place Not on a public road
Anthony Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 16:02
Imagine how many holes ( in our roads, that is) would 2000 euros have filled instead!
J Sammut
Nov 26th 2012, 15:52
Paul Vella Critien obviously people in Luqa don't like your "art" why don't you take it somewhere else where you feel it will be better appreciated? In front of the new Parliament Building perhaps? And who are you to uproot trees?!!!
J Sammut
Nov 26th 2012, 15:46
Why can't there be a monument that has to do with the airfield? Maybe a spitfire from the war? That would be fitting and have something to do with Luqa.
J Sammut
Nov 26th 2012, 15:39
This is RIDICULOUS! I am a resident of Luqa who happens to live close to the monument and I can testify that I prefer the monument in it's broken state or for that matter removed completely. Who is the crazy person who approved this? Luqa is still without bandli and there are roads and sidewalks in a horrible state, should not the money be used for a better cause? Give it to charity! End this!
Thomas Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 15:39
They are better off spending the 2000 euros to remove it rather than fix it..
Victor Pulis
Nov 26th 2012, 15:21
I have read hundreds of comments criticizing this monument but ironically I have never read any comments in favour of the other monuments scattered all over the islands. Why is this? Are we truly art lovers or dirty minded people hiding behind the excuse of prudery?
James Tyrrell
Nov 26th 2012, 14:51
Another €2,000 wasted by this Government on what they see as art. How can anyone in their right mind see a giant multi-coloured penis in the middle of a roundabout as art? It is obvious what people think about this thing but then GonziPN have never cared too much what people think. I doubt very much if it will last too long after being restored which is a blessing.
J Sammut
Nov 26th 2012, 15:42
Agreed.
Ronnie Callus
Nov 26th 2012, 14:37
Dak li se' jhallilna il-Gvern bhala pajjiz.Dik arti imprezzabbli eh.
Richard Curmi
Nov 26th 2012, 14:36
Everyone knows that an artist mostly gets fame by being outrageous, that is preciesly what Paul Vella Critien did. He even goes as far as describing it himself as , “a work of artistic technological beauty”.
Tony Barbaro Sant
Nov 26th 2012, 14:35
Delighted to hear it's being repaired. Perhaps, in view of certain comments suggesting that this monument is a disgrace to the village and people of Luqa, it could be moved to a better location to be enjoyed by all and sundry. How about Valletta, close to the new Parliament building, or somewhere close to the new City Gate??
J Sammut
Nov 26th 2012, 15:40
Yes I agree. Or have an "art lover" pay 2,000 euro and he can keep the art himself!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 16:31
Now the new parliament it wouod be fitting (seeing how much this folly is costing us) but not near 'City Gate' for the simple reason that there is longer a gate. It might however fit right next to the gash that is being created.
Karl von Brockdorff
Nov 26th 2012, 14:17
This artwork gives new meaning to the phrase "erect a statue"
Emmanuel Ebejer
Nov 26th 2012, 14:13
Art work ... indeed! lol!
Chris Agius
Nov 26th 2012, 14:05
Hela ta flus...
John Sultana
Nov 26th 2012, 13:58
The artist claims that the monument is a wonderful piece of art and that Maltese people are not able to
appreciate it. Well Paul thou you can label whatever you want as art, it does not that mean that people cannot critise and call it for what it is. It is a ridiculous rainbow coloured giant penis, it has no more artistic merit then the doodles made by year olds.
Fabian Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 13:57
I had written about this monument years back after seeing it being RAISED. To be honest when I saw it vandalised it was no surprise even though one cannot point fingers. I was hoping that any restoration would remodel the pillar in a way to make it less phallic but I was wrong.
D. A . Agius
Nov 26th 2012, 13:42
Of course. The trees were planted so that those silly ones who tried to obscure the vista whilst the pope was passing will not have to go again there for the next visit!
As if he was not scandalised enough by other issues, as the rest of the world population was!
Lawrence Anastasi
Nov 26th 2012, 15:34
If it is not fit for the eyes of the pope obviously there is a problem. But let's pay more money to fix this thing?????? Someone has more money than brains.
Johnathan Cilia
Nov 26th 2012, 13:15
A Maltese artist makes art and actually get's it instated as a monument. His own people, uneducated about art and not knowing the intricacies and metaphors with which art must be understood, denounce it.
Such is life in Malta.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 26th 2012, 14:52
Nice how you try to win an argument by insulting all those who do not agree with you!
Heidi Buttigieg
Nov 26th 2012, 12:58
AHJAR UZAW IL FLUS BIEX JIZIRU IKTAR SIGAR FLOKK DIN IL HAGA KERHA!!
Johnathan Cilia
Nov 26th 2012, 13:13
I feel the lady doth protest too much. You have gained nothing from reading this article, I see.
J Sammut
Nov 26th 2012, 15:44
I agree. Lets replace those trees torn down for the new road.
rosanna ellul
Nov 26th 2012, 12:48
Before the go ahead was given! The Ministry should of considered how the people feel about this disgusting eye soar.. What a waste of tax payers money, When will these officials understand that they are in office to serve the public not abuse them!!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 14:26
I love it. What's your problem?
Anthony Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 15:57
You can have it sir - anywhere - but not on public display.
rosanna ellul
Nov 26th 2012, 17:27
Mr. Andrew Camilleri, I do not have a problem the persons who have agreed to place this trash on Maltese soil have problems for they have no moral value's and as you can see from the comments.....NOT WELCOME
Mr Evan Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 12:26
Art is art! The people who are talking never went to see a Museum abroad .... I suggest they start with the Vatican Museum
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 26th 2012, 13:03
First of all believe me you are not the only one who went to a museum ... abroad. Secondly; I would RESPECT a 5,000 year old peace of art representing male genitalia; however I cannot show the same amount of respect to the "artists" who did this work because I expect better!!
Norman E Grech
Nov 26th 2012, 13:48
Art my foot! I can think of many disgusting things I could essemble, and charge the government thousands of Euro! Only, I am no renowned artist?????
Spare me!
It's an eye-sore and an insult to the public's trust in the state!
Adrian Barnes
Nov 26th 2012, 12:15
YES! FINALLY! :)
C Sylvester
Nov 26th 2012, 12:09
Joe Fenech it could have been any idiot that has done the vandalism!!!! there are idiots all over Malta not just in Luqa
Mr C Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 12:05
Disgusting piece of art. Landing by plane you know exactly what you are going to get in this country ! HAHAHAHA
Well done to all those involved in restoring this hideous piece of whatever it might be called.
Robert Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 12:04
I don't know if readers think about it the same as I do however, to my eyes it is obvious that public opinion shows that this "piece of art" is not accepted by the Maltese. Why invest so much time and money on it if, apparantely, almost no one likes it??
Victor Spiteri
Nov 26th 2012, 13:53
Wrong...I for one find nothing offensive int it and appreciate its colours. If people like yourself want to just see a d*** sticking out of the ground, simply take no notice of it, but let others enjoy it.
Really, we need to start being less prudish in this country, jeeez.....
Robert Borg
Nov 27th 2012, 08:59
Come on face it most of the country is making fun of it...you want to deny it?? It's not a matter of what is sticking out...it's a matter that it is not accepted by most of the Maltese. If you like it then maybe ask the artist to create a miniature for you to appreciate!
Mark J. Magri
Nov 26th 2012, 11:41
This is all waste of our monies!..It is .better that this non-sense image to be replaced by a nice and much appreciated monumet for that great Luqa Man who made a good name for Malta and above all for Luqa Village -referring to Mikelange Sapiano -the belfry clock engineer.
GRANPINTO
adrian agius
Nov 26th 2012, 11:40
what a waste of money !!!
Anthony Paul Naudi
Nov 26th 2012, 11:34
2000 ewro ahjar marru karita'.
A.P.Naudi
silvio loporto
Nov 26th 2012, 11:28
If Mr.Critien considers it as a "thing of beauty" I'm sure he doesn't have many patrons for his works.
Being an artist surely has its virtues,but I'm sure stupidity is not one of them.
On the other hand, it might look good as part of the P.N's logo, because that is exactly what we got from them.
B Attard
Nov 26th 2012, 14:30
Inspiring.... the PN Logo could not have said it better silvio.
Michael Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 11:15
jaqqq
A. Xuereb
Nov 26th 2012, 11:08
What a hideous monument! I have problems calling it a piece of art. Shame on whoever took the decision to go ahead with the restoration. 2000 Euros down the drain.
Joe Fenech
Nov 26th 2012, 11:08
Why was there no CCTV to protect it from the many idiots that live there?
A. Xuereb
Nov 26th 2012, 11:40
As someone who has a number of close relatives and friends who live in Luqa I find your comment very offensive and biased. It is downright shameful of you to presume that the perpetrator hails from Luqa itself. You owe the residents an apology
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 26th 2012, 12:08
First of all it is not nice to refer to anyone who has a different opinion then yours as an idiot. Secondly, this was considered art when people still lived in caves!! Today we expect more from our "artists". It is a big pity that so many of today's "artists" fail us so evidently!!
Keith Cauchi
Nov 26th 2012, 12:47
and what would qualify you, with such a comment, as any better?
Pamela Hansen
Nov 26th 2012, 11:02
We are so proud of our phalic symbols. Says a lot.
john muscat
Nov 26th 2012, 10:53
It's a good idea to remove the palm trees and sow some turf to be more realistic as it's like surrounded by pubic hair.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 14:28
That is what I thought the photo on the left represents.
Ramon Casha
Nov 26th 2012, 10:53
Well done. Whatever one's opinions might be about a monument, we can't allow people to take the law into their own hands as was done with this monument.
Jacob Vella
Nov 26th 2012, 10:51
Well done!
Norman E Grech
Nov 26th 2012, 10:50
Just great!
We're spending more of the tax-payers' money to repair a hideous monument! Art !? My foot!
I can't stand certain people justifying everything in the name of art!
Shame on who decided not to remove thing piece of junk!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 14:29
I do not agree with you - it is a superb piece of art. Hands off this original piece and hands off our George Cross.
Alfred J. McEwen
Nov 26th 2012, 10:47
Nice to have a lingam around at tax payer`s expense how about a yoni to complete the picture?
Mr R.E. Saliba
Nov 26th 2012, 10:42
Eur2000 would be FAR better spent on fixing roads.
In any case, makes you wonder how much the entire thing cost, doesn't it?
Joseph Grech Attard
Nov 26th 2012, 10:32
Art, as music, food, clothes, beauty, etc is very subjective. So it is good to restore what has been there for over 6 years. What one should, without exception, condemn are those responsible for the damage. Extremists, from whichever side, are dangerous in a democratic society.
Joe Fenech
Nov 26th 2012, 10:26
This time put protection on it.
Mr C Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 12:06
Do they produce such size of protection ? I wonder.
Robert Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 12:06
I guess it's part of the €2,000 :)
R. Azzopardi
Nov 26th 2012, 10:16
And the war on trees goes on and on and on. SEems to me that the "artist" has never visited the city of Bath. I can assure him that Bath's architecture are WAY more beauitful than his creations and yet the city is totally covered with trees and NOBODY dares lay a finger on them.
Pamela Hansen
Nov 26th 2012, 11:03
Well said
Mr Joe Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 10:12
How about making it also a fountain, it would be more realistic.
John Vella
Nov 26th 2012, 11:15
Hahahaha i agree :)
Joseph Micallef
Nov 26th 2012, 10:10
What a shameful monument. No matter malta is leaderless and rudderless. Lack of culture everywhwere. Taf issib dak il-hmieg ta' monument gewwa Vienna, Moska jew Parigi, f'nofs ta' triq jew pjazza. Ir-rakommandazzjoni tieghi hi li ghandu jigi restawrat billi jinqala mill-pedamenti u jinharaq.
Ramon Casha
Nov 26th 2012, 10:52
Actually there are phallic monuments even in the Vatican.
Norman E Grech
Nov 26th 2012, 11:01
Totallly agree!!!!!
A Wood
Nov 26th 2012, 09:59
Of course, tax payers will only be only too happy to spend 2,000 on a huge "phallic" monument! I think the public would be happier if the money went to filling in a few pot holes.
B Grech
Nov 26th 2012, 09:57
For me it looks like it will soon be concealed behind the trees!
Charles Zammit
Nov 26th 2012, 09:56
What a huge farce !! Would not an aviation type of art been better for the village of Luqa ? Still I suppose this column could be taken as a sign to the Axis aircraft during WW 2 !!
Alfred J. McEwen
Nov 27th 2012, 14:07
I fully agree with you and the present effigy could be stuck up where the sun don`t shine.
carlos ellul
Nov 26th 2012, 09:55
So we're spending 2000 euros to restore that monstrosity? Isn't it time that we set our priorities right?
Stephen Abela
Nov 26th 2012, 09:54
Have nothing against this sculpture, but 2000 euro just to fix it in those difficult times, and the uprooting the threes!!!!, I have difficulties to understand who are the vandals here!
R Mallia
Nov 26th 2012, 09:46
2,000Euros for that? I would do it for 600Euros in 3 days.
Joseph Caruana
Nov 26th 2012, 10:57
Oh so talented Mr. Mallia that you waste your time and money writing here. NIce.
Michael de Marco
Nov 26th 2012, 09:46
Restored ....??? Has the Resources Ministry got nothing better to do with tax payers money? That worthless and offensive bit of junk should be removed from public view and returned to the "artist" for his personal enjoyment.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 12:35
I see nothing 'offensive' in it.
Mario Tabone-Vassallo
Nov 26th 2012, 09:39
PROSIT
Joseph Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 09:32
I love art and I admit I am not used to such a style, but honestly it is a very colourful column, and if some see it as obscene, well they have a right to their vision, but then , it is still a very nice cheerful piece , and the sooner it is done the better. What queries my curiosity is why should it cost so much to restore?
eddy towers
Nov 26th 2012, 10:06
its absolutely shocking, pull the THING OUT OF THE GROUND and leave the palm trees, the trees are LIVING ART, give the thing to the artist and spend the 2,000 euros on a maltese charity, wheres the common sense here, the local people dont want it. GET RID OF IT.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 09:30
Glad to hear this. Art! Only Art.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 26th 2012, 11:05
There is nothing wrong with considering (some form of) nudity as art!! But the art of representing genitalia as statues or painted on (cave) walls stopped being considered main-stream art at the same time when building megalithic temples passed out of fashion!!
Franco Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 12:34
Mr Aquilina, what 'passed out of fashion' is troglodyte-customs of destroying - or allowing to be destroyed - anything that doesn't pick our fancy. What 'passed out of fashion' is the Western-like method of destroying or allowing to destroy, things that we don't agree with. In other words, tolerance. Look it up.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 26th 2012, 12:58
@Franco Farrugia
I never said I agree with vandalism. So all your rant is completely out of place. What I said is that the last time people erected monuments in such a manner to symbolize their genitalia was when such people still lived in caves!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 14:33
Joseph Aquilina - it is only phallic in your immagination. It is a column but your mind-set keeps on seeing it as dirty.
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 26th 2012, 17:39
@Mr Andrew Camilleri
I'm in good company it seems; even by those who actually "like" what you simply call a "column"... and mind you, its not dirty, its OUT OF PLACE!
Please choose the reason of your report below: