A Maltese work of art has been unveiled at the Garden of Nations in central Ramallah, the administrative seat of the Palestinian National Authority, by mayor Janet Mikhail and Malta representative Alan Bugeja.

The Garden of Nations, a public park administered by the Municipality of Ramallah, has allocated a corner for artistic works by foreign artists which reflect features of their country or national identity and which will remain permanently installed in the garden as a symbol of friendship amongst nations.

The Maltese sculptural installation, entitled Blata, was crafted from local stone by Austin Camilleri, one of Malta’s leading artists.

Blata is a rock gilded in gold, which represents an island in an oasis of serenity, friendship and dialogue, reflecting the vocation that Malta has embraced since gaining independence, that of fostering dialogue as a way to ensure stability and peace in our region. The work is a continuation from previous works by the artist dealing with the notion of territory and alienation.

Blata will provide a Maltese presence in a Palestinian international cultural project which is consonant with Malta’s historical support of the Palestinian cause where for almost forty years Malta has been calling for a just solution to the conflict in the region, based on the establishment of an independent state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in pace and security with its neighbours.

During his stay in the Palestinian territories, Mr Camilleri interacted with local artists and art students and conducted a workshop at the Academy of Arts in Ramallah. Mr Camilleri’s visit was made possible by the Malta Arts Fund and the Representative Office of Malta in Ramallah.