On my behalf and on behalf of my brothers and sisters, I would like to commend the initiative undertaken by Talent Mosti at Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone in Mosta. The exhibition commemorated the 30th anniversary since the death of our beloved father, Agostino Camilleri, the renowned sculptor and statuarian who left an imprint of artistic patrimony on the Maltese islands as well as abroad.
The exhibition was held from July 4 to 19. It was inaugurated and addressed by the President Emeritus, Guido de Marco, and blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Joseph Mercieca. It was professionally organised and beyond our expectations. All exhibited items were brought over from different locations in Malta and Gozo.
Prof. de Marco delivered an impassioned speech in which he admitted that, although not having known him personally, the artist's works brought him closer to understanding him. The exhibition made him better understand the personality of Agostino and his works which remained to be appreciated even after the artist's demise.
Concurrently, another exhibition featuring the works of my father was held at the Banca Giuratale, Victoria. The exhibition was inaugurated on Saturday, July 11 by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, with Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said also present, and went on until July 26. This was organised on the initiative of the Gozo Cultural Council which took it in its stride to gather the exhibited items, some of which have never ventured out of their place.
Such an exhibition would have never been possible without the cooperation of the several religious entities and private collections which were very willing to provide Agostino's works on loan. My deep appreciation is also conveyed to all those involved with these two exhibitions.
Lastly, I would like to thank the administration of the Art and Craft School of Gozo in Għajnsielem, named also after my father Agostino better known as Wistin Camilleri, for the small ceremony held on July 4 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death. A plaque made by his grandson Josef Camilleri, a teacher at the said school, was unveiled and inaugurated by Mrs Debono and blessed by Bishop Emeritus Mgr Nicola J. Cauchi, who described vividly his personal encounters with Wistin, to the delight of all those present.