The Valletta 2018 Foundation is endorsing Ex Libris, an exhibition of metal art created by Danish artist Marie Louise Kold.

The exhibition is inspired by the metal, metallurgy, chemistry and alchemy-themed, centuries-old books found at the Bibliotheca in Valletta. Working with copper, bronze and brass, which Kold ages chemically in complex processes, the artist has created ‘books’, scrolls and other artefacts that often contain text in one way or another, sometimes very fragmented, with patinas that provide natural colour to the metals.  These interact with the unique surroundings of the National Library.

Ex Libris is a multifaceted exploration across many fields of knowledge, bridging the past and the present, juxtaposing permanence and transience, challenging certainty and intuition, and melding science and art. The exhibition is curated by Ġorġ Mallia.

Ex Libris runs at the Bibliotheca in Old Treasury Street, Valletta, until June 2. 

The exhibition is open between 8.15am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8.15am to 1pm on Saturdays, with extended opening hours to 4pm on Saturday May 19. 

A hard-bound book made in etched copper.A hard-bound book made in etched copper.

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