“Maltese artisan artists took the opportunity to adapt during the pandemic and produce original products to encourage people to get closer to local products. I urge the Maltese and Gozitan people to buy products made by Maltese artists this Christmas”, – Minister Silvio Schembri
An artistic filigree made of filigree will be donated to Istrina.
The Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri visited an exhibition with the theme ‘Sails’, an exhibition that focuses on handicrafts made from filigree with the utmost care by Maltese artists.
During a visit to the City Market, where the exhibition is being held, it was explained that the theme ‘Sail’ is symbolic because it reflects the way out of the difficult situation brought about by the pandemic.
Minister Schembri praised the initiative of the artists who used the pandemic period to give a strong boost to artisanal work with an innovative view that sheds light on the local talent of artists in this field. .
‘It’s impressive that the artists have adapted and been so flexible that many have started to produce new products because they have used the time they had in their hands due to the closure in order to look after their interests but never had the a chance to explore it. Here I therefore urge the Maltese and Gozitan people to reward the talent of Maltese artisan artists this Christmas and to buy products made by Maltese artists. Our intention as a Government is to continue to promote the Maltese artistic product on both local and international platforms. Moreover, we encourage young people to look at the entrepreneurial craft. Therefore, the Crafts ’Village project in Ta’ Qali, which is at an advanced stage, will be a center for artisanal innovation ’, said Minister Schembri.
Five artists worked in collaboration to stage this innovative exhibition with traditional elements made of filigree embedded in jewelry and other designs that combine the traditional Maltese and modern aspect.
Kevin Attard, Warren Giordano, Eric Attard, Mark Borg, and Alan Busuttil explained how the time of the pandemic was an opportunity to take a look at their interests in handicrafts and produce products with the aim of reviving interest and the popularity of using filigree as well as encouraging people to buy local products.
At the heart of this exhibition is an artistic filigree made entirely of filigree one meter long and weighing 2.8 kg. A carefully crafted work with the participation of 21 artists under the supervision of two artists Kevin Attard and Alan Busuttil. The work was carefully divided which helped to make the final product so uniform that it looked as if it had been made by the same person. The artists explained that this will be donated to Istrina.
The exhibition is open until December 7.
Photos: MEI
