Five decades of Mary de Piro’s art celebrated

● 24th BOV Retrospective Art Exhibition at BOV Centre inaugurated

The 24th Bank of Valletta Retrospective Exhibition at the BOV Centre in Santa Venera, featuring work by internationally renowned contemporary Maltese artist Mary de Piro, was officially opened by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on Friday.

On her arrival, the President was welcomed by BOV chairman John Cassar White and CEO Mario Mallia and was then introduced to the artist, Mary de Piro, and the curator Dr Theresa Vella.

Addressing the guests present at the opening ceremony, Mr Cassar White said: “We are delighted to host Mary de Piro’s work at the BOV Centre, adding yet another prestigious name to the series of BOV Retrospective Art Exhibitions.” Commending Mary de Piro for her inimitable style, range of vision and technique that are recognisable worldwide, he said: “Mary de Piro’s evolution over the past 50 years runs parallel to the evolution of Maltese contemporary art and serves to underline her valuable contribution to the national culture of our islands.”

Curator Dr Theresa Vella, introducing the artist, said: “Mary de Piro’s artistic career spans over five decades, from the 1960s, when her modernist vision of the Maltese landscape first brought her to critical attention, up to the present day, with her undiminished mastery in representing the abstract nature of distance, space and light.”

Renowned architect Richard England, long-time friend of the artist and patron of her works, made a short speech about the artist: “Mary de Piro is a master artist, a cabalistic alchemist who transforms the sun-washed land and townscapes of our native isle into images of translucent mysticism and magic.”

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue that includes a concise biography of the artist together with a reproduction of the works of art on display in this exhibition. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 1 December.