Rome 1933-1938

evening classes at the British Academy of Arts in Rome. During his time there he had the privilege to study under the Maltese Master Antonio Sciortino, director of the British Academy and professor of life drawing classes. Galea was also greatly influenced by the Sciortino.

This introductory exhibition will feature a large series of life drawings produced between the years 1933 to 1938. The drawings are a rare insight into the artist’s multifaceted career. As an artist largely known for his stucco works in churches, this is an opportunity to see a very different side to Galea’s art. This will be the first time the drawings will be shown to the public, bridging the unseen images from the past with the contemporary newness of the Mdina Biennale.

The foundation of any artist’s education, whether or not they continue along traditional lines or win the Turner prize for a performance piece, will, at some time or another, feature the learning of drawing skills. This exhibition reminds us of every artist’s beginning, not just that of Galea. It is a reminder of not just a man’s unique talent but also the talents of all those whose work predated his and those that follow him in a journey to find their own style and art through the practice of this tradition and others. The APS Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale is a project that respects tradition and looks into the past to understand our present.

Emma Borg he APS Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale opens this November and will undoubtedly incite a riveting and intriguing dialogue on contemporary art, especially when considering the work of the local and foreign artists who will be...