The OmenaArt Foundation and LuginsLand of Art’s thematic pavilion, Redefining: Polish-Ghanaian Textile Narratives, at the Old Armoury of the Knights of Malta in Vittoriosa was awarded ‘Best Pavilion’ of the Malta Biennale 2026, the biennale’s highest recognition.
Launched on March 12, Redefining. Polish-Ghanaian Textile Narratives is curated by Natalia Bradbury and features large-scale textile installations by Ernestina Mansa Doku (Ghana), Marta Nadolle (Poland), and Eliza Proszczuk (Poland), created during their artistic residency in Malta.
The artists draw on the weaving traditions of both countries and the island’s local heritage, intertwining historical narratives through the material language of textile.
The Best Pavilion award acknowledges the pavilion’s artistic vision, the depth of its intercultural dialogue, and the quality of the works presented within one of the event’s most historic venues.
The award also recognises the OmenaArt Foundation’s sustained commitment to fostering connections between the contemporary art scenes of Eastern Europe and West Africa, alongside LuginsLand of Art’s ongoing dedication to international cultural exchange.
The opening event was attended by cultural representatives, media and various guests. They arrived to a space transformed: the ancient stone walls of the Armoury now home to the large-scale textile installations stretching between continents and centuries, accompanied by the
immersive premiere sound installation by composer Mariusz Szypura.
Omenaa Mensah, founder and visionary of the OmenaArt Foundation, was present, underlining the foundation’s deep personal investment in the project.
Curator Natalia Bradbury addressed the gathered guests, speaking about the journey that brought three artists from two different continents to the historic armoury. She spoke of the bonds between Poland and Ghana that underpin the exhibition – bonds that stretch back to the 1960s and find new expression through contemporary textile practice.
“Our exhibition explores the theme of historical bonds and solidarity between Poland and Ghana. Through the artists’ works, we want to show that despite distance and differing experiences, we are united by shared emotions and values,” curator Natalia Bradbury said.
The three artists, Mansa Doku, Nadolle and Proszczuk, were also present.
The pavilion remains open to the public until May 29. Visitors are invited to experience the exhibition at the Old Armoury of the Knights of Malta, alongside a public programme of debates, panel discussions and meetings with international experts taking place throughout the Biennale.
The pavilion is supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Valletta, Central Museum of Textiles in Łódź, Phenomenaa Gallery, Apart, Luce&Light and LOT Polish Airlines.
