The launch of Steven Xuereb Haber’s debut graphic novel, Dance of Death, at the Malta Society of Arts this evening is accompanied by an exhibition that allows viewers to peer further into the murky depths of the novel’s world.
At the centre of the exhibition is the 200-page hardcover volume in full colour inspired by the ‘Dancing Plague of 1518’.
Visitors will be given access to behind-the-scenes material that reveals the artistic journey towards the book, including original works in charcoal and ink, as well as printed pieces showing the phases of production, such as early sketches, preparatory artwork and developmental pieces.
A selection of these pieces − including preliminary sketches and character studies exclusive to this exhibition − will be available for purchase. The exhibition is structured to guide the viewer from the final result back to its origins, allowing them to understand “not just what the work is, but exactly how it came to be”.
The exhibition shares several key emotional and visual moments of the story, specifically depicting pivotal scenes from the dancing plague.
Dance of Death is being launched today at 8pm and the exhibition remains open until Tuesday, May 5. One may visit on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1.30pm and on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 3pm. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.artsmalta.org or www.facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts.
The project is supported by Arts Council Malta and guided by writer Clare Azzopardi.
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