Many describe their life in the arts as a vocation − an inexplicable calling that drives their choices and decisions, to the point that they can think of nothing else. I believe this is true of Lily Agius, even if she may not readily admit it, at least not in so many words.
Fact is, there are few names in Malta’s arts and culture sector that have remained as consistent over the past two decades as Agius. Having first appeared on the scene in the early Noughties, around 2003 or 2004, she made her debut with an exhibition at her parents’ farmhouse.
This was followed by what is generally regarded as her first curatorial project, presented at Il Gattopardo Art Gallery in Mdina. It was a bold choice, not only in terms of the space and location, but also in relation to the artist and the medium itself.
At the time, Lily made the daring decision to present the work of the late British photographer Charles Roff (1952-2017), whose exhibition featured a series of large-format black-and-white female nudes. Photography was still far from being widely accepted as one of the “high arts” locally, and censorship remained a significant concern on the island.
Soon after these debut shows, and as a fresh graduate in history of art, Agius took over the editorship of Manic Magazine, one of the few print publications devoted largely to art and culture, distributed bi-monthly with The Malta Independent. Through Manic, she once again took some bold decisions – simultaneously giving young art writers a voice and giving emerging artists a platform for promotion.
Agius says she “feels compelled to work with emerging artists, driven by the excitement of presenting their work to the public”.
Ambitious and enterprising, she soon set her sights on a broader goal, turning that drive into a more tangible project that gave practising artists physical space, not just editorial exposure.
That vision led to the birth of Lily Agius Gallery in 2011, at a time when Malta’s gallery scene and art market were still only beginning to develop, with just three or four other galleries in existence. Agius took the leap, and over the next decade, the gallery became a platform for both local and international artists, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to close doors.
During its run, the gallery maintained a vibrant and dynamic programme, showcasing artists working across a range of media, including CO-MA, Sallyanne Morgan, John Paul Azzopardi, Julien Vinet, Massimo Nordio, Madison Gregory, SJ Fuerst, Stephanie Galea, Elisa Von Brockdorff, and many others.
Midway through her gallery journey, The Malta Artpaper was created, bringing together Agius’s editorial background and her curatorial practice. A personal, privately driven venture, Artpaper reflects the same philosophy that underpins all of Lily’s projects: bringing together Maltese and international art, and also bringing ideas to life through independent means, without the reliance on state funding that might introduce unnecessary political or institutional influence.
The publication is also distributed in London and Venice, and has recently collaborated with platforms such as Berlin Art Week and the Gwangju Biennale. As Artpaper approaches its 10th anniversary, Agius is also preparing to launch a podcast series focused on timely and relevant topics in the arts.
Since the closure of the Sliema gallery space in 2021, Lily Agius Gallery has operated as a nomadic platform, presenting exhibitions across venues including the Malta Society of Arts and Spazju Kreattiv. Now, preparations are under way for the opening of its new permanent home in Floriana.
Located on Triq il-Kapuċċini, the new space has been extensively refurbished by CO-MA and will serve both as a gallery and space to host artists-in-residence, supporting the gallery’s growing roster of local and international artists. Among the first events planned is a ‘Meet the Artist’ session with New York-based artist Skye Ferrante at the gallery on July 29 and 30, and who will also be performing exclusively for The Supper Club | Malta on July 21.
Agius is also launching an exciting collaboration with 23 Boutique Hotel, located just across the street. Titled Summer Salon, the initiative will feature works by gallery artists alongside a programme of creative gatherings and cultural meet-ups.
More than 20 years into her career, Agius’s passion hasn’t waned in the slightest.
“I don’t want to do the same things I’ve done in the past,” she says. “I don’t want to feel restricted. But I do want to champion fine art and ensure it remains visible, relevant and respected. There’s too much work that lacks soul, too much AI. I feel it’s my responsibility to support artists who continue to work from the heart.”
Lily Agius Gallery is located at 14, Triq il-Kapuċċini, Floriana. Opening hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3pm to 7pm, or by appointment on +356 9929 2488.
@lilyagiusgallery
