Paintings by pioneering Maltese artist Giorgio Preca, never seen previously, converse with some of the oldest artefacts in the national collection, in a new exhibition inaugurated by Heritage Malta at the Gran Salon of the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta.
Hidden Goddesses – Unseen paintings by Giorgio Preca spotlights a collection of 31 artworks – including a self-portrait – inspired by the Maltese goddess. These were unveiled by Preca’s family following the success of the exhibition about him held at MUŻA five years ago.
The main muse behind these works was the Sleeping Lady – a small prehistoric clay statuette from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, which over the years became an iconic image of Malta. Preca reinterprets this figure with his distinctive style, using dark lines, bright colours and simplified forms, and creates a direct dialogue between Malta’s prehistoric heritage and the artistic expression of his era.
The works reveal Preca’s artistic maturity and his deep connection to Maltese cultural heritage.
A pioneer of modern art in his homeland, Preca worked as a restorer at what was then known as the National Museum, in the same building where the exhibition is being held today – the Auberge de Provence in Republic Street, before leaving our shores for good in 1956.
Visitors will be able to better understand the thought behind the brush, as many of these prehistoric artefacts – some original and some copies – are exhibited alongside the paintings. Moreover, the exhibition is arranged in semicircular spaces around a central passage, evoking the unique shape of the Mnajdra structure.
The exhibition also explores themes such as memory, heritage and representation, while examining the place of these artworks in the context of the cultural scene, museum narratives and the shaping of national identity in post-Independence Malta.
During the exhibition’s inauguration, Minister for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, said: “This exhibition clearly demonstrates how our cultural heritage continues to inspire new generations and evolve through time. Through Giorgio Preca’s artistic vision, the Sleeping Lady is reimagined in a contemporary visual language that bridges our prehistoric past with modern artistic expression, reminding us that our identity is strengthened when we continue to reinterpret and appreciate our heritage from fresh perspectives. As a government, we remain committed to investing in initiatives that make culture more accessible while ensuring that Maltese art continues to inspire present and future generations.”
As part of this initiative, the artist’s family will give the painting Sleeping Goddess, dated 1972, as a permanent donation to the national collection.
An illustrated, detailed catalogue about these works, in English, accompanies the exhibition. It is available for purchase from Heritage Malta’s museums and sites, as well as online.
The exhibition will run until October 4. Admission is included in the National Museum of Archaeology experience. The museum opens every day, from 9am to 7pm, with last admission at 6.30pm.
The exhibition space is fully accessible. For more information and tickets, click here.
