A landmark retrospective of renowned Maltese artist Carmelo Mangion (1905-1997) has opened at Il-Hagar Museum in Victoria, Gozo.

Titled Carmelo Mangion: Mystery & Modernity, the exhibition is curated by art historian Dr Nikki Petroni and the museum said that it is one of the most comprehensive showcases of Mangion’s work to date.

The museum said that spanning several decades of his career, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of Mangion’s artistic output, which ranges from finely crafted etchings to expressive landscapes, portraits, and religious paintings.

Born in Naxxar, Mangion remains a significant yet often understated figure in the development of modern art in Malta.

He was not only a prolific artist but also an influential teacher. Through his classes at the School of Art in Valletta, he was instrumental in establishing the practice of etching in Malta in the 20th century, leaving a lasting imprint on generations of Maltese artists. While his etchings reflect a refined technical mastery, Mangion’s paintings reveal a deep sensitivity to both natural and urban environments.

His portraits and religious works further showcase his command of form and emotion, marking him as a versatile and contemplative artist.

Carmelo Mangion: Mystery & Modernity is open to the public until the 8th of September. A limited number of full-colour exhibition catalogues, featuring contributions by Dr Nikki Petroni, Konrad Buhagiar and Lino Borg, are available at the front desk.

This exhibition is presented as part of the 28th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival and is supported by the Gozo Action Group Foundation through the LEADER programme.

Il-Hagar Museum has also announced that it has extended its opening hours between Monday, the 14th and Sunday, the 20th of July. During this entire week, the museum will be open between 9am and 11pm. Admission is free of charge.

Apart from the Carmelo Mangion retrospective, visitors will also have the opportunity to view the museum’s permanent display, which includes paintings by some of the greatest 17th- and 18th-century Maltese artists; a collection of terracotta oil lamps and pottery from the period of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel which dates back 2,800 years; a coin display dating 110 BC; the unique Papal paraphernalia which includes the zucchetto worn by Pope Benedict XVI on the day of his Abdication, his chasuble and mitre, and the Cardinal’s cassock and mitre worn by Pope Francis during the Conclave that elected him Pope and Bishop of Rome in 2013.

Temporary attractions include treasures from Victoria’s Conventual Church of St Francis, and a selection of modern art philately.

Photo: Il-Hagar Museum

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