After Dürer

As part of the celebrations organised by the Mdina Cathedral Museum to commemorate the 550th anniversary of the birth of one of the most pivotal Northern Renaissance artists, Albrecht Dürer, the Mikiel Anton Vassalli College – Malta School of Art is presenting a collection of prints created by current students of the school. The exhibition will be open from 21st May to 21st August 2021, Monday to Saturday between 09.30 and 16.15.

The participants in this exhibition represent the rich diversity of individuals, from different backgrounds and of different ages and abilities, who make up our vibrant school community. The work included in this exhibition has been contributed by young people aged 14 to 16, following an MQF level 3 course in Visual Arts, and adult learners who are following specialised courses in Printmaking at the Malta School of Art.

The works have been inspired by images created by the German Master, in particular by the remarkable collection of Dürer engravings and woodcuts housed at the Mdina Cathedral Museum. A substantial number of works in the Dürer collection display the artist’s mastery of relief printmaking techniques, and the school has supported learners to explore these methods in ways reminiscent of those utilised by Dürer, throughout his extensive career.

Alongside their exploration of relief printing as a method of work, students were inspired by the fascinating themes, visual elements, and particular stylistic motifs that make Dürer’s oeuvre so distinctive. Engaging with the master’s “vocabulary of images” in this way, participants have reflected the sources of their inspiration as well as their own artistic and creative identities.

The Mikiel Anton Vassalli – Malta School of Art would like to thank the Museum curator, Rev. Dr. Edgar Vella, the administrators, and the staff of the Mdina Cathedral Museum for the opportunity to explore, learn, and share.

Mr Umberto Buttigieg the Administrator of the Malta School of Art in Valletta said “By discovering the treasures of the museum, students have been enriched and, thanks to this exhibition, can share their discoveries with others. Developing the potential of our students is at the heart of the vision of the Malta School of Art, to discover their own pathways as creative practitioners in the visual arts.“