In the 20th article in a series on 20th-century artists who shaped Maltese modernism,
Joseph Agius details the evolution of sculptor Joseph M. Genuis.
Joseph Mary Genuis (1934-1970) was one of the 20th-century sculptors that Malta lost at a very young age. His oeuvre displays a very modernist approach that shows that he was very aware of the global art world, especially the European one.
His friendship with fellow sculptors Josef Kalleya − one of the two fathers of Maltese modernism − and Toni Pace and with painter Frank Baldacchino, coupled with their frequent discussions on art and literature, provided the young sculptor with ample thematic and stylistic direction.
In the 19th article in a series on 20th-century artists who shaped Maltese modernism,
Joseph Agius delves into the life and times of
Frans Galea
Sculptor Frans Galea (1945-1994) belongs to an elite group of Maltese sculptors that Malta lost at a relatively young age.
Banda (1977)
Edward Pirotta (1939-1968), Joseph M. Genuis (1934-1970) and Toni Pace (1930-1989) and Galea have all contributed considerably to the modernist development of Maltese 20th-century sculpture. Yet, their untimely demise has deprived Maltese art history of oeuvres that would have much further enhanced the country’s 20th-century sculptural legacy.
From the days of his childhood, Galea demonstrated a dexterity in sculpting figurines for nativity cribs. This was nurtured by attending the catechism lessons at the Rabat centre of the society for the Christian doctrine, otherwise known as MUSEUM. The society was renowned for propagating a love for the traditional Christmas crib and the folklore relevant to