Friends and family discuss artist Frank Portelli on 16th December

Stqarrija bil-Malti Agħfas Hawn / Press Release in Maltese Click Here

Friends and family of artist Frank Portelli will gather at MUŻA on 16th December at 6.30pm for a talk about the artist, this year being a century since his birth. The talk was originally planned for 9th December but is now being held one week later.

An exhibition of artworks by Portelli, entitled 100 years: Commemorating Frank Portelli’s Art and Life, will run from Friday 9th December till Sunday 8th January, in the Camerone at MUŻA.

Frank Portelli (1922-2004) is considered among the foremost exponents of the modern idiom in 20th century Maltese art. He started attending the Government School of Art in Valletta in 1935, immediately distinguishing himself among the top students.

In 1947 he sat for the final examination at the School of Art to earn a scholarship to further his studies abroad, which he won, and proceeded to Leicester College of Art. A year later he moved to Kennington College. While in England he took part in several competitions and exhibited at the Colonial Exhibition in London.

By 1950 Portelli was back in Malta, after travelling to Paris, Florence and Venice. He was involved in the local art groups, and he exhibited widely in Malta. He also had the opportunity to display his works at the Commonwealth Institute Exhibition, London, and at the Venice Biennale.

Portelli’s full-time job was that of an interior designer of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and other establishments. His distinctive style and innovative design ideas left a huge impact and unfortunately little is known so far. His work also decorated the basilica in Senglea and the church dedicated to St Theresa in Birkirkara.

Admission to the talk about Frank Portelli is free of charge, on a first come first served basis.

Heritage Malta is currently also commemorating 100 years since the birth of local artist Antoine Camilleri. An exhibition of artworks by Camilleri, entitled Commemorating Antoine Camilleri (1922-2005): A Hundred Years from his Birth, is on until Sunday 4th December in the Camerone at MUŻA.