Heritage Malta Launches ‘TOPIA’ Exhibition by London-Based Artist Barnaby Barford at MUŻA

Heritage Malta opened ‘TOPIA,’ a captivating new exhibition by London-based artist Barnaby Barford at MUŻA, Malta’s National Community Art Museum in Valletta. Running until 19th January 2025, the exhibition offers a unique exploration of Malta’s rich cultural and socio-economic fabric, viewed through the lens of its local shops.

Enamoured with the country’s iconic shopfronts ever since his visit in 2019, Barford amassed over 11,000 photographs of shops from his bicycle travels across Malta and Gozo. The artist transformed this collection into 1,000 handcrafted fine bone china representations of real shops, shaped around an evocative Maltese street framed by iconic rubble walls, inviting reflection on the evolving communities of the islands.

Noel Zammit, CEO of Heritage Malta, emphasized the cultural significance of the exhibition: “‘TOPIA’ connects us to Malta’s living heritage in an innovative way, reminding us of the profound role these local shops play in shaping our communities and our identity.”

Visitors are invited to step into a bubble of curiosity and nostalgia, as each quirky creation recounts its own story. From traditional pastizzerias and corner bakeries to quaint barbershops and long-standing ironmongers, the installation captures the essence of Malta’s local commerce in stunning detail. MUŻA Curator Dr. Katya Micallef added: “Barford’s work allows us to reflect on both the enduring nature of these shops and the rapid change they face in today’s world.”

In addition to the visual installation, visitors can immerse themselves in recorded interviews with shop owners, offering personal insights into the people behind the façades. This multi-sensory experience touches on broader themes of identity, consumerism, and community. Heritage Malta Chairperson Mr Mario Cutajar remarked that “Indeed, Topia encourages us to think further than Topia itself as we stroll through the quaint exhibition design. It transports us to current issues of changing streetscapes, urban planning and changing retail habits.”

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, expressed his pride in the exhibition: “Heritage Malta continues to foster cultural dialogue, and ‘TOPIA’ is an exemplary fusion of art and heritage that sparks important conversations about our evolving society.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase these unique, signed china buildings online, with proceeds supporting Heritage Malta’s community and contemporary art initiatives. The exhibition is also accompanied by a dedicated publication featuring interviews and photos of shopkeepers, and a number of lectures focusing on changing streetscapes, demographics, urban planning and the balance between business and community requirements.

Opening hours are from 10:00 till 18:00 until the end of October, and from 09:00 till 17:00 starting November. Admission to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket. For more information, visit www.heritagemalta.mt or follow Heritage Malta and Barnaby Barford on social media for updates.