Corinthia believes that the world of hospitality should not divorce itself from that of culture. Indeed culture is an essential element of a country’s identity which patrons and guests seek to enjoy to get the feel of the country they visit.
Just to mention a couple of instances, Corinthia had contributed towards the restoration of a painting by the Russian artist Dimitri Levitsky, which hangs in the President’s Palace in Valletta and which was sent to Moscow for an exhibition held in its honour at the Tsaritsyno Palace Museum.This painting was a personal gift from the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great, to Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan, in 1790 to further strengthen the good relationship between Russia and the Order of Malta.
For several years, Corinthia retained a strong support of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, which assists gifted youths to develop their career even internationally. The Foundation also helps vulnerable children and is involved in a programme run by the Helen O’Grady Academy in conjunction with the Department of Education, aimed at enabling a number of immigrant children from 27 countries to integrate into mainstream schooling and with Maltese children.
On the list of cultural actives attracting Corinthia‘s support, is an exhibition by Architect Edward Micallef.
Mr Micallef, who graduated in Architecture and Civil Engineering way back in 1969 and has since successfully and prolifically practiced this profession, inherited his passion for art from his father Carmelo ( Mike ), a pioneer in local Commercial Art. In 1956 – 1959, he studied under the guidance of Vincent Apap, Gorg Borg, Esprit Barthet and Antoine Camilleri. He has held three personal exhibitions and participated in a dozen of collective exhibitions in Malta and abroad, such as Paris, Germany and Riyadh.
In his coming exhibition which will be held on 22nd April to 7th May 2022 at the Malta Postal Museum, Archbishop Street, Valletta, his works will mainly consist of ink and watercolour, and acrylic on canvas. Micallef’s early works of graphics in ink and water colour in tones of indigo have been followed by other media and objet trouvé, most notably with 3D constructions penetrating or enclosing the space in front of the canvas. More recently, his works have shown a marked inclination towards a strongly coloured palette, with spontaneous and mainly abstract themes.
In the context of Sacred Architecture, Micallef is also well known for his design of the external envelope and the presbytery of the Fgura Parish Church and the tabernacle wall at the Fatima Sanctuary, Gwardamangia.
The exhibition carries the title Passione, which in the artist’s own words ‘relates to an intensive love of all things aesthetically beautiful and also brings to mind the sensual love towards the partner of your dreams.’
Mr Micallef believes that ‘Art is born from struggle and the pain in achieving aspirations.’
Corinthia, which has throughout the years successfully struggled with hurdles and is energised by its unstinting aspirations, is glad to be associated with this exhibition.