The Malta Society of Arts (MSA) is hosting an extraordinary solo exhibition featuring Maltese artist Nico Conti, who has transformed traditional porcelain into stunning contemporary artworks. The exhibition, titled "Reflections on Porcelain," is currently running at the historic Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta and will continue through Thursday, October 23rd.
The exhibition spans five intimate gallery rooms, each designed to create a unique atmosphere that guides visitors through an immersive journey exploring the versatility of porcelain. The rooms alternate between evoking comforting childhood memories and mysterious, haunting moods, demonstrating how this delicate material can convey diverse narratives and emotions.
"I always dreamed of having my first solo show in Malta," Conti explained. "My work has been presented around the world, but here I wanted the people who shaped me to be present – my family, my friends, my teachers. This show is a thank you and a reflection, a way to share what I've been exploring with those who matter most."
Conti's innovative approach combines traditional porcelain craftsmanship with cutting-edge 3D printing technology. The artist finds deep meaning in the material's dual nature, stating, "It fascinates me because it is both fragile and strong. Before firing it can collapse with the slightest touch, but once fired it becomes resilient, translucent, and can last thousands of years."
The exhibition's central themes revolve around memory, reflection, and transformation. In the opening room, visitors encounter delicate artworks displayed behind fluted glass, deliberately reminiscent of Conti's grandmother's porcelain cabinet. "I wanted to capture a sense of familiarity and distance at the same time," he explains, creating an immediate emotional connection for viewers.
Throughout the exhibition, porcelain takes on unexpected and innovative forms, with pieces that glow and shift as light moves across them. Conti challenges visitors' preconceptions about the material, noting that "many people only know porcelain from plates or figurines, but here they will see it transformed." He emphasizes that the exhibition focuses on experiential art, explaining that "the show is about experiences – porcelain can become lace, stone, memory, or light."
MSA Acting President Roderick Camilleri expressed enthusiasm about hosting the exhibition, stating, "We are delighted to host Nico Conti's first solo exhibition. His creative approach bridges tradition and technology in ways that beautifully align with our mission to support heritage and contemporary art."
"Reflections on Porcelain" is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, making this innovative exploration of porcelain art accessible to anyone curious about the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression.
