Tribute performances to modern art pioneer Frank Portelli at his own studio
Frank Portelli was a highly accomplished Maltese artist, well-known for his experimentation with a range of artistic media, including oils, acrylics, stained glass, sculpture, painting, and collage. He also dabbled in design and scenic painting. The muralist passed away 20 years ago in March of 2004. A few months after his passing, Heritage Malta obtained one of his murals for the national art collection.
In honour of the modern art pioneer’s impact, Frank Portelli Archives is presenting an interdisciplinary curatorial project entitled ‘Frank u Jien’, or ‘Frank and I’. Over the course of two weekends in February, audiences will have the rare chance to see snippets of Portelli’s personal archives in the very art studio he produced them in, which he built himself.
At the age of 13, Portelli enrolled in the Valletta School of Art. One of his most notable works from his early career is an autobiographical piece he began in 1944, right after his father passed away. Three years later, he won a scholarship to study at Leicester College in England after excelling at the School of Art, and he then further his education in France and Italy.
Portelli’s time abroad helped him develop a style that made him stand out next to his local peers. Upon his return to Malta in 1951, Portelli co-founded the Modern Art Circle (later rebranded as the Modern Art Group and Atelier), which played a significant role in raising awareness of the modern art movement in Malta. Furthermore, in 1957 he was chosen as one of six Maltese modern artists to participate in the inaugural Malta pavilion at the 1958 Venice Biennale.
‘Frank u Jien’ gathers some of the most innovative visual and performing artists of today for a series of performances. Curated by Andrew Borġ Wirth and written by Maria Theuma, the exhibition highlights Portelli’s body of work while alluding to significant pieces from his collection, other significant events in Maltese art history, and his own life story. Just as Frank Portelli’s works were experimental and transcended media, as is ‘Frank u Jien’.
This event will be taking place from February 15 to February 25, starting at 7 pm or 7.30 pm depending on the date. The spoken language will be Maltese, although there will be English surtitles provided. Get your tickets here. ‘Frank u Jien’ enjoys the support of Arts Council Malta.
