Firmament. Ryan Falzon’s Latest Exhibition Lands in Valletta
A new exhibition by Ryan Falzon opens at Spazju Kreattiv on 14 May, bringing a fresh series of works under the title Firmament. Running until 28 June 2026, it presents paintings, writing and installations that continue to shape Falzon’s evolving practice.
Falzon has become a recognisable voice within Malta’s contemporary art scene, known for work that draws from a wide range of references and ideas. In recent years, his focus has turned towards Mediterranean belief systems, incorporating imagery linked to tarot, talismans and symbolic traditions. This latest exhibition develops those themes further, moving into questions around belief, perception and the limits of what can be seen or understood.
The title Firmament comes from the ancient idea of a celestial boundary separating the earthly from the divine. That notion runs through the exhibition, offering a point of reference rather than a fixed explanation. It suggests a line that can be crossed, examined or questioned, depending on how each work is approached.
Following his 2025 exhibition Arcana in Milan, Falzon returns here with a collection that expands his visual language. There are traces of ancient cultures, including references to Mesopotamia and Egypt, alongside elements that recall medieval illustration. These influences appear through layered imagery and recurring symbols, giving the works a sense of depth without feeling overly defined.
A key reference within the exhibition is the Flammarion engraving, an image of a figure pushing beyond the sky to reveal what lies behind it. It’s a familiar visual that speaks to curiosity and the desire to understand more than what is immediately visible, and it sits naturally within the wider themes explored here.
Across the exhibition, text appears alongside visual elements, with fragments, markings and symbolic forms recurring throughout. The works shift between personal reflection and broader ideas, allowing space for different interpretations depending on the viewer.
Falzon’s earlier work often leaned into political commentary through bold, striking imagery. In Firmament, the focus turns more towards internal questions and wider philosophical ideas, while still holding onto the distinctive style that defines his work.
Set within Spazju Kreattiv, the exhibition sits comfortably within one of Valletta’s key cultural spaces. The building itself, with its mix of historic architecture and contemporary galleries, provides a fitting setting for a show that draws on both past and present influences.
Firmament runs from Thursday 14 May to Sunday 28 June.
