The delicate boundary between the physical and the intangible lies at the heart of Remnants, the latest body of work by Maltese artist Dave Calleja. Serving as his second solo exhibition, the show presents a contemplative exploration of empathy and the traces people leave behind, both in material form and in emotional resonance.

Curated by Melanie Erixon, the exhibition examines how fragments of the past continue to exist long after their original form has disappeared. Much like archaeological remains or cultural artifacts, remnants act as quiet witnesses to history, preserving stories, identities, and lived experiences.

This concept becomes a starting point for Calleja’s artistic investigation. Through fragmented metal sculptures, he draws a distinction between what can be physically perceived and what can only be emotionally sensed. Tangible remnants speak to the five senses — they occupy space, possess weight, texture, and structure. Emotional energy, on the other hand, operates on a more elusive plane. It cannot be seen or touched, yet it is deeply felt, perceived through intuition and a spiritual sensitivity that transcends the material world.

Calleja further challenges viewers by suggesting that these two forces may interchange roles depending on the realm they occupy. In the physical world, remnants may serve as vessels of emotional energy, silently holding memory within their forms. In the spiritual realm, however, emotional energy itself becomes the remnant, an invisible trace of what once was. This poetic reversal encourages visitors to reflect on presence, absence, and the unseen connections that bind human experience.

About the Artist

David Calleja (b. 1979, Malta) primarily works in three-dimensional metal sculpture. His fascination with form began early in life, influenced by the varied characteristics of his native island. The layered landscapes and textured environments of Malta have informed both the visual language and the meticulous processes that define his work.

Calleja’s practice merges traditional blacksmith hammering techniques with contemporary metal art methods, resulting in sculptures that balance heritage craftsmanship with modern experimentation. His dedication to the applied arts is evident in the intensity and precision of his creations, each piece embodying a preserved internal energy.

His finished works actively engage with surrounding space, shaping environments through presence, structure, and movement. Years of experience working with diverse fabrication methods have gradually refined his artistic identity, allowing his evolving technical language to become deeply embedded in his sculptural expression.