Ceramics and paintings by Maltese modern artist Gabriel Caruana, that have been exhibited in Holland, will soon be on sale in Malta, after local politicians show a ‘flagrant lack of cultural passion’ in them, says Dutch artist Bonne Ten Kate.

I don’t like talking politics, but I have to, as all my efforts to donate my collection of more than 30 ceramics and around 60 paintings and gouaches of Gabriel Caruana have been in vain.

There was absolutely no interest from any politicians I contacted

My offer was made to the government of Malta in 2005 under the condition that it would be the cornerstone of a future Malta Museum of Modern Art. However, my letters to all ministers remained unanswered.

Soon after the presentation of Another Side Of Gabriel Caruana at St James Cavalier, at the inauguration of my exhibition of Caruana’s non-ceramic work, the book was presented to the artist’s wife Mary-Rose by former Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech. Former Education Minister Louis Galea was also present, as well as Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, my guardian angel during the book’s production.

I clearly remember Zammit Dimech saying in his speech that “the art of today is our heritage of tomorrow”.

Shortly after the opening I offered my complete collection (including Caruana’s drawings and other graphic works, as well as some paintings of Antoine Camilleri, Raymond Pitrè, Alex Dalli and some others) to the government.

The offer was made in two separate letters to both ministers, but they never answered nor confirmed receipt. I interpreted this as a lack of consideration, unethical and callous. To my astonishment this was the complete opposite of their gentle cooperation during the book’s production.

My subsequent memos also remained unanswered.

Last May, I approached Labour Party leader Joseph Muscat on this issue.

He invited me to his office, was very friendly, understanding and showed interest. He promised to ask questions in Parliament that same day.

The meeting ended with his assurance that he would inform me before the end of September. Regretfully, I never got a reply.

The fact that I didn’t hear from these politicians was an indication to me to cut all relations with them, although, to be honest, I could hardly believe their attitude.

Caruana’s art concerns the heritage of Malta. Yet, there was absolutely no interest from any politicians I contacted. Therefore, I have to unfortunately conclude that the authorities display a flagrant lack of cultural passion. Consequently, I had no alternative but to change my mind and attitude.

As I am in the autumn of my life, and my sons, who are in their 40s, are not exactly lovers or collectors of modern art, I have taken decisions in other directions. After long deliberations with artists-friends in Amsterdam, Malta and the UK, I have decided that the collection should go back to its land of origin.

I therefore approached a good friend in Malta, a man of decided integrity, who, like his father before him, has been an art lover and collector since his youth. Joe Agius, a friend of Caruana’s has built up a splendid collection of his art and he has open eyes as both a connoisseur and as a salesman. I was glad he accepted my offer to deal with the business side of the sale.

Yet I find it regrettable that this fine collection is being dispersed as it represents Caruana at the height of his artistic powers, with certain pieces which manifest his genius.

The collection has been accumulated during three decades and most of the paintings are on display in my books; pieces from the early 1970s up to the late 1990s.

So tell it to the people: hunters for rarities, here is your game… Of course I am fully aware that the market will do its job as usual and will chase the speculators.

Yet, on the other hand, I console myself with the satisfaction that the collection will be back home and that most of the pieces will finally end up in the homes of Maltese modern art lovers.

Of course, as I love Caruana and his bold pieces too much to be separated from all of them, there will be a very small number, the heart of my collection, full of artistic and emotional links, which will remain in my home in Amsterdam.

To the departing pieces I would like to say Buon Viaggio.

Mr ten Kate is an artist, photographer and collector.