Antoine Farrugia explores dualities in new exhibition at il-Kamra ta’ Fuq

Maltese sculptor Antoine Farrugia is currently presenting a new solo exhibition titled Għamja l-Għajn at Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq. Running from Friday to August 24, the exhibition is curated by Melanie Erixon and features a new body of work that continues Farrugia’s long-standing exploration of form through Malta’s native globigerina limestone.

Farrugia is known for his abstract sculptures, which often emphasise organic, fluid shapes. In this latest series, he introduces a stark visual contrast between refined sculptural forms and coarse, unworked stone bases. The juxtaposition highlights a dialogue between the smooth and the raw, between control and spontaneity.

Maltese sculptor Antoine Farrugia

The title Għamja l-Għajn carries layered meanings in Maltese, loosely referring to both a veiling and a revealing. This duality is reflected throughout the exhibition. While the sculpted forms exhibit a high degree of polish and control, their presentation on roughly hewn stone suggests a grounding in raw materiality.

The interplay between finished and unfinished surfaces underscores the tension between instinctive creation and disciplined craftsmanship.

The sculptures maintain Farrugia’s signature commitment to form, with each piece presenting a study in balance, surface, and volume. The works demonstrate his continued engagement with the properties of stone – particularly globigerina limestone, which has played a central role in his practice.

Another sculpture featured in the exhibition

Recognised as a Global Heritage Stone Resource, this material connects the artist’s work to both local tradition and broader geological history.

Farrugia’s process relies on a deep understanding of his chosen medium. Over the years, he has developed techniques to manipulate the stone in ways that highlight its natural properties while also transforming it into abstract compositions.

The exhibition also engages viewers on a tactile level.

In Għamja l-Għajn, this process is on display in full clarity, with each sculpture acting as both a technical demonstration and a formal investigation.

The exhibition also engages viewers on a tactile level. The contrast between the smooth, curved surfaces and the jagged bases invites a sensory response, positioning the works as both visual and physical experiences. While the forms are non-representational, their scale and contours evoke movement and weight, prompting contemplation of transformation and permanence.

The contrast between the smooth, curved surfaces and the jagged bases invites a sensory response.

Farrugia (b. 1969) lives and works in Mqabba. He has exhibited widely in Malta and abroad, with solo shows and participation in collective exhibitions including the Mdina Contemporary Art Biennale (2015, 2017). His work has featured in international sculpture symposia in Germany and China, and he continues to produce both small-scale pieces and large public works.

In 2023-2024, Farrugia completed a major private commission, delivering a substantial series of stone sculptures within a short timeframe. This project, according to the artist, further reinforced his focus on discipline and consistency in artistic production. In 2024, one of his pieces was successfully auctioned at The Grand Charity Auction Top Charity, organised by the Omenaa Foundation, fetching €75,000 for charitable causes.

Another sculpture on display

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Farrugia’s work is represented in numerous public and private collections, both in Malta and internationally. His approach to sculpture remains rooted in an appreciation for traditional materials while continuously exploring abstraction and formal innovation.

Għamja l-Għajn reflects this balance – between heritage and experimentation, between raw material and sculptural finesse. The exhibition offers a concise yet impactful overview of Farrugia’s current direction and reinforces his status as a leading figure in Malta’s contemporary art scene.

The exhibition is open daily at Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq until August 24.