Apap, Cremona and the iconography of St Paul

Works by Willie Apap and Emvin Cremona connected to the iconography of St Paul is the thrust of the latest publication by Ġużè Schembri Bonaci called Apap, Cremona And St Paul.

The author, who compares the works within a philosophical-socio-political network, said when contacted: "The fascinating element in the book is that these two artists created their milestone work on St Paul amid the turbulent atmosphere of the 1960s, when Malta was struggling for its statehood."

The book details the artistic merits of the works by both artists putting them in a comparative-international context. The book also touches on the birth pangs of modernism in Maltese art, the contradictions involved and the manner in which artists reacted to this revolutionary phenomenon.

Dr Schembri Bonaci last year published a study called Apap And The Descent From The Cross.

Both works are part of a long-term project initiated by the Department of History of Art at the University of Malta.

Speakers at the book launch at the Old University, St Paul Street, Valletta tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. include Peter Serracino Inglott, Peter Mayo and Keith Sciberras. Mario Buhagiar will introduce the discussion.