A new exhibition celebrates Malta and Cyprus' ceramic art

After a 12-year pause, a unique artistic dialogue between Malta and Cyprus is being revived through Ceramic Forms, a collective exhibition that brings together ceramists from the two Mediterranean islands. Opening with a private viewing on November 28 at 6.30pm, the exhibition gathers both long-standing collaborators and new participants, offering a renewed exploration of clay, form, texture and cultural connection.

Running from November 29 to December 14, Ceramic Forms builds upon an artistic exchange that historically alternated between the two nations – a collaboration fuelled by shared curiosity and creative growth.

Three Trees by Sina Farrugia Micallef

The initiative flourished for a decade before becoming difficult to manage due to its expanding scale, yet the enthusiasm behind it never disappeared. This year’s edition marks a meaningful return to that spirit of exchange.

Curator Melanie Erixon describes how the revival emerged organically. “The idea to restart these annual exhibitions between the two islands resurfaced when a group of Maltese ceramic artists were attending a workshop in Cyprus. Together, they began reminiscing about the beautiful memories and collaborations from the past editions, and the spark was reignited. And here we are.”

Mother and Child by Mario Sammut

The original initiative began unexpectedly, when Maltese ceramist Sina Farrugia Micallef met a group of Cypriot artists during an exhibition in France. From that encounter grew a collaboration that lasted 10 years. 

As Erixon explains: “the project flourished for 10 years before coming to a halt, simply because it grew too big to handle at the time. With so many artists wanting to join, the initiative became unmanageable, but the spirit behind it never faded.”

Lapithos legacy by Mümine Özdemirag Yagli

This renewed edition features a broad range of participants. The Maltese contingent includes Joseph Agius, Antoine Paul Camilleri, Sina Farrugia, Ruben Formosa, Kenneth Grima, Paul Haber, and Charles and Mario Sammut, many of whom formed part of the original group. 

Representing Cyprus are Vassos Demetriou, Christina Karekla, Evie Michaelidou, Katerina Paparadamanthous, Eva Papavassiliou, Eleftheria Phili, Maria Theodorou and Mümine Özdemirağ Yağlı. Coordination is shared by artists Charles Sammut for Malta and Vassos Demetriou for Cyprus, both of whom also participate as exhibitors.

Blue Shadow by Paul Haber

The exhibition’s open thematic framework allows for a wide exploration of ceramic traditions and techniques. Visitors can expect an array of methods: earthenware and stoneware, raku and smoke firing, wood firing, porcelain, hand-built forms and wheel-thrown work.

The diversity of processes creates a rich platform for understanding the expressive and technical breadth of contemporary ceramic practice.

Forms by Vassos Demetriou

A notable contrast emerges between the Maltese and Cypriot contributions. Erixon highlights this difference: “The Maltese artists tended to lean more towards figurative or semi-figurative work, with only one artist presenting fully abstract pieces. On the Cyprus side, the approach is quite different: perhaps only one artist presents a figurative work, while the others explore abstract or semi-abstract forms that invite open interpretation.” These distinctions not only underscore the varying artistic tendencies within each community but also enhance the exhibition’s cross-cultural dialogue.

While some artists remain consistent with their established styles, others take more daring approaches, resulting in an exhibition that feels both eclectic and cohesive. Through earth, fire, technique and contemporary vision, Ceramic Forms positions ceramics as a medium capable of carrying both cultural memory and forward-looking experimentation.

Political Spin by Joseph Agius

Reclining Nude by Antoine Paul Camilleri

Sharp Edges by Evie Michaelidou

As for the future of this rekindled exchange, Erixon notes that nothing is yet confirmed. “It is still uncertain whether a new series of exchanges will follow; this will depend on the reception of this exhibition and on how the participants feel after its conclusion. However, I already have an idea brewing for the next one.”

For now, the exhibition stands as a testament to artistic continuity, cross-cultural friendship and the timeless pull of clay – reconnecting two islands through a shared creative language.

Ceramic Forms is taking place from November 29 to December 14 at the Mdina local council. It is curated by Melanie Erixon and supported by the Mdina local council, Emirates and Art Sweven.