One step closer to international success

Gozitan artist Justin Falzon is currently finishing a two-year course at the Lorenzo de' Medici Art Institute in Florence. He was chosen, along with other students, to participate in a citywide art exhibition at the Uffizi Centre and St James Cathedral. The exhibition was organised last December by the Institute of Developing Expressive Art.

Last year, Mr Falzon was chosen among 100 artists from 15 countries to participate in an exhibition organised by the Florencimento Art Organisation in Florence.

The project involved an exhibition featuring artists from all disciplines, directions and nations. Students of Florence collaborated to create a unique forum for a student exhibition, with roots in different backgrounds, life experiences and forms of personal expression.

From classical realism to contemporary art, they tried to capture people continuing to define themselves and their work while in Florence. This unique exhibition spawned a dialogue between schools and nationalities, to foster artistic and social growth.

Students hailed from the US, Russia, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Iceland, the UK, US Virgin Island and Malta.

Mr Falzon was chosen first in painting, presenting a self-portrait, while the other two winning categories were drawing and photography. He now intends to further his artistic studies after completing his course in May.