Debbie Caruana Dingli, one of Malta’s most prominent contemporary artists, is the protagonist of Bank of Valletta’s 23rd Retrospective Art Exhibition.

The internal space of BOV Centre in Santa Venera is transformed into a gallery showcasing a cross-section of her works spanning three decades of experimentation with colour and emotion until July 31.

Born in 1962, Caruana Dingli represents the fourth generation of artists in her family.

She graduated from the government school of art in 1980 and later was awarded a diploma in Cartooning by the International Correspondence School in the UK.

Ever since she discovered them, Caruana Dingli remained passionate about watercolours, using a vibrant palette to reveal raw emotions in her stark portraits.

Her cartoons are also unique. In their simplicity, they reveal Caruana Dingli’s satiric side as she puts a mirror in front of the complacency of our society, unafraid to delve into issues like illegal immigration and child obesity.

Whatever the medium, humanity takes centre stage in Caruana Dingli’s work.

In fact, this is a point she feels very strongly about. “I want people to get back in touch with their humanity. When I get a reaction from people, I am happy because it means they are rekindling that connection.”