An artist who will stand the test of time

When the definitive history of Maltese art of the second half of the 20th century is eventually written, one of the artists who will stand the test of time as a major protagonist will, I am convinced, be George Fenech, who passed away last year. Fenech’s family has done much to commemorate his greatness, and was produced a lavishly illustrated book, written by Joseph Paul Cassar and Lino Borg. Coinciding with the launch of this monumental publication were three exhibitions, the most prestigious, as one would expect, was held at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta. What comes out in these exhibitions, happily, is Fenech’s multifaceted artistic oeuvre. The Fine Arts exhibition was a retrospective one that was ex­haustive and aided the visitor to understand the artist. It also highlighted his greatness. It moreover provided a great opportunity to see some of his finest works under one roof, and to appreciate his artistic legacy. The exhibition filled the Fine Arts courtyard and the contemporary room. Divided into sections according to genre in the courtyard, and early works in the contemporary room, the exhibition was easy to comprehend. Fenech’s is a serene...