From 20th June to 27th July 2025, MUŻA in Valletta will host Smuggler, a thought-provoking solo exhibition by artist Eric Kaiser.

At the heart of this exhibition lies a simple yet powerful symbol: the prickly pear cactus. Though not native to Malta, this resilient plant has become deeply embedded in the island’s landscape; a metaphor the artist uses to explore complex questions of identity, belonging, and cultural adaptation.

Smuggler begins with delicate still-life compositions, inviting viewers to consider the everyday presence of the cactus and what it represents. During this exhibition, these initial images evolve into bold reimagining of classical artworks, some drawn directly from MUŻA’s own collection. Through this dialogue between the old and the new, Eric challenges traditional narratives and encourages audiences to reflect on how cultures blend, shift, and grow over time.

The exhibition’s title itself, Smuggler, raises intriguing questions. Who or what is being smuggled? Is it a plant, a symbol, or an idea? Eric invites us to consider how things foreign can become familiar, and how belonging is not always a matter of origin, but of transformation.

Set against the backdrop of Malta’s national art museum, Smuggler offers a fresh and poetic perspective on heritage and identity. It is a must-see for art lovers, cultural thinkers, and anyone interested in how art can reshape the way we see the world around us.

Will you be visiting this exhibition?