In order to pay homage to the Italian artitst, Gero Urso, who loved Malta, The Fondazzjoni Fortunato u Enrico Mizzi (FFEM) is organising an exhibition of hi paintings at the Parliament House in Valletta.

Gero Urso is an Italian artist who was born in Caltanisetta in 1945, later moving to Milan where he was based during his most prolific years, producing many works of art including paintings, sculptures, vignettes, graphic art and design.

He was also a renowned scenographer, Naif painter and mural artist.

Urso’s artistic endeavours spanned over decades and across different forms of artistic expression.

Inspired by the primary muse of both his artistic and personal life and his wife Amy Indino, Urso was also inspired by Malta.

Many of his paintings were inspired by Maltese scenery and characters. This all bears testimony to Urso’s fascination with the island and its people.

These works of art were showcased at several exhibitions that Gero Urso held in Milan and other Italian cities.

During his lifetime, Gero Urso was also an important presence in the Maltese artistic and cultural milieu. His exhibitions and murals filled prestigious halls, gardens and open spaces across Malta.

With the instrumental collaboration of Richard Muscat, Urso’s murals livened AZAD’s Festa tal-Ħbiberija in 1980, during which year two murals were also installed at Dar tal-Providenza, PN’s Festi Indipendenza in 1988, the event “Ħ’Attard – Ir-raħal tal-Milied” in 1989, AZAD’s Festa tal-Ħbiberija, with the well-known Maltese artist Josef Kalleya, at San Anton Gardens in 1980.

His works were also showcased in other events such as the art exhibition at the Palace Armoury in 1979 and the exhibition organised by Tonio Ganado at The Gallery in Sliema in 1981.

The exhibition of paintings and other works that celebrate Gero Urso as an artist who loved Malta is a purely cultural and artistic event and will be running at the Parliament of Malta from the 20^th to the 31st May, 2023.