What’s going on upstairs? That’s the question visitors are encouraged to ask as they step into Liliana Fleri Soler’s new solo exhibition, ‘Fuq, fil-Kamra’, opening on Sunday 25th May at 11am at Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq in Mqabba. The exhibition runs until 8th June and is curated by Melanie Erixon.
The title itself – ‘Fuq, fil-Kamra’ (which translates to ‘Upstairs, in the Room’) – is a cheeky play on words. Both a literal reference to the gallery’s name (‘Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq’, or ‘The Room Upstairs’) and an invitation to explore the upper reaches of memory, imagination, and story, this exhibition blurs the lines between fantasy and personal history.
‘Fuq, fil-Kamra’ is rooted in Fleri Soler’s own recollections of her childhood, especially those connected to her grandmother’s house. That domestic setting becomes a springboard for the artist’s signature elongated figures and hybrid creatures, brought to life through mixed-media sculptures rich both in symbolism and sentiment.
Adding an even more intimate touch, much of the fabric used in these works comes from a treasured family chest, filled with handmade textiles from the artist’s own childhood, as well as that of her mother and grandmother. In this way, each piece is not only visually striking, but emotionally resonant, layered with meaning that spans generations.
Liliana Fleri Soler is a multidisciplinary Maltese artist working across sculpture, painting, installation, and assemblage. Her work often sees abstraction merge with surreal figuration, exploring themes of identity, nature, and the subconscious. Her international résumé includes the interactive kinetic sculpture ‘I will get there somehow…’, installed at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus in 2012, as well as numerous collaborations with cultural, educational, and scientific institutions.
Ready to explore upstairs?