From the mechanical wonders of ‘Dystopian Garden’ at Spazju Kreattiv to the historical heart of Valletta, American artist Justin Amrhein returns to Malta with a bold new chapter in his artistic journey. Titled ‘3D Blueprint Network: Malta Test Station’, this site-specific exhibition opens this Friday 4th July 2025 at MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art, and marks a historic first: MUŻA’s debut expansion beyond its walls into the bustling public square of Pjazza Jean de Valette.

Building on his ever-growing 3D Blueprint Network, American artist Justin Amrhein is back in Malta with a brand-new chapter – the ‘Malta Test Station’. This latest project is all about imaginative, futuristic machines designed for environmental repair. Think intricate, blueprint-style sculptures in bold blue and white that blend art, engineering, and climate awareness in one visually striking package.

The star of the show is a sleek, minimalist sculpture installed just outside MUŻA in Pjazza Jean de Valette, a first for the museum. It’s placed directly across from MUŻA’s historic 18th-century Baroque triumphal arch, creating a kind of artistic face-off between past and future.

Inside MUŻA, the exhibition continues with a ‘motherboard’ of around 20 sculptural works – detailed pieces built from reclaimed materials that look like blueprints come to life. More than just quirky sci-fi art pieces, these are speculative machines that imagine real solutions to today’s environmental challenges. The artist’s message is clear: we already have the ideas and tools to fix our planet – what we need now is the will to use them.

Scattered throughout the space are stop-motion videos made to look like slick commercials, ‘selling’ these imaginary machines as if they were everyday products. It’s a clever, tongue-in-cheek jab at consumer culture and how we sometimes turn innovation into just another marketing gimmick.

The whole project is curated by Melanie Erixon and project managed by Pacci Taub, works as a conversation between old and new. MUŻA itself, located in the historic Auberge d’Italie, becomes part of the artwork. From its Mannerist roots by architect Girolamo Cassar to its later Baroque flair, the building now takes on a new role as the backdrop for Justin Amrhein’s futuristic vision.

‘3D Blueprint Network: Malta Test Station’ opens this Friday 4th July and runs throughout the summer at MUŻA in Valletta. If you're into bold art, environmental storytelling, or just happen to be strolling around the capital, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

Intrigued?