Starting today, visitors at the new MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Art Space) can check out the very first Maltese artwork to be displayed at the museum — 'Figure in Rods', the final piece by Raymond Pitrè, one of Malta’s most influential contemporary artists, who sadly passed away last November.

This powerful sculpture features a lone figure surrounded by a dense forest of upright bronze rods. 'Figure in Rods' dives deep into the idea of psychological confinement, a theme the artist often explored in his work. He frequently reflected on the stifling effects of urbanisation, a topic that resonates strongly in today’s world.

MICAS has shared that it was fortunate enough to work closely with Raymond Pitrè before his passing, getting his input on how the piece should be displayed in its permanent spot at the museum. It's a bittersweet moment, as the museum expressed sadness that Raymond didn’t live to see the unveiling of his work.

Alongside the sculpture, a special temporary exhibition has been curated by Joseph Paul Cassar, a Maltese art historian based in Washington. Known for his expertise in modern and contemporary Maltese art, Joseph Paul explores how the theme of confinement evolved throughout Raymond Pitrè’s career — a must-see for anyone interested in local art and the late artist's legacy!

Are you familiar with Raymond Pitrè’s work?