Well done! Maltese artists Mario Abela and Sasha Vella selected out of over 4000 for Venice exhibition
Local artists Mario Abela and Sasha Vella woke up to an incredible surprise today – their names are among the 41 finalists for Venice’s CREA OPEN 2025! With over 4,000 submissions from across the globe, securing a spot in this prestigious exhibition is no small feat, making this achievement even more special.
A thrilled Sasha Vella shared a video of herself reading the exciting email, exclaiming: ‘One of my photographs from my last solo trip has just won a place in an international exhibition happening next month in Venice!’
Sasha Vella is a multimedia artist specialising in digital illustration and film photography. Her work is known for its bold colour portraiture, striking contrasts, and distinctive linework. She has launched a collection of digital illustration prints, demonstrating her unique artistic style, in which the female form frequently takes centre stage.
Mario Abela echoed the excitement, posting on social media: ‘Unexpected – I’m one of 41 artists selected for CREA OPEN 2025 in Venice, from over 4,000 submissions. What an honour! Huge congrats to all the other talented finalists.’
Mario Abela’s work explores the connection between humans and nature in today’s world. He encourages viewers to reflect on the fragile balance that sustains life, highlighting how everything is deeply connected. His art challenges the way we usually see time and reality, inviting us to think beyond the ordinary and embrace a more fluid perspective.
With their work soon to be showcased on an international stage, this is a proud moment for Malta’s art scene.
Stay tuned for more updates on their Venice journey!