Well done! Maltese painter Mario Abela takes top prize at Rome’s Prisma Art Prize
The Prisma Art Prize is known for spotlighting forward-thinking painters from around the globe!
Maltese artist Mario Abela has been honoured with the top award at the 17th edition of the Prisma Art Prize in Rome, earning international recognition for his evocative work The Annunciation of Collapse.
The painting reimagines Fra Angelico’s Renaissance masterpiece, replacing its serene divine vision with a scene of fragmentation and unease. In the painter’s version, the garden is in disarray, the air heavy with a message destined to go unheard; a poignant reflection of spiritual doubt and societal fragility in the modern age.
The jury praised the work for its bold concept and masterful execution, noting how it bridges centuries of art history while speaking directly to contemporary anxieties. The Prisma Art Prize, known for spotlighting forward-thinking painters from around the globe, awards winners with both cash prizes and exhibition opportunities, making this a significant milestone in Mario Abela’s career.
Beyond his success on the international stage, Mario Abela plays a pivotal role in Malta’s art community as a senior lecturer at MCAST. His influence extends further still, having recently been appointed brand ambassador for Cretacolor Vienna, a recognition of his artistic credibility and creative vision.
This latest achievement cements Mario Abela’s reputation as one of Malta’s most compelling voices in contemporary painting - a creator unafraid to reinterpret tradition and confront the uncertainties of the present.
Follow his work and upcoming projects on Instagram here!