Malta Biennale's first edition: highs and lows of a Mediterranean debut

The inaugural Malta Biennale commenced on March 13 and will continue until May 31, under the curation of Sofia Baldi Pighi. This event is hosted at various locations throughout Malta and Gozo, delving into cultural stories of the Mediterranean. Critic Alessia Locatelli, who attended in late April, praised the accessibility of historic sites but pointed out several drawbacks, including the lack of printed maps at ticket counters, inadequate signage, and disconnected text panels. The section titled 'Matriarchives of the Mediterranean' showcases female artists but lacks a cohesive link to the Mediterranean theme, notably missing contributions from southern Mediterranean artists. While works by Amy Bravo, Bettina Hutschek, and Cecilia Vicuña are featured, they fail to create a unified narrative, prompting Locatelli to describe it as a missed opportunity.