If you’re heading to Valletta for a spot of Christmas shopping this weekend, you might want to take a trip down to Desko gallery in St Lucia Street. The small independent arts space is currently hosting a mini exhibition of watercolour portraits on paper by Italian National Illy M.
The artist, originally from Puglia, spent most of her life in Milan, and for the past five years she’s called Malta her home, along with her husband, two children and Frenchie puppy Sila.
Illy M.’s work is fresh and feminine, with elements of fashion always sprinkled into the fanciful mix. Whether it’s oversized snowflake earrings or a green silk kimono, the artist adds stylish accents to her portraits of women that set them apart from one another, each painted lady having her own personality, taste and dreams.
For this Pop-Up exhibition, the gallery has commissioned the artist to create three brand new portraits especially for the Christmas Season. The results are a trio of wintery goddesses who grace the gallery walls amongst the other beauties.
Both the framed original artworks and signed, limited edition prints are on show, and ten percent of all sales go towards Women For Women Malta – a cause close to the heart of both the artist and the gallery.
Gallery visitors are limited to five at a time in accordance with Covid – 19 health and safety measures, and entrance is free. Children are more than welcome, and all visitors are treated to a welcome glass of festive fizz on arrival.
So for a little artistic fix between cafe stops under the twinkling street decorations, make sure to check this one out!
Desko gallery is located at 104, St Lucia Street Valletta, (further down the hill from Cafe Jubilee). Gallery Hours are 12pm – 7pm until Sunday 20th December 2020.
