Works by Ai Weiwei, Tracey Emin and others are on display at Valletta Contemporary

Cumulusat Valletta Contemporary until 23 November is a group exhibition by art collector Norbert Francis Attard – a multi-disciplinary artist with experience in contemporary art in Gozo. Attard is both the founder of the Norbert Francis Attard Foundation, the organizing body of Valletta Contemporary, and the gallery’s artistic director.

This extraordinary exhibition features more than 40 wall art and sculptures collected over the past 50 years – pieces created in places from Valletta to New York, Cuba, China and the solar system beyond. It is also full of activity and industry, illusion and hidden depth.

These include the 1977 Berlin photography of Joseph Buis, Honey pump at workand a pictorial piece by Tracey Emin, whose style is charmingly subtle while also offering a glimpse into the artist’s provocative confessional practice.

The work of Michael Craig-Martin

These hang next to a techie iPhone and a simple black-and-white drawing of a book by Michael Craig-Martin, striking in their simplicity. Together they mark the changing society over the last five decades.

And on the basement level directly below is an old telephone that looks like it was dug up from the past. Created by Nadine Baldow, it pours polyurethane mushrooms in organic colors of pink, peach and green and invites an explanation of the relationship between culture and nature.

Atlas photo by Dan Hudson

In contrast to this exhibition is a series of complex works by the contemporary Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, which captivate you with their details. These are personal reflections on his life and work through Chinese paper art.

They weave new and traditional details in red, including the Chinese zodiac, the exploration of Chinese crafts in the late 20th century, political activism, moments from his life, including time spent in New York, his crude gestures – enhancing his sense of civilization. middle finger to authority.

The work of Nadine Baldow

And, although it is a rough collection, culled from international art exhibitions, past shows at Valletta Contemporary and donations to the collection, there is a surprising consistency in the catalog that shines with a taste of global storytelling.

The exhibition will last until November 23. Entry is free. For more information, visit vallettacontemporary.com.