One of Emvin Cremona’s (1919–1987) most intriguing bodies of work is often referred to as the ‘broken glass series’, though Cremona referred to them specifically as ‘glass collages’. This distinction sets the tone and pace of the exhibition, as we transition from the idea of something broken to something reconstructed, collaged, and pieced back together. The exhibition aims to uncover the artist’s intentions behind this fascinating series while also exploring the historical-political-technological context in which he was working. The choice of glass is no coincidence. Cremona was deeply intrigued by matter and material, constantly seeking to express and experiment with their inherent qualities. His works not only reflect the tensions of the era in which they were created but also serve as an exploration of the tensions within matter itself, and the very processes of creation-destruction-recreation.

The Victor Pasmore Gallery invites viewers to explore this collection along with Cremona’s conceptual journey and Malta’s historical backdrop. The Glass Collage is the first in a series of exhibitions celebrating the Maltese Modern Art period. The collection will be showcased between 16th May and 12th July 2025 and will offer a space where visitors can contemplate the process from fracture to form and broken to whole.

Emvin Cremona was a prolific artist whose work adorns many of Malta’s churches, brought international attention to local stamp design for over three decades and had an incredible prowess for design and architecture. Cremona was an important figure in the Maltese modern art movement known for tactile reliefs, experimental abstractions and his diverse mix of Constructivist, Futurist and Byzantine church commissions.