The Malta Photographic Society (MPS) is set to open its much-awaited annual showcase of photography at the Malta Society of Arts’ Palazzo de La Salle on Thursday 28 November. The 59th Exhibition of Photography, which can be visited until 19 December, will showcase the winning photos of the MPS’ Annual National Competition.
Established in 1961, the Malta Photographic Society has a rich legacy spanning 63 years. This year’s event saw an impressive participation of 77 photographers who submitted a total of 708 works. After a rigorous selection process, 120 digital projected images and 119 prints have been chosen for the exhibition.
The entries were judged on three key criteria: technique (camera work, editing, and presentation), mood (success in communicating the message and the photographer’s expression), and originality (creativity and unique outlook). This year’s awards include seven special distinctions: two for digital images in the Best Still Life and Best Nature categories; and five for prints – in the Best Portrait, Best Street Photography, Best Landscape, Best Architecture, and the newly introduced Unmistakably Malta category, aimed at capturing the essence of Malta through the eyes of Maltese photographers.
A distinguished panel of 14 judges, including guest Master Craftsman from the UK, Mr. Ray Lowe, evaluated the entries. Mr. Lowe brings with him over 50 years of professional photography experience and 35 years in international judging, having held esteemed roles such as President of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and the Master Photographers Association. The Maltese judges, led by Ruben Buhagiar, Chairperson of the Judging Committee, represent the ‘who’s who’ of the local photography scene.
Buhagiar, who also serves as President of the Malta Photographic Society, expressed the society’s pride in this year’s event. “The Malta Photographic Society’s annual exhibition has become a symbol of artistic excellence in the local photography community,” he comments. “This year’s submissions have surpassed expectations, not only in volume but in quality, with each piece telling a story and evoking a range of emotions.
Buhagiar goes on to explain how exhibiting photography offers participants and the MPS three distinct benefits: “Firstly, it fosters greater awareness of current styles, themes, and strengths, while also revealing areas that can be developed further as a club. Secondly, the exhibition provides an opportunity for a reflective review of the members’ portfolios, offering a fresh perspective on their work over the past year or even years.
“Finally, while digital images encourage broader participation, the exhibition gives photographers to opportunity to print their photos, which ultimately brings out the unique character of a photograph, giving it a significance and stature that surpasses the digital realm,” he concludes.
The exhibition aims to foster a deeper appreciation for photography and provides a vital platform for local artists to express their creativity. Visitors can look forward to viewing a wide spectrum of images, from evocative portraits to captivating nature scenes, all displayed in the historic setting of the Malta Society of Arts’ Art Galleries at Palazzo de La Salle.
Underscoring the importance of this collaboration, Adrian Mamo, President of the Malta Society of Arts, says. “We are pleased to host the Malta Photographic Society’s 59th National Competition & Exhibition. Palazzo de La Salle has long been a hub for artistic expression, and we are delighted to support and showcase the exceptional photographic talent that Malta has to offer. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience this unique collection.”
The 59th National Competition & Exhibition of Photography 2024, organised by the Malta Photographic Society, can be visited during the Malta Society of Arts’ opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Admission is free, so don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of photography. For more details about the exhibition please visit www.artsmalta.org/events or www.mpsmalta.com.
