Un ponte secolare di arte, cultura e tradizione tra Sicilia e Malta
The title of the exhibition – “LE CERAMICHE DI CALTAGIRONE. Un ponte secolare di arte, cultura e tradizione tra Sicilia e Malta.” – could not be more appropriate in that it bears witness to the centuries-old contacts that exist between Malta and Sicily particularly with the city of Caltagirone, a small town nestled in the shadow of Mount Etna hill just a few kilometers from Catania. Caltagirone has always distinguished itself for the production of majolica objects exported to places all over the island and beyond its borders.
It was the knights of Jerusalem, followed by the Order of the Great Masters, who began to commission large quantities of earthenware to the artisan ceramists of Caltagirone, in particular ceramic vessels and apothecary jars for medical use in the hospitals on the island of Malta. Commissions got going in the XV century as evidenced by several documents, that mention the names of Great Masters such as Vilhena, Perellos, Carafa, whose coats of arms are etched on many vessels.
These centuries of trade exchanges show that, in addition to supplies, an evolution occurred in form and in decor, particularly in the case of the deep blue glaze and the floral decorations against a blue background that reigned supreme.
Mario Di Liberto’s artistic capacities come to light in continuity with his sense of innovation fused with an unfailing respect for tradition – a very unique experience that incites a parallel between past and future.
In fact Mario Di Liberto has reused and recovered forms and decorations of an artistic heritage that would otherwise have been lost. Proof of this reality is the range of artistic and sacred items in particular cribs, fonts and various vessels incised with icons of saints, showcased here in the vast exhibition space of the Italian Cultural Institute.
The master of ceramic art, Mario Di Liberto, achieved artistic training from early youth working at the craft shops of the most talented masters of Caltagirone. He completed his studies at the Istituto Statale d’Arte per la Ceramica in Caltagirone, founded by Don Luigi Sturzo in 1950. Here Mario Di Liberto attained a diploma in Master of Arts and then in Applied Art. Finally, he specialised in ceramic restoration.
For the past forty years Di Liberto has dedicated himself to refining his skills and producing first rate ceramics at his workshop in Caltagirone. Various awards and involvement in major exhibitions of art and ceramics, both in Italy and abroad honour his Curriculum Vitae. Many of his works are located in private collections and exhibitions, public buildings and churches. He has featured in magazines and reviews where he received acclaim for his outstanding works. Occasionally he gives ceramic courses at Italian and foreign schools.
Tel: 99193417 amina_contin@libero.it