DENNIS VELLA (1953-2009) was a seminal figure in contemporary Maltese art. Local artists talk to Raphael Vassallo about a loss that will be impossible to replace
‘The Dennis Vella Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art’. Yes, it has a certain undeniable ring to it, and already a number of local artists have floated the idea for the much-debated ground-floor space in Renzo Piano’s Parliament.
But would Vella himself have approved? It is difficult to say. The former curator of the National Museum of Fine Arts may have always dreamed of one day seeing a museum of contemporary Maltese art; but then again, he was not exactly what you could call a publicity seeker in his own right. His closer acquaintances will readily confirm that Dennis in fact abjured the limelight: he consistently maintained a low public profile throughout his life... even though the fruits of his hard work were, and still are, visible for all to see.
“Dennis made sure that any noteworthy artist would have his/her work exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts, a place he dedicated so many hours to himself,” Vince Briffa, an artist and a personal friend, recalls.
Under his stewardship, the museum became a launch pad for the careers of numerous local artists; something which, in a country all too often accused of forgoing culture in favour of bread-and-butter issues, is itself an invaluable contribution to the arts.
“He was committed to establishing the best possible collection the museum could afford, in the hope that one day he would see his frequently mentioned dream realised – that of having a local Modern and Contemporary Art Museum,” Briffa adds... but this was only one side of the soft-spoken academic who has had such an evident impact on contemporary Maltese culture.
“Dennis had great passion, not just for art but also for the finer things in life;” Briffa continues, “a zeal which he shared with his numerous friends, be they artists, musicians, writers, and the many others he came across in his colourful life – especially the ones who could appreciate his fine humour and cutting wit.”
Admittedly, Dennis Vella’s “cutting wit” was of that ineffable, unique variety that many people find difficult to understand or appreciate. Up until today – three days after his death – his Facebook profile still informs us that his “favourite movie” was “My Recent Gastroscopy at Mater Dei hospital – (Director’s cut)”.
These and other idiosyncrasies earned Dennis a reputation for levity that appears to have touched all those who knew him. Certainly, he is largely remembered as much for his bonhomie as for his professional contribution to the arts.
“He was an inspirational, enigmatic figure,” observes another close friend – artist Patrick Fenech, who knew him longer than most. “When we first met in the 1970s, our interest was mainly focused on music; but in time we found ourselves moving towards the visual arts.”
Fenech remembers Dennis as instrumental in forging his own artistic career, both as an art critic and later on in his role as museum curator. “He was a profound influence, not just on me, but on all local artists. But I’ll remember him also as the perfect gentleman: a man of integrity, who never tried to hurt or offend anyone...”
Elsewhere, artist and university lecturer Raphael Vella pays tribute to Dennis Vella’s extensive contribution to Malta’s understanding of the arts.
“Dennis will remain important in Maltese art also for his scholarship and research,” he asserts. “He explored the link between 20th century Maltese artists and Italy, in the context of the British colonial period: a time when many Maltese artists studied in Rome, with all the associated political connotations...”
Among Vella’s scholarly contributions was his work on Antonio Sciortino: now acknowledged as among the greatest 20th century Maltese artists. But Raphael Vella describes another side to Dennis’ academic contribution – his underpinning belief in the validity of local talent, which is not altogether shared by everyone alike.
“Dennis really believed in the quality and potential of Maltese art,” he adds. “I’m not saying this just because he died this week... but also because it’s unusual. Many people are interested in local art, but Dennis held a genuine conviction that Maltese art had its own place in the international scene, which would one day be recognised. Whether he was right or not is something history will one day judge...”
Another of Dennis’ traits that will no doubt be missed is his objectivity and fairness in his role as art critic... although Raphael Vella acknowledges that this was not always appreciated by one and all.
“Dennis was outspoken, but always fair. He had his own standards, which he would not compromise. This obviously made some people unhappy, but personally I think it’s a good thing. He was honest in his appraisal of art, and this is important.”
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