Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag pays tribute to ancient myths and philanthropy at first Malta Biennale

Nikola Vudrag (Photo: Private album)

by Srecko Mavrek

The first Malta Biennale takes place from March 13 to May 31 in more than 20 locations across Malta, many of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the capital Valletta, and the Ġgantija temples on the island of Gozo. With the first Malta Biennal, LuginsLand of Art villa opened its doors to the public for the first time in over 70 years.

“We are extremely proud that Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag, whose work was sold at the Grand Charity Auction in Warsaw in 2023 for more than 700,000 euros, and who will also exhibit at the Venice Biennale, is participating in the exhibition,” Amma Omenaa Mensah, executive director of the OmenaArt Foundation, told MaltaToday.

Nikola Vudrag and Omenaa Mensah (Photo: Private album)

“We believe that this is the most important exhibition that our team has organized so far”, stated Omenaa Mensah adding that the curator of the exhibition Boris Kudlička chose the works of Maltese and Polish artists and the work of the Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag “The Apples Of The Hesperides”. The curator of Villa LuginsLand, now renamed LuginsLand of Art, placed this work in the most attractive position in the gardens of Villa LuginsLand, according to Omenaa Mensah.

Vudrag points out that by choosing this work for the exhibition, the OmenaArt Foundation accepts the spirit of Heracles, devoting itself to helping those in need and not expecting anything in return. Like Heracles, the Foundation prioritizes the well-being and upliftment of others above self-interest, while forging a deep connection between ancient myths, philanthropy, and artistic expression.

Nikola Vudrag with Natalia Bradbury chief curator of the OmenaArt Foundation (Photo: Private album)

For “Apples Of The Hesperides”, Nikola Vudrag was inspired by the ancient Greek myth about Heracles and his twelve difficult tasks, among them finding the apples of the Hesperides. “To rescue Prometheus, the chained Titan, Heracles embarked on a quest for the elusive golden apples of the Hesperides. Grateful for this, Prometheus directed Heracles to Atlas, who carried the weight of heaven on his shoulders. Recognizing Atlas’ pain, Heracles offered his help, carrying the burden for a time and constructing the legendary “Pillars of Heracles”. In return, Atlas revealed the location of the golden apples to Heracles, recognizing his noble character and willingness to help others,” explains Vudrag.

“The Apple Of The Hesperides” sculpture, located within the gardens of Villa Luginsland in Malta, is a striking visual representation of Greek myth and the Foundation’s mission. Constructed with polygonal shapes, the sculpture reflects the essence of geometry and mathematics, showing the precision and elegance inherent in the natural world,” adds Vudrag, who made the sculpture from eternal corten steel. Despite its rusty appearance, corten steel is also resistant to rusting, and it evokes a warm, rusty antique patina. The artwork’s essence lies in its interaction with the dazzling light emanating from within the steel shell.

Nikola Vudrag_Malta bijenale (Photo: Private album)

“The bright, warm light, shielded and shaped by steel, represents the interconnectedness of humanity and the transformative power of philanthropy. Just like Heracles’ selflessness that lit his way to the golden apples, the glow of the sculpture illuminates the garden and the hearts of those who witness it, creating a narrative that resonates with the audience and inspires them to influence the world positively,” concludes Vudrag, who’s next destination is exhibition “Personal Structures” organized by the European Cultural Center in Palazzo Mora during the 60th Venice Biennale. Vudrag exhibits in Venice under the production of Metamorphosis Art Projects with a London address.

A sculpture’s significance is further enhanced by the fact that it is exhibited in Malta. The rich history of Malta provides the perfect backdrop for the sculpture and its story.

The Villa Luginsland garden also contains Roman ruins dating back to the 2nd century BC. Research on the estate, as well as at numerous other locations throughout Malta, is expected to further expand knowledge about this historically significant period. First Malta Biennale’s thematic background combines a rich historical heritage with a contemporary art vision.

Nikola Vudrag – Malta bijenale (Photo: Private album)

“It is encouraging to see how the hard work of our team and talented artists is already sparking conversations about challenging perspectives in the Mediterranean area. We look forward to welcoming even more international visitors, inviting them to explore our coast, experience our unique heritage, and immerse themselves in the visionary works of art throughout the Biennale,” said Mario Cutajar, President of the Malta Biennale.