Gateways & Portals: An Eclectic Exhibition In Gozo

Planet Earth is viewing 2025 in the rear-view mirror, and 2026 has started. The change is both cosmological and cultural, as much as it is global and local. Throughout history, different civilisations marked the new year in various ways. In our times, the first quarter of the year means New Year’s Eve fireworks, Holi, the Lunar (or Chinese) New Year, Carnival/ Mardi Gras, and the March Equinox. Taking a look at the origin of the names of the first three months adds to the idea of beginnings and change.

In ancient Roman culture, Jānus was a god of doorways, beginnings, and the rising and setting of the sun. His name comes from the Latin jānus, meaning “doorway, archway, arcade.”

The name February comes from the Latin Februarus, meaning “month of purification,” named after the ancient Roman festival of Februa, a time for ritual cleansing and atonement held around the 15th of that month.

Thanks to current space exploration interest about Mars, the origin of the name March bears little surprises. However, it may be less known that, March marked the beginning of military functions in ancient Rome. Military campaigns stopped during Winter, and then resumed when Springtime approached with the change of the weather.

To celebrate the various aspects of the first quarter of the new year like those described above, Chrysalis Studio in Xewkija is holding a three-month long exhibition. A virtual version is also available online (www.chrysalisveganarts.com). This exhibition includes art works, fine art photography, as well as ceramics. Private viewing of the exhibition and of the studio is also available by appointment at no extra cost. The days of the exhibition are flexible although it can be visited every Sunday between 12noon and 5:45pm.

The artists participating in this exhibition are:

Carri C. - acrylic and mixed-media paintings

Christine Mizzi - tattoo art, candles, ceramics, acrylic and watecolour paintings

Hel. A. Crafts - needle-felted framed works

Loving Gozo Arts - acrylic paintings and découpaged artisanal items

Marisa Warwick - paintings in oil and watercolour

Richie’s Nature Photography - fine art photography

Shaun McGrath - fine art photography

Gateways and Portals invites visitors to pause at the threshold of time, season, and meaning. This is where endings dissolve and new beginnings take form. This exhibition itself is a portal: a moment to cross, reflect, and step consciously into what is emerging.

#MaltaDaily