Josette Fenech: The Convergence Of Art & Empowerment In ‘Where Hands Meet’
After nearly a decade since her last solo exhibition, the established Maltese abstract artist Josette Fenech returns with Where Hands Meet, a significant new body of work that reflects both artistic maturity and a deeply considered social commitment.
Widely recognised in Malta and abroad for her distinctive abstract language, Fenech’s work is characterised by luminous colour, emotional intensity and a quiet spiritual depth.
Born and raised in Mellieħa, where she continues to live and work, she has developed a singular visual voice that moves beyond prevailing artistic tendencies into a realm that is both personal and contemplative.
Her earlier solo exhibitions, RIFLESSI (2013) and AGAINST ALL ODDS (2015), established her reputation locally and internationally.
In 2017, she represented Malta in London with her personal exhibition HORIZONS, organised in celebration of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe. Later that year, she presented Ilwien il-Gżejjer at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, Gozo, further consolidating her presence within the Mediterranean artistic landscape.
Throughout her career, Fenech has participated in numerous collective and international exhibitions, including collaborations in Sicily and Umbria, participation in The Bieganski Art Festival at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, and a joint exhibition featuring her work at the Parliament Building in Valletta.
Her paintings form part of both public and private collections across the islands. Working primarily in acrylic, a medium that affords immediacy and spontaneity, Fenech creates compositions she describes as “abstract art with a sense of realism and spiritual depth.” While she acknowledges the inspiration of masters such as Van Gogh, Monet and Turner, her work remains unmistakably her own, driven by an intuitive pursuit of light, movement and emotional truth.
Alongside her artistic achievements, Fenech has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility. Her longstanding involvement in philanthropic initiatives reflects a deeply held conviction that art is not merely aesthetic but has the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Where Hands Meet brings this conviction into focused expression. Having been personally involved on a voluntary basis with individuals navigating difficult periods in their lives, including young people and adults with various disabilities, Fenech witnessed first hand the transformative role of creative engagement in fostering dignity, confidence and inclusion. Her involvement was grounded in presence, attentiveness and shared humanity.
Moved by this experience, she has chosen to dedicate this exhibition in aid of the Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub, a flagship project of The Malta Trust Foundation, founded and chaired by H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta. The Hub is designed to promote empowerment, accessibility and inclusive participation through creative, educational and developmental programmes. The works in this exhibition will be offered for sale, with proceeds contributing towards the continued strengthening of these initiatives.
The exhibition is curated by Prof. Louis Laganà PhD (Lough), an academic, curator and practising artist whose engagement with contemporary visual culture and research based practice brings an added intellectual framework to the presentation of Fenech’s work.
The title Where Hands Meet encapsulates the spirit of collaboration at the heart of the exhibition: the meeting of artist and canvas, community and purpose, benefactor and impact. It reflects the understanding that meaningful progress is achieved collectively.
This exhibition therefore marks not only the return of a respected Maltese artist to the solo stage, but also an invitation to engage with art as both cultural investment and social contribution. For collectors and patrons, Where Hands Meet offers the opportunity to acquire work by an established abstract artist whose career spans significant national and international platforms, while simultaneously supporting initiatives that foster inclusive participation and empowerment within the community.
In this exhibition, art becomes both legacy and action.
Exhibition Details
Venue: Palazzo Ferreria, Valletta
Dates: 14th March – 5th April 2026
Times: 9:00am - 7:00pm
For updates and further information:
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/josette.fenech.artist
- Event Page: https://fb.me/e/6DBBDkilB
#MaltaDaily
