illy Caffè Malta is proud to announce The Maltese Art Collection, a unique collaboration that honours Malta’s distinctive spirit through the vision of three acclaimed local artists: Rebecca Bonaci, Henry Falzon, and Moira Zahra. This collaboration bridges art and culture, celebrating Maltese heritage and coffee’s beloved role in everyday life. Each artist brings a fresh interpretation of Malta’s beauty and character, from its landscapes and people to its vibrant pjazza culture, with subtle nods to the island’s cherished coffee rituals.

The collaboration culminates in an exhibition held at illy Caffè Valletta on 12th December at 8:00pm, offering the public to immerse themselves in the distinct styles and creative perspectives of these accomplished Maltese artists: This collaboration showcases the incredible depth of local talent, inviting the community to engage with Malta’s unique cultural identity. illy Malta is delighted to share this journey with the public, offering a memorable opportunity to appreciate the island’s artistic spirit and a memorable occasion during the festive season.

Meet the Artists and Their Works:

Moira Zahra – “Xemx u Kafe’”
Moira Zahra, an award-winning Maltese illustrator and children’s book author, is known for her versatile visual style, blending playful compositions with expressive storytelling. As a senior lecturer and researcher at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts and founder of the Malta Community of Illustrators, she has been instrumental in promoting illustration as a tool of communication in Malta. For The Maltese Art Collection, Moira created Xemx u Kafe’, inspired by Malta’s relaxed pjazza culture. Her piece captures Maltese characters sipping cappuccinos, their figures casting long shadows, symbolising Malta’s warm, communal spirit. With semi-abstract elements and vibrant forms, her artwork celebrates the beauty of everyday life in Malta.

Rebecca Bonaci – “Daily Ritual”
Rebecca Bonaci, an artist with a strong background in tattooing and visual arts, is known for her intricate works that capture the timeless essence of Malta’s landscapes and the strength of the feminine spirit. Her connection to nature and life’s quieter moments permeates her art, often inviting viewers to pause and reflect. Rebecca’s relationship with illy Caffè Valletta is deeply personal; as a child, she spent countless hours in the café when it was run by her grandparents as Bonaci Premier. She would often retreat upstairs to paint in the very room where this exhibition is now being held—a space that shaped her early artistic journey. Her piece, Daily Ritual, reflects the comforting start to a new day with a morning coffee. In this work, a figure enveloped in a blanket of Maltese landscapes enjoys the fresh morning breeze, savouring her coffee. Using earthy pigments and pastels, Rebecca brings warmth and depth to the scene, reminiscent of coffee’s ability to anchor us in the present.

Henry Falzon – “Luzzu and the Lady”
Henry Falzon, a contemporary Maltese artist who began his journey with black-and-white photography, is celebrated for his oil-on-canvas works that blend reality with a touch of fantasy. Known for capturing delicate, light-filled moments, Henry’s art often reflects a world beyond the ordinary. For The Maltese Art Collection, he created Luzzu and the Lady, merging Malta’s maritime heritage with coffee culture. In this piece, a woman enjoys her coffee, sharing a silent, contemplative gaze with a Maltese luzzu. This subtle exchange speaks to Malta’s coastal roots and the quiet pleasures of daily life, all captured with Falzon’s signature dream-like quality.

About illy Caffè

illy Caffè Malta invites visitors to experience the intersection of Maltese art and coffee culture. This collaboration is a testament to illy’s ongoing commitment to art and culture, offering visitors an inspiring journey into the heart of Malta through the eyes of local artists.

As an Italian family-owned company founded in Trieste in 1933, illy has long connected coffee with the world of art.  Located in St. Lucia Street in Valletta and at Mercury Towers in St. Julian’s, illy Caffè offers a vast range of coffee-based preparations and lots of tasty dishes, ideal at any hour of the day: from an early morning start with the aroma of the unique 100% Arabica blend and pastries, through lunchtime and quick breaks all the way up to the evening aperitif.

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