MICAS Debuts Milton Avery Exhibition In Malta

The Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) has inaugurated Colour, Form and Composition: Milton Avery and his Enduring Influence on Contemporary Painting, an unprecedented exhibition in Malta showcasing the work of renowned American colourist Milton Avery (1885–1965).

The exhibition presents over 30 works by Avery alongside 28 pieces by seven contemporary artists influenced by him: Henni Alftan (Finland), March Avery (USA), Harold Ancart (Belgium), Andrew Cranston (Scotland), Gary Hume (UK), Nicolas Party (Switzerland) and Jonas Wood (USA). This is only the second European showing of Avery’s work of this scale.

The opening was marked by MICAS executive chairperson Phyllis Muscat, coinciding with the first anniversary of Malta Contemporary. “Milton Avery’s arrival at MICAS is both a milestone and a mission fulfilled for us. This exhibition represents one of the most comprehensive presentations of Avery’s work ever seen in Europe – a historic event for Malta and a proud moment for MICAS as we continue to present contemporary art of global significance,” Muscat said.

She added that while MICAS exhibitions have previously connected Malta with the international art world, the Milton Avery exhibition is particularly historic, featuring works by contemporary artists, some created specifically for this showcase. “Seasoned art connoisseurs and newcomers alike will experience an extraordinary collection. The galleries are awash with colour, courtesy of Avery and the artists who generously contributed their work,” Muscat commented.

The exhibition has been made possible through generous loans from the Milton Avery Trust, contributions from the seven participating artists, and additional support from the Sally and Milton Avery Trust, Waqas Wajahat, Karma Gallery New York, Xavier Hufkens (Brussels), and the Maltese Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government.

This marks the third exhibition in MICAS’ main gallery spaces and the sixth since the venue opened a year ago. Artistic Director and exhibition curator Edith Devaney highlighted MICAS’ commitment to staging exhibitions of global relevance. “This is a truly international exhibition, not only because of the artists’ diverse backgrounds, but for its worldwide significance in advancing the discussion on the history of art and its influence on contemporary practice,” she said.

Milton Avery is widely recognised in the United States, with his work held in major museums nationwide. He is credited with influencing the generation of painters who pioneered Abstract Expressionism in the 1950s, a movement that helped shift the art world’s centre from Paris to New York.

“In this exhibition, we demonstrate that Avery’s work continues to inspire artists more than 60 years after his death. The contemporary artists featured here engage directly with his legacy, creating visual dialogues that are both meaningful and revelatory,” Devaney explained.

The opening was attended by artists Henni Alftan, Harold Ancart, Andrew Cranston, and Gary Hume, as well as Avery’s grandson Sean Cavanaugh, son of March Avery.

#MaltaDaily