Published: December 11, 2024 7:57 pm Manuel Farrugia born in Victoria on the Maltese island of Gozo, on 9 January 1989. He received his earliest instructions at Wistin Camilleri School of Arts in Ghajnsielem, Ninu Cremona Boys’ Lyceum and Sir M.A. Refalo Institute, Victoria. These were followed by a four-year course at the School of Arts in Valletta, Malta under the supervision of Tony Sciberras and Dr Christian Attard, where in 2012 he graduated with Distinction in Diploma in Fine Arts. Under the supervision of artist Pawl Carbonaro he practiced the art of engraving and also that of portraiture, both in oil and in clay. Farrugia’s studio is located in Fontana, Gozo. His works include paintings, portraits, statues, busts, and designs; for private and public collections. They may be found in churches, private residences and local musical societies in Malta, Australia, Italy, England, Germany, USA and Kenya. Some of Farrugia’s works may be found at the Collegiate parish of Saint George in Qormi where 8 pendents decorate the nave; the apse of the parish church at Saint Paul’s Bay; and other paintings at the Basilica of Christ the King in Paola, the church of the Annunciation in Vittoriosa and the church of Saint Teresa in Cospicua, Saint Lawrence Collegiate church in Vittoriosa, in the Basilica and Collegiate Parish church of Saint George in Victoria, Gozo and the Basilica and Collegiate Parish church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Senglea. The main altarpiece at the sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Pompei in Marsaxlokk, is also Farrugia’s work. A set of paintings from his first personal exhibition ‘LUX’, were chosen by the Commission of Sacred Art for the Diocese of Malta, as illustrations in the Catholic Missal (C).In 2022 he was commissioned by the state of Malta to paint the official gift, given to Pope Frances on the occasion of his visit in Malta in April 2022. Farrugia is also contributing to the field of portraiture. He skillfully uses the interplay of light and shadow with a twist of modern interpretation to evoke emotions in his portraits.
