Valletta Contemporary
Collector Interview: Norbert Francis Attard
Interviewed by Ann Dingli
September 2024
Portrait of collector, curator and artist Norbert Francis Attard
Norbert Francis Attard is a Maltese multi-disciplinary artist and architect, known for his practice of conceptual and installation art. After graduating in Architecture from the University of Malta in 1977, he worked as an architect for 20 years before shifting his focus to art in 1998. His work blends architecture, sculpture, video, and photography, exploring themes including memory and place. He represented Malta at the Venice Biennale in 1999 and founded Valletta Contemporary in 2018, providing a space for conceptual art exhibitions. He also directs GOZO Contemporary, an artist residency programme. Attard curates Cumulus, an exhibition that selects key works from his 50-year-long commitment to collecting contemporary art.
Ann Dingli (AD): Collecting in and of itself is an art form – do you believe in this?
Norbert Francis Attard (NFA): Yes, I believe collecting is an art form. The process of selecting and acquiring works is not just about ownership but also about curation and storytelling. Each piece in my collection carries a unique narrative, whether it was bought at an auction, directly from the artist, or gifted to me through my work at the Foundation or Valletta Contemporary. The collection reflects a wide spectrum of my tastes and interests, accumulated over several decades. It’s diverse and includes both well-known and emerging artists. The true art of collecting lies in creating a cohesive dialogue between these pieces, transcending mere acquisition.
The pieces I collect personally push boundaries and challenge conventional views of art. Through the collection, I aim to share trailblazing works that give voice to themes such as political oppression, female empowerment, and colonial exploitation, showing art’s power to speak from the margins.
Honeypump photos by Joseph Beuys (Photo by Norbert Francis Attard)
AD: Can you talk about the setup of your Foundation, why you initiated it, and what you think it will bring to the local art scene?
NFA: Both the Foundation and Valletta Contemporary were established to give back to the artistic community in Malta and offer an independent platform for local and international contemporary art. There has always been a lack of space for contemporary art on the island, and I felt the need to create a venue where people could experience this art form firsthand.
Malta deserves access to world-class contemporary art – without these spaces it would otherwise be unavailable.
The gallery, which is importantly sited in the capital, sets this canon of art within contemporary architecture, and offers a space where art transcends traditional mediums and forms. By exhibiting significant international artists like Ai Weiwei, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Brian Eno and more the gallery and Foundation have helped to break down the barriers for local audiences – fostering a deeper connection to the global art scene. In a practical sense, we support exhibitions, artist residencies, and a growing collection that’s accessible to the public. It’s my hope that the Foundation will encourage other collectors to follow suit and helps build a richer cultural landscape in Malta.
Papercut Portfolio by Ai Weiwei (Photo by Norbert Francis Attard)
AD: Can you highlight some of the major or notable works in the exhibition?
NFA: One of the most notable artists in Cumulus is Joseph Beuys' Honeypump photos are also a highlight, capturing his revolutionary installations questioning the essence of art itself. Ai Weiwei’s Papercut Portfolio, reflecting on Chinese culture and colonial exploitation; Tracey Emin’s Suffer Love II challenging traditional representations of women and promoting female empowerment; and then works by Ilya Kabakov, Gilbert & George, and others that also present themes of political oppression and isolation. All of this creates a powerful narrative throughout the exhibition.
We also feature many works being shown in Malta for the first time, giving local audiences a unique opportunity to engage with pieces from a diverse range of international artists. I’ve curated these works from my collection to create new dialogues and connections between the different pieces I’ve gathered over time – each holding its own resonance and opening up distinct fields of thought.
Installation view, featuring works by Pedro Cabrita Reis and Yeoul Son (Photo by Norbert Francis Attard)
AD: What advice do you have for collectors? What would you say to someone who feels they can’t afford to penetrate the art market, even if they are keenly motivated to do so?
NFA: My advice to collectors is to remain open-minded and curious, allowing their personal tastes to evolve along with what they see. Remain receptive and thoughtful. Travel is vital—it exposes you to different artistic styles and movements, shaping your appreciation and understanding of why and how art is made. For those who feel they can’t afford to collect, remember that not all great art is out of reach. The primary art market – where works by living artists are sold for the first time – often offers more affordable pieces. Building a collection is a gradual process, and discovering emerging artists can be an exciting, and still surprisingly affordable way, to start.
My advice for aspiring collectors is to seek out works that challenge conventional ideas and reflect meaningful narratives. You don’t need a large budget; instead, focus on discovering lesser-known artists or pieces that provoke thought and offer cultural value. The experience of collecting goes beyond the transaction—it's about what the pieces represent, and making your own connections between those representations.
AD: Do you think contemporary art in Malta is authentically available to local audiences?
NFA: Contemporary art is becoming more available to Maltese audiences, but there is still work to be done. Through the Norbert Francis Attard Foundation, Valletta Contemporary, and the exhibitions we curate collectively, our aim is to bring international contemporary art closer to the public. Many people in Malta may not have had the same exposure to contemporary art as those living abroad, so our goal is to break down barriers and make the art world more accessible. The Foundation’s collection is a resource for learning and inspiration, and I hope it encourages a deeper engagement with contemporary art locally.
Contemporary art in Malta is gaining visibility. And although Malta might lack the budgets of major museums, smaller spaces can meaningfully bridge gaps by presenting singular works by established figures. It offers local audiences and people who want to engage with art a rare chance to come close to world-class contemporary theory and ideas, and more generally encourages a broader appreciation of the global art scene.
,Nadine Baldow (Photo by Norbert Francis Attard)