Apples Of The Hesperides

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"After being closed to the public for more than 70 years, we opened the LuginsLand of Art villa on March 13 with the exhibition of curator Boris Kudlička as part of the first Malta Biennale. We are extremely proud that Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag, whose work was sold at the Grand Charity Auction in Warsaw in 2023 for more than 700,000 euros, and who will also exhibit at the Venice Biennale, is participating in the exhibition," said Amma Omenaa Mensah, executive director of the OmenaArt Foundation, said for MaltaToday before the opening. 

"We believe that this is the most important exhibition that our team has organized so far", stated Omenaa Mensah and added that the curator of the exhibition Boris Kudlička chose the works of Maltese and Polish artists and the work of the Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag "The Apples Of The Hesperides". It was this work, according to Omenaa Mensah, that Kudlička's curator placed in the most attractive position in the gardens of Villa LuginsLand, now renamed LuginsLand of Art.

Nikola Vudrag found inspiration for the work "Apples Of The Hesperides" in the ancient Greek myth about Heracles and his twelve difficult tasks, among which is the finding of the apples of the Hesperides.

"To rescue Prometheus, the chained Titan, Heracles embarked on a quest for the elusive golden apples of the Hesperides. Grateful for this, Prometheus directed Heracles to Atlas, who carried the weight of heaven on his shoulders. Recognizing Atlas' pain, Heracles offered his help, carrying the burden for a time and constructing the legendary "Pillars of Heracles". In return, Atlas revealed the location of the golden apples to Heracles, recognizing his noble character and willingness to help others," explains Vudrag.
Nikola Vudrag and Omenaa Mensah, Polish philanthropist, entrepreneur, investor, journalist, manager, and art collector.

He points out that by choosing this work for the exhibition, the OmenaArt Foundation accepts the spirit of Heracles, devoting itself to helping those in need and not expecting anything in return. Like Heracles, the Foundation prioritizes the well-being and upliftment of others above self-interest, while forging a deep connection between ancient myths, philanthropy, and artistic expression.

Natalia Bradbury, chief curator of the OmenaArt Foundation, where she explores the growing importance of the new generation of artists in Europe. It examines the factors contributing to the recent development of this sector and focuses on shaping the discourse on contemporary art both nationally and internationally.

"The Apple Of The Hesperides” sculpture, located within the gardens of Villa Luginsland in Malta, is a striking visual representation of Greek myth and the Foundation's mission. Constructed with polygonal shapes, the sculpture reflects the essence of geometry and mathematics, showing the precision and elegance inherent in the natural world," adds Vudrag, who made the sculpture from eternal corten steel.

Corten steel has a recognizable rust appearance, but is also resistant to rusting and evokes a warm, rusty antique patina. However, the essence of the artwork lies in the interplay between the steel shell and the dazzling light emanating from within.

"The bright, warm light, shielded and shaped by steel, represents the interconnectedness of humanity and the transformative power of philanthropy. Just like Heracles' selflessness that lit his way to the golden apples, the glow of the sculpture illuminates the garden and the hearts of those who witness it, creating a narrative that resonates with the audience and inspires them to influence the world positively," concludes Vudrag, who's next destination is exhibition "Personal Structures" organized by the European Cultural Center in Palazzo Mora during the 60th Venice Biennale. Vudrag exhibits in Venice under the production of Metamorphosis Art Projects with a London address.

The fact that the sculpture is exhibited in Malta further enriches its significance. Malta, with its rich history, provides the perfect backdrop for the sculpture and the story it tells. Let's add that Roman ruins from the 2nd century BC were also found in the garden of Villa Luginsland. It is expected that archaeological research on the estate, but also at numerous other locations throughout Malta, will continue to expand knowledge about this historically significant period for the island.

A rich historical heritage combined with a vision of contemporary art is exactly the thematic background of the first Malta Biennale.

"It is encouraging to see how the hard work of our team and talented artists is already sparking conversations about challenging perspectives in the Mediterranean area. We look forward to welcoming even more international visitors, inviting them to explore our coast, experience our unique heritage, and immerse themselves in the visionary works of art throughout the Biennale," said Mario Cutajar, President of the Malta Biennale.

Let's add that the first Malta Biennale takes place from March 13 to May 31 in more than 20 locations across Malta, many of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the capital Valletta, and the Ġgantija temples on the island of Gozo