A new compelling exhibition, Smuggler, at MUŻA presents over 40 paintings, both small and large, by Eric Kaiser, offering an insightful look into the artist’s evolving journey since relocating to Malta at the end of 2022.
At the heart of Smuggler is the motif of the prickly pear cactus. Originally introduced to Malta, yet now deeply embedded in its landscape and cultural identity, this resilient plant serves as a powerful metaphor for adaptation and endurance – a visual shorthand for the Maltese spirit, thriving despite a challenging climate. For Kaiser, the story of the prickly pear resonated deeply with his own experience: that of a foreigner integrating into the Maltese way of life.
Kaiser’s artistic journey in Malta began with his move to Balzan, part of which he transformed into his studio, an ideal setting for inspiration to take root. From here, Kaiser took long, reflective walks through the countryside, observing the island’s distinctive scenery: low rubble walls crisscrossing open fields and small religious shrines marking well-trodden paths at the edges of villages, which shaped the thematic evolution of his work.
With a background in still life painting, Kaiser is intent on reinventing familiar imagery to provoke curiosity and engagement. The bold, iconic form of the prickly pear cactus gradually infiltrated his compositions, transforming them from static studies into dynamic narratives. He found that superimposing the cactus over historical scenes, still lifes and portraits created an intriguing visual tension.
The Prickly Pear (detail)In many of his works, the prickly pear functions as a veil or filter through which historical imagery is perceived, producing an ethereal effect. It does not always dominate the composition, yet it is always present, subtly reinforcing its symbolic weight: conversations emerge between Kaiser and the local landscape, between his work and the cultural significance of the prickly pear itself.
One of the most thought-provoking sections of Smuggler is Cactus Still-life Religious, where Kaiser explores his impressions of Malta’s strong Catholic traditions. The island’s religious fervour became a source of inspiration: he reimagines classical religious compositions replacing sacred figures with everyday objects – bleach bottles, spray cans and dish soap – subverting expectations playful yet reflective manner.
These works do not seek to mock Maltese culture or diminish the significance of its religious heritage. Rather, they encourage reflection on the coexistence of the sacred and the mundane in everyday life. The bold colours and decorative elements echo the visual exuberance of festa banners, highlighting the duality within Maltese religious expression: a sincere devotion interwoven with theatrical spectacle.
Cactus Still LifeMany of these paintings draw inspiration from iconic Old Master works. For instance, Kaiser reinterprets a detail from Domenico Ghirlandaio’s Nativity, replacing the Christ Child in the manger with a mosquito plug-in device and a roll of tape. Similarly, in the series Cactus Still Life Art History Compositions, he reconstructs historical masterpieces, both religious and secular, substituting the original subjects with mundane objects, partially obscured by cactus leaves.
Smuggler is a testament to the power of place, artistic reinvention and the search for belonging
The Ghost Cactus series takes a different approach, engaging directly with art history and the exhibition’s setting to fosters a dialogue between past and present.
Here, Kaiser revisits historical masterpieces, including some from MUŻA’s own collection, such as Guido Reni’s Resurrected Christ and works by Mattia Preti.
Figures from these classical compositions appear shrouded in the fragmented, geometric patterns of the cactus, blending traditional religious iconography with a contemporary aesthetic. This technique recalls the synthetic cubism of Georges Braque and Juan Gris, imbuing Kaiser’s work with modern sensibilities while remaining deeply connected to Malta’s artistic heritage.
Cactus Still-life Religious no18 Shifting focus directly to the plant itself, Cactus Botanic elevates the prickly pear to a subject of contemplation in its own right and the fruit takes centre stage, while in Cactus Faces, Kaiser introduces a human element, incorporating physiognomies from renowned paintings, such as Caravaggio’s Judith Beheading Holofernes. The prickly pear motif overlays these portraits, partially obscuring the figures and lending them an enigmatic quality.
The exhibition’s title, Smuggler, encapsulates Kaiser’s artistic approach. Just as smugglers historically transported goods across borders in secret, Kaiser transports visual and symbolic elements from different periods and traditions into new, unexpected contexts. This theme extends into the exhibition’s installation, where the cactus motif physically encroaches upon the space, reinforcing its presence and significance.
Kaiser’s work becomes a vessel, carrying meanings that transcend time and place, merging his own narrative as an expatriate with the Maltese culture that now surrounds him. The title also reflects his personal experience of relocating to Malta and integrating past artistic influences with new inspirations found on the island.
Throughout Smuggler, Kaiser’s playful yet deeply considered approach is evident. Even in his most provocative works – particularly those in the Cactus Still-life Religious section – his intent is not to offend but to spark dialogue. By juxtaposing the sacred with the everyday and reinterpreting historical art through a Maltese lens, he invites viewers to engage, question and reflect.
This exhibition represents over two years of dedicated exploration: experimenting, revising and reimagining. From his first encounters with the prickly pear during countryside walks to the final touches on his canvases, Smuggler is a testament to the power of place, artistic reinvention and the search for belonging. The latter is a universal human experience and a fundamental human need that everyone experiences at some point in their lives.
Smuggler by Eric Kaiser, curated by Charlene Vella, runs at MUŻA until July 27.