Post-Event Article: Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques at 'Decadence, Now' Exhibition

Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques had the distinct pleasure of participating in the highly anticipated 'Decadence, Now' exhibition, a central feature of the inaugural City of Art program. The event, hosted by The Malta Society of Arts in Valletta, was a resounding success, drawing art enthusiasts, curators, and academics from across the globe to explore the enduring legacy of the Decadent movement.

The exhibition, curated by Andrew Borg Wirth, offered a fresh perspective on the Decadent movement. Borg Wirth's curation extended beyond the traditional associations of decadence with morbidity, artificiality, and aestheticism, exploring its lasting influence and its evolution into a modern zeitgeist.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the inclusion of 'Wildness Tamed by Beauty,' a masterful piece by Otto Hessler from the collection of Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques. This exquisite artwork stood alongside works by renowned artists such as Man Ray, Aubrey Beardsley, and Félicien Rops, showcasing the international and multi-disciplinary scope of the exhibition.

As part of the exhibition, Christina Thompson, owner of Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques and a Christie’s-trained art advisor, had the honor of addressing the audience during a curator's talk on Thursday evening. Speaking alongside Andrew Borg Wirth, Thompson delved into the significance of 'Wildness Tamed by Beauty' within the broader context of the Decadent movement. 

Thompson's talk was well-received, as she eloquently discussed the ways in which Hessler's work embodies the tension between untamed wildness and the civilizing influence of beauty—a theme central to the Decadent movement's exploration of the extremes of human experience. 

Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques is proud to have contributed to this groundbreaking project! A massive well-done to all those involved!

For those who missed the curator's talk, a recording can be seen here.