Organised by The French Embassy, Wicked Comics & Alliance Francais. –The Corto Maltese Exhibition
Opening – 28th November to 24th December
Viewing Hours – Monday & Tuesday: 9.00 am to 5.00pm
Wednesday to Friday: 9.00am to 9.00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am to 9.00pm
Location – St James Cavalier, Valletta
(Conversation with Marco Steiner)
Corto Maltese is a “cult” character of the best European graphic novels, but also a veritable literary myth of the twentieth century. It ‘a traveler, a sailor who ironically combines a Mediterranean look and a Anglo-Saxon culture. Corto, which in Spanish means “quick”, was created by the great Venetian artist Hugo Pratt in 1967.
Corto Maltese is a sailor, an adventurer, a privateer, a “man of fortune.” He was born in Malta, on July 10th, 1887, the son of a Gibraltan gypsy and a Cornish sailor. From his mother he inherits his Mediterranean features and passion, from his father a longing for voyage, and from both a love of mystery and the talent of seeing beneath the surface of things.
Corto attends a Shul in Malta, and becomes familiar with the Kabala. As a young man, his immersion in the life of the ports of this sea island between Europe and Africa brings him face to face with a bracing and seemingly unlimited diversity of men and philosophies.
Joining the likes of Ulysses, Corto takes his place amongst the great wayfarers of history; he yearns to stand before magic and mystery in distant lands. He takes his place amongst men and women who know that body and spirit are renewed through risk and adventure.
Corto Maltese is a modern anti-hero who believes in the infinite potential of man, a risk-taker who is constantly testing the fine line between grand goals and utter recklessness. For Corto, even his spectacular failures expand his spirit, his knowledge, his circle of loyalties.
Corto Maltese is an ideal travel companion because he is a true friend, an intrepid guide, and an opener of doors.