Mario R. Zammit-Lewis: Honoring 65 Years of Mastery through "Il Maltese"

NATIONWIDE - JANUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) A celebrated Maltese painter known for his profound ability to capture beauty across diverse subjects, Mario R. Zammit-Lewis—artistically known as "Il Maltese"—joins the international publishing project World Art Collection. This participation marks a significant milestone in a career spanning over six decades, bringing his Mediterranean vision and classical expertise to a global cultural audience.

For Mario R. Zammit-Lewis, art is an enduring journey of observation and refinement. His practice is grounded in the belief that the artist's role is to translate the world's inherent beauty into a permanent visual legacy. His inclusion in the World Art Collection places his storied career within a broader international context, alongside other contemporary voices shaping the global art scene.

Known for his technical rigor and versatility, "Il Maltese" represents a model of artistic dedication that connects historical tradition with contemporary sensibility. His work insists on an emotional exchange, aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride in those who encounter his canvases.

Introduction - Setting the Scene

Zammit-Lewis’s artistic path began sixty-five years ago with a focus on pencil portrait drawings before evolving into masterful oil paintings. His professional journey reached a decisive turning point in Italy, where he participated in "mostre estemporanee"—extemporaneous exhibitions—painting weekly in different villages across the Piedmont region. This period sharpened his ability to respond intuitively to his surroundings, a skill that continues to define his work today.

Working primarily with oil on canvas, Zammit-Lewis moves fluidly between portraits, female nudes, landscapes, and maritime scenes. His dedication to the craft is evidenced by his extensive body of work, which includes both original compositions and high-demand recreations of classical masters such as Rembrandt, Ingres, and Delacroix.

A Professional Identity That Stands Apart
 

Zammit-Lewis defines his artistic identity through a unique visual signature. In the vast majority of his nude paintings, he incorporates backgrounds featuring frames and canvases—a stylistic choice that represents the intimacy of posing within his studio. This "second signature," as noted by art critics, creates a layered narrative, placing the subject within the very process of artistic creation.

His work is driven by an attraction to beauty, travel, and the inspiration found in encounters with strangers. Whether capturing the likeness of a family member, a famous singer, or a serene landscape from his travels, his intention remains clear: to create a connection that resonates beyond the physical borders of the canvas.

Participation in the World Art Collection

Zammit-Lewis discovered the World Art Collection project and was immediately impressed by its professional approach to defending and promoting international art. Having already been featured in numerous books and art magazines in Italy and Malta, he viewed this project as the ideal platform to further expand his international reach.

Being part of this global publishing initiative represents a milestone that connects his local heritage with a wider network of artists, collectors, and critics. For an artist whose works already reside in private collections from France and the UK to Hong Kong and China, this project serves as a formal archive of his extensive contribution to the arts.

Looking Ahead

The year 2026 marks a landmark anniversary: 65 years of art for Mario R. Zammit-Lewis. To celebrate this achievement, he is planning a series of solo exhibitions in major global cities, including Paris and Rome, under the unifying title "65 Years of Art."

In addition to these solo ventures, his schedule includes confirmed collective exhibitions in prestigious locations such as New York, Dubai, Tokyo, Venice, and Monte Carlo. He remains committed to the emotional resonance of his work, hopeful that his paintings continue to bring the same joy to collectors that he experiences during their creation.

Follow the Artist:

●     Instagram: mariozammitlewis

●     Facebook: Mario R. Zammit-Lewis-Artist painter

●     Project Info: Culturale Lab