A new installation by Gozitan artist Austin Camilleri has just landed at Ras ir-Reqqa in Xwejni, Gozo, and it’s already stirring plenty of debate.Titled WIEĦED, the sculpture has been installed along the rugged coastline overlooking the pristine cliffs of Xwejni, near Triq is-Sagħtrija. The bronze piece forms part of a national public art initiative aimed at bringing more contemporary works into open spaces across the island.Blending classical European influences with a bold, abstract twist, the design reimagines the idea of monuments while exploring themes of identity, history, and the relationship between people and place. Positioned in one of Gozo’s most raw coastal spots, it’s intended to interact directly with the surrounding landscape.Camilleri’s design, an eight-legged horse statue, was approved by the Planning Authority despite being set on ODZ land within a Natura 2000 site, an area designated for special conservation under EU environmental law.The decision came even after objections from both the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage. In its report, ERA described the proposal as “out of context and incompatible with the natural surroundings and the pristine coast landscape,” recommending it be refused.The project, filed by the Gozo Ministry, is expected to cost over €200,000 in public funds. Officials have said the design was selected following a public call for art, with Camilleri’s proposal being one of four winning entries, though the selection process itself was never made public.The site itself adds another layer to the debate. Just metres away lie traditional salt pans still in use today, in one of Gozo’s most untouched coastal areas.This isn’t Camilleri’s first headline-grabbing work either, the artist is also behind the Neil Agius statue and the controversial Żieme installation in Valletta.Environmental activist Sasha Vella also took to social media to voice her disappointment over the statue.Describing it as an “eyesore”, she said that while the craftsmanship of the piece can be appreciated, the “discombobulated horse” should never have been placed in such a “pristine landscape”.Following her post, many of her followers responded in agreement, echoing her concerns about the impact of the installation on the surrounding environment.While some are praising the move as a bold step forward for contemporary art in Malta, others argue the sculpture feels out of place in such a protected and unspoilt location.Love it or hate it, one thing’s certain, people are talking.The installation has reignited a familiar local debate: how far should artistic expression go when it meets natural heritage?Photo credits to @AUSTIN CAMILLERI STUDIO•