What if a Maltese proverb could be transformed into a piece of art that you could actually wear?That is the concept behind Qawl Milbus, a collaborative exhibition by contemporary jewellery artist Nadège Renée Cassar and Maltese artist Alfie Gatt, which forms part of this year’s designMT.Translating to Worn Proverbs, the project reinterprets traditional Maltese sayings through a combination of contemporary jewellery, painting and craftsmanship, giving familiar expressions a new visual identity.The collaboration is being showcased in two locations. A selection of works is on display at the Madonna tal-Pilar Chapel as part of the main designMT exhibition, while a larger standalone exhibition is being held at the Malta Society of Arts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)What makes Qawl Milbus particularly distinctive is the relationship between the artwork and the jewellery itself.Some pieces feature jewellery incorporated directly into paintings, while others take the form of sculptural wall pieces. In certain works, the jewellery can even be removed, worn and returned to the artwork, allowing part of the creation to move between the gallery and everyday life.The project brings together Gatt’s approach to realism and surrealism with Cassar’s expertise in contemporary jewellery and traditional craftsmanship, creating pieces inspired by Malta’s language and cultural heritage.The collaboration was among five projects awarded support by the Malta Crafts Foundation through Category 2 of the Premju Ġieħ l-Artiġjanat Malti in July 2025, an initiative encouraging innovation through collaboration between artisans and other creative professionals.All five supported projects are now being exhibited across designMT’s Valletta venues, including collaborations exploring Maltese filigree, traditional leatherwork, furniture design and contemporary craftsmanship.While the main designMT exhibitions conclude on Saturday, 3rd October, Qawl Milbus will remain open at the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, until Friday, 16th October, giving visitors more time to experience the full collection.Entrance is free.Will you be checking out the exhibition?•