The launch of the art exhibition by Danish artist Marie Louise was a huge success with most of the works sold on the opening night at Studio 87 in Valletta on Friday evening.

Fourteen out of 19 pieces on sale were immediately taken up, while bids continued to be placed on the three works being auctioned.

“We’ve had an amazing evening. So many people showed up and we’ve had red dots spreading all evening,” Kold said in a video message (below), referring to the artworks marked as sold on the night. The artist is holding one of the three artworks on auction until 22 November.

All proceeds from sales of the artwork are being donated to The Shift News to support freedom of expression and investigative journalism in the public interest.

Kold has worked with metals since 1997. She etches and patinates copper, bronze and brass, creating wall-hung works and sculptures that are in private collections all over the world, including the Royal Swedish Court.

Kold spent 10 years in Malta and has close ties to the country. “Malta is in my heart, and although I don’t live here anymore, I can’t keep away. I just couldn’t think of a better way to use my art here than for freedom of speech, for the truth and for The Shift News,” she said to a cheering crowd.

“I have to tell you that with every red dot I see, and I am so delighted that there are so many, I say that’s buying us a bit more truth,” she added.

Curator Justine Balzan Demajo said Studio 87 was honoured to host Kold’s “stunning work” and to support the work of The Shift News. “Tonight’s theme, ‘Words’, could not be more relevant in today’s society. And all proceeds from sales will be donated to this dedicated and very resourceful platform. The artist succeeds in translating this in the most beautiful way with this ‘metal for mettle’ exhibition.”

She thanked Kold for supporting such a great cause, adding that the exhibition had record sales.

The exhibition will remain open until 22 November, Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm. Five of Kold’s creations remain on sale while bids on the three pieces on auction can be placed until then. The artworks on auction will go to the highest bidder by 6pm on 22 November.