JoinwellFxb at the Venice Biennale
JoinwellFxb’s design and craftsmanship are present at La Biennale di Venezia this year, contributing an essential component to the Malta Pavilion – titled No Need to Sparkle – and commissioned by Arts Council Malta. The bespoke furniture was realised through a collaboration between Maltese furniture maker JoinwellFxb and SON Architecture Studio, represented by Mark Sullivan, Mark Peregin, … Continued
JoinwellFxb’s design and craftsmanship are present at La Biennale di Venezia this year, contributing an essential component to the Malta Pavilion – titled No Need to Sparkle – and commissioned by Arts Council Malta.
The bespoke furniture was realised through a collaboration between Maltese furniture maker JoinwellFxb and SON Architecture Studio, represented by Mark Sullivan, Mark Peregin, Julian Vassallo, Mark Caruana and Mattea Platania.
The outcome of the collaboration is a modular furniture system that can function as a stool, bench or bed, while also maintaining presence as a sculptural object, uniting architectural thinking with artisanal production.
The design pays material homage to its Maltese origins through formal references to the island’s ubiquitous limestone blocks. The seating, upholstered in burlap made from jute fibres, reflects a humble and frugal choice of material. Conceptually, inspiration is taken from the ancient Greek agora, inviting visitors to pause, reflect and congregate. The balance between volume and modesty reflects a broader sensitivity to sustainability, both in material choices and in the resourcefulness of the design. Both the formal and conceptual decisions made by the designers respond to the Pavilion’s curatorial framework, grounded in Aristotle’s notion of ‘doubting well’, not as a state of paralysis, but as a mode of attentive, empathetic questioning that allows for multiple, coexisting perspectives.
The keystone of the furniture design is its modularity. Individual units can be arranged, combined or
separated, allowing the furniture to adapt to different social configurations. Whether accommodating a solitary visitor seeking rest or a group gathering in discussion, the pieces remain versatile. The flexibility of the design instils a democratic quality, allowing the exhibition space to evolve according to those present and to those participating momentarily.
JoinwellFxb’s contribution to the Venice Biennale reflects its longstanding place within Malta’s tradition of skilled craftsmanship. Founded in 1947 by the Galea brothers, the company began by repairing war- damaged doors and apertures in post-war Malta, later expanding into international contracts, including work for British services in Malta and Libya. Over the decades, JoinwellFxb evolved through strategic collaboration, producing furniture under brands such as G Plan and Reprodux, while also adapting to shifts in global manufacturing.
The company’s trajectory, from local craftsmanship to international sourcing and bespoke commissions, reflects a sustained commitment to both quality and adaptability. Today, under the leadership of Sebastian de Giorgio, JoinwellFxb continues to build on this legacy, supported by a team of designers, carpenters, and technical specialists in Malta.
Adrian MM Abela, Charlie Cauchi and Raphael Vella represent Malta at the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia 2026 taking place from the 9th of May to 22nd of November 2026, with previews on the 6th, 7th, 8th May 2026. The pavilion is curated by Margherita Pulé, with architects SON Architecture Studio, project management by Tamara Burr; outreach and partnerships by Kathrine Maj, and visual identity by Alexandra Pace. The Malta Pavilion is commissioned by Arts Council Malta and produced by Unfinished Foundation along with co-producer R Gallery.
