Marika Azzopardi
A collective that goes by the very simple title of Art Collective is presently showing in Balzan. A trio of artists have joined up and are presenting an exceptional show of colours in completely different takes on a variety of topics ranging from portraiture to Maltese landscapes and seascapes to abstracts. The artists? Lucienne Buttigieg, Winston Hassell and C.S. Lawrence with the special participation of Gaynor Hunt. A visit is definitely a must.
The opening of this exhibition at the sumptuous Villa Madama was jampacked with art and animal lovers as the proceeds are going towards SPCA’s initiative to educate the general public that a pet is for life – not just for Christmas. Certainly the high turnout is reassuring that enthusiasts still exist in both areas – people who appreciate good art and people who appreciate animals and many evidently appreciate both in equal measures.
What about the art? Buttigieg, Hassell, and Lawrence have outdone themselves in creating new work, coming up with new stylistic nuances, and re-working tried and tested formulas in new colours and expressions that have left show visitors uncertain of which artist they quite like best.
Lawrence presents us with her beloved multi-media portraits of women, those expressive faces that speak volumes without saying one single word. The exquisite faces which have been seen time and again in many of her exhibitions, still remain fas resh as new “characters” which sprout out every time. They are diametrically opposed both in style and composition to her seascapes and landscapes which range from the more “classic” interpretations to a jolly new mode that presents all sorts of “….scapes” in elongated format and merry colours that bring to the fore keen observation of the higgledy-piggledy and the quaint. Check out her Gypsy and note the stylistic difference to her Mint Street or her Senglea by Night. Surprise yourself with her totally different take in her Barrakka.
Hassell proves to be strong competition for the public’s attention but Hassell is Hassell, and his scenes of Malta pick up from the mundane and move on to the spontaneous outbursts of youthful enthusiasm. From his Festa tal-Karmnu with its twinkling lights, excitement and ephemeral quality, move on to seek out his Storm and then admire his perfect rendering of seaspray and wild waves in Nice Day for a Swim. But then his Abstract Landscape II could have been by another hand altogether. The diversity proves this artist to be as talented as they come and as inventive as ever.
With the young Buttigieg the exhibition moves into the thoroughly abstract with a spot or two of portraiture and nudism. Apart from her nude Wendy and her Beautiful, figures are non-existing and one has to read into her abstractions of colour that are notably popular in their suitability to complement modern interiors. Yet expansive works like The Green, Sea Breeze and Glimpse of Clear render abstract colours with a strong punch of energy that demands attention. Read into these works what you will… the colours are strident and where they mute over, they do so in the most noiseless of fashion.
Hunt’s few passing contributions by way of animal portraiture excel most prominently in her realistic The Water Tiger. It would be interesting to see a wider variety of her works in this stylistic nuance. All in all, this exhibition belies the rumours that Maltese art is flailing. It has been well attended, promises to make good sales and has produced excellent and enjoyable art by some of the best. Let’s hope for more of the same in the coming year.
‘Art Collective’ is at Villa Madama, Balzan, until
31 December. Opening Hours 10am onwards. All proceeds are in aid of SPCA – ‘A Pet is For Life – Not Just For Christmas’. For further enquiries call 9945 7399.