In his latest exhibition of paintings, entitled Places Revisited, Gozitan artist Christopher Saliba expresses once more his passion towards landscape painting, a fascination that grew out of his intimate connection with the beauty of his native island.

The works exhibited depict local scenes which are familiar and easily recognisable. Yet, these are conceived as an abstracted imagery that goes beyond the merely figurative depiction of natural elements.

As Saliba himself explains, “Local scenery is often my source of inspiration, even in my abstract paintings, but the illustration of places is not an end in itself.

“Rather than depicting objective reality, I am more interested in expressing the emotions and responses that particular places arouse in me. I am not concerned as such in rendering faithfully the details of, let us say, a tree or a rubble wall. I rather look for the essential qualities of objects which my perception registers and then try to render the forms and colours of nature more personal and intimate.”

There is something different and unique which distinguishes Saliba’s paintings from the usual illustrations and reproductions of natural or habited environments. His attention is focused particularly on his impressions of atmospheric and light effects that envelop and give character to his idyllic scenes. Saliba’s technical approach to painting is quite personal and vigorous.  His brushworks are rendered with a direct freshness and sensible spontaneity.  Yet, his freely manner of applying colours never fails to relate harmoniously with the balance and order in his compositions.

Christopher Saliba graduated from the University of Malta and the Accademia di  Belle Arti, Pietro Vannucci in Perugia.  He has held several exhibitions since 2002 at the National Museum of Fine Arts, at St James Centre for Creativity, at the Auberge d’Italie and at the Auberge de Castille in Valletta. His works have also been exhibited in Perugia, London, Paris and Palermo.

‘Places Revisited’ runs until May 30 at Chetcuti Cauchi, 120, St Ursula Street , Valletta. The exhibition may be viewed during working days between 9am till 6 pm.