How did a French artist from Nice like yourself, come to live in Gozo over 10 years ago?
Well there have been lots of places in between. I've been travelling for years. My lovely wife and I were on the lookout for a beautiful home for our children. But since I've arrived on Gozo I've been inspired and completely immersed in the historical and spiritual heritage.
Do you find Malta's sister island an inspirational place to paint?
In the last three years, I've tried to reach a new intensity in this new experiment of mine, to better enjoy the forms and symbolism that I feel to depict. The first of many inspirations came from exhibiting to the general public in the mysterious, cavernous war shelters, beneath the Citadel in Gozo. Since developing my own luminous paint, I find my art, like magic through different frequencies of light, transports you to another vibrational summit. The shelters are perfect for highlighting each individual art work hosting three differing visuals set in itself. First in natural daylight, secondly under UV light and finally, glowing in complete darkness for hours on end.
What inspires you exactly - people, places, psychedelic colours?
My dreams, music, which I listen to at 432 Hz, which aligns you with all of nature's frequencies. Gozo has been a major inspiration due to its cultural heritage. However, most of my inspiration comes from mere experimentation.
Is the Goddess a recurrent theme?
Yes, I'm fascinated with the ancient civilisation which built the Neolithic temples. Symbols found throughout history and anthropology which represent the goddess of fertility. I believe an artist today can regenerate the beauty of Mother Earth from the pre-cataclysmic civilization of 12,000 years ago.
How would you describe your style - Neo Expressionism?
Art of the future using exceptionally high frequencies.
Despite being based in Gozo, do you still manage to exhibit internationally?
Yes, as well as exhibiting in Gozo, I've exhibited several times in Paris and Licata which was a focal location of the Malta Biennale, where I was acclaimed winner in 2013. I have also exhibited in Riga (Latvia), Basel (Switzerland) and most recently Miami (USA). This year I plan to exhibit in Cannes (France), Windsor (England) and Miami (USA).
Where did your last exhibition take place?
My last exhibition was at Concept Miami during Art Basel Week. Together with my work during the same exhibition, there was artwork by Picasso, Lichtenstein (USA) and Pitagoras (Brazil). It was an exhilarating experience and a great success. Next time I cross the Atlantic, it will either be in Miami again or New York towards the end of the year.
Retro Futura is an interesting title. Is your next exhibition an amalgamation of the past and the future?
Retro as in retrospective, as I continue to research ancient civilisations and express on to my modern day canvas. Futura represents the lengths to which I see my art influencing the future.
Your work is very vibrant and colourful. Can you please share with us a sneak peak at a few paintings you will be exhibiting at Le Meridien in Balluta?
Amour Par Derriere - Labro 2012
Angieloidal - Labro 2014
Goddess Del Futuro - Labro 2011
Retro Futura will include pianist Tricia Dawn Williams performing The Forbidden, a piano composition by Maltese composer Ruben Zahra. Will she be performing during the VIP preview to be held on Friday, 27 February?
Yes, we will be having the performance only for the VIP preview on Friday. As for VIP invitation it is also open to the public so if interested in attending please contact Claude Camilleri, curator of the Meridien on [email protected] or 9946 1598.
Retro Futura will be open for viewing at the Gallery, Le Meridien Hotel & Spa, Balluta Bay, St Julian's from Saturday, 28 February to Sunday, 22 March.
"Labro's vibrant, psychedelic style creates a visually mesmerising experience that inspires the mind and reaches deep within the emotion of the viewer." Sophie Dali
For more information visit http://labro.co