‘Il-Forma’ (the form), forms are found everywhere around us, some visible, some felt and some are hidden.

In this exhibition by Antoine Farrugia we are celebrating his way of seeing forms in lifeless objects mainly stone and giving them a polished pleasant, elegant aesthetic appeal which almost make us wonder what the material actually is. Antoine turns his once known visions into real objects for us to see and appreciate, giving them a new purpose and bringing them to life.

The free standing works are to be viewed in the round from a continuously changing vantage point to witness how the form evolves. The sculpture’s formal and sensory qualities (i.e. line, colour, form, texture, etc.) analysis how the elements (i.e. scale, balance, rhythm, proportion, etc.) are organized making the viewer acquire the skill not only to look, but also to see and “read” sculpture.

Antoine strives on the freedom of expression by not titling his work he is giving us the chance to reflect and connect with the artwork on an individual personal level.

In the last century many movements arose, building upon and breaking away from what preceded, for the most part following a steady movement towards abstraction. Subject matter was suppressed, the figure abandoned, and emphasis was placed on the art object itself. In fact Antoine started off with figurative sculptures and then went through rapid changes and significant developments of creative genius broke boundaries and made way for the simplifying yet innovative formations which where primary inspired by pre historic tooth he once saw in a quarry in which he use to work in.

However one can truly appreciate Antoine’s work once visiting his studio and seeing the hard workmanship and dedication which is put in every sculpture. How he transforms this brittle Maltese stone into something strong and beautiful. For this we have prepared for you an installation in which the viewer experiences the work from within it, not by standing in front of it. This installations gives us a glimpse of Antoine’s world and thoughts ,thus further appreciation for the final result.

With this acquired knowledge, a greater appreciation and understanding is gained not only for Antoine’s contemporary sculpture formations, but also for the relation among all of the arts and the role they play in the development of our social and cultural history. How stone actually played a big part in Malta’s cultural heritage starting from our Neolithic Hagar Qim temple to our present buildings and houses.

By using Maltese stone as his primary technique he is symbolizing his cultural Maltese identity which defines his patriotic spirit.

In conclusion we would like to briefly describe his main Metal sculpture which is said to be ‘the skeleton of all his works’ .This three meter sculpture can also be viewed from within and not just around which gives the chance to interact with the sculpture itself letting our imagination to flourish is this form which changes at every angle.

Antoine’s works take us through a journey of imagination and challenges our subconscious mind to visualise and interpret his work. Giving us the freedom to see what other can’t see.

Exhibition is open until 18 November.