From 2 to 9 June, The Gallery at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, San Anton, will be hosting an exhibition of paintings, by renowned local artist Anthony Calleja, entitled The Nude.

Anthony Calleja received his first tuition at an early age, from his uncle Anton Agius. Initially, he was encouraged to practise the art of mould-making and casting, and in 1978 he started teaching the subject at the Government School of Art assisting Chev. Vincent Apap. Later on he taught drawing, modelling and casting. In 1999, he initiated private evening classes for mature students. Today, he lectures at the Institute for Community Services within MCAST.

Calleja is an acclaimed painter, sculptor and designer and has a Bachelor of Arts with distinction from Falkirk College for higher education in the United Kingdom, having been voted best student in his course. He has held various exhibitions both locally and abroad in Austria, Brussels, Berlin, Landsburg, Syros in Greece, Bath and Falkirk.

His work can also be admired at BOV’s offices in Sliema and the Malta Financial Services in Imriehel, and in hotels and numerous private collections in Malta and overseas.

The Nude is a collection of very recent paintings, specifically intended for this exhibition. The human form, especially the female figure, is one of Calleja’s favourite themes. In the past, he used the human figure as an expression of emotion or to relay a specific message. In this one man-show, one will be able to admire “the Nude” in different relaxed, almost posing positions against an abstract background. In this exhibition, the artist is expressing his love for the perfect form, abstract and colour by using acrylics and collage on wood.

The exhibition will be open daily during the above dates between 6pm and 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 12 noon and 6pm to 8pm on Sunday.