Bank of Valletta is supporting Gozo based artist Derek Robert in his first solo exhibition of paintings, decorative art and furniture. The exhibition at Gallery G in Lija will run between 31 March and 23 April.

Jack Thewma, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Gozo Branch met with the artist and presented him with the Bank’s sponsorship. While congratulating Mr. Roberts on his initiative leading to his first solo exhibition, Mr. Thewma said, “Our support to local artists is a major feature of the Arts & Culture Pillar of BOV’s Community Programme for 2006. We are particularly delighted to support this exhibition in view of the fact that it constitutes an important milestone in the artistic career of Derek Roberts. We are confident that our support is helping in the development of the arts scene in Malta through the promotion of the outstanding talent our islands have to offer in this field”.

Derek R. Roberts visited Gozo and Malta for the first time four years ago and was captivated by the different landscapes, culture and heritage which inspire his work. Derek paints abstracts, land and seascapes, architectural, human and animal subjects usually in acrylics, with a bold use of colour and texture. His influences and style differ so widely that one is surprised the same artist could create such varied work. Admiring the work of the old masters and skilled craftsmen throughout the ages Derek produces icons and reinterprets detail from frescoes of religious and mystical subjects. He is also inspired by Art Deco design. The exhibition will include around seventy original paintings, decorative art and pieces of furniture.

Using a craftsman’s skills and traditional painting techniques he produces beautifully intricate Scagliola designs on bespoke dining and occasional tables, murals, screens, panels and obelisks. The art of Scagliola originated around 1500 in Italy. Scagliola is used on a smooth marble surface which is outlined and chiselled by hand, then filled with a special mixture and wax polished. Derek has devised a method of reproducing traditional designs on wood and marble using acrylic paint then coating the design with a durable finish.