Artist Christopher Saliba is exhibiting a new collection of 20 paintings at Cleland & Souchet at Portomaso, St.Julian’s.

The exhibition, titled “Impressions”, will be the first to inaugurate the recently modified and enlarged establishment. The paintings on canvas consist of a repertoire of semi-abstract landscapes, inspired by suggestive scenes from the Maltese Islands.

Saliba’s simple yet subtle brushstrokes often compose themselves into convincing evocations of familiar and loved places without making us forget the quality of paint. The themes presented feature the interaction between the natural environment and man-made structures. Sunrises, sunsets and night scenes are Christopher Saliba’s favourite time-sets, since these best portray the duality of light and dark.

Natural forms and architectures emerge in the form of thick impastos, enriching the canvasses with textural and three-dimensional qualities. Saliba’s approach to painting may be described as highly distinctive and vigorous.

Rather than showing concern for the topographic features of landscape paintings, Saliba attributes more importance to the emotive and spontaneous nature of his work. Though the general feeling of Saliba’s landscapes is that of a contemplative nature, the palette that he employs is often emboldened by a richness of hues that is normally associated with expressionist artists.

The exhibition of Saliba’s works at Cleland & Souchet runs until the end of May. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm; and Saturdays from 10.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm.