Bank of Valletta is sponsoring the first full-scale art exhibition by local artist Joanne Fenech Portelli. The exhibition entitled Body & Soul: Human Images in Pastels, being held at Cleland & Souchet in Portomaso, will run throughout the month of June.

This exhibition is a collection of 30 works of art in which there is a focus on the complex understanding of the human figure from life. In fact, all the still life paintings feature figures in various poses. The artist has used the medium of delicate pastels to achieve expression and sensitivity.

Michael Galea, Head, PR, Communication & Corporate Branding at Bank of Valletta presented the Bank’s sponsorship to the artist. Speaking during the presentation, Mr Galea said that BOV has this year continued to step up its support towards local artists. “We see our involvement within the communities in which we operate extending beyond the provision of quality financial services to our customers,” said Mr Galea. “Our promotion of arts and culture and, specifically, the encouragement we give to Maltese artists, is a very tangible form of direct support towards the overall positive development of the Maltese community,” he said. On behalf of Bank of Valletta, Mr Galea wished Joanne Portelli every success in her solo exhibition.

Thanking Bank of Valletta for its supports, Ms Fenech Portelli explained that all the works of art that will be displayed in this exhibition have been drawn from life. The artist explained that since pastels are not mixed on a palette but applied directly onto the painting surface, they provide a better medium in bringing out the artist’s moods and emotions while painting.