African Beat is a collective art exhibition at Point de Vue Guest House & Restaurant in Rabat, Malta. The exhibition’s theme is Africa and its people. The three artists, Philip Agius, Joanne Fenech Portelli and Audrey Mercieca, created a collection of paintings varying in techniques and media, including watercolour, ink, pastel, charcoal, oil, and acrylics.

Philip Agius is an art teacher at St Michael School and studied painting techniques under Alfred Chircop and Anthony Calleja. The mood in his paintings is generally tranquil and reflective, conveying positive expression, sometimes verging onto the

celebrative. Philip’s art includes sculpting in ceramics, clay and wood.

Joanne Fenech Portelli studied painting and drawing techniques under Dr Joseph Paul Cassar, Charles Cassar, Anton Calleja, Philip Agius and Alfred Briffa. Joanne teaches art in primary schools and is treasurer and active member of the recently set up Pastel Society of Malta. Joanne’s artwork reflects her visions depicted in various media. Lately, she has been experimenting with clay modelling after studying clay techniques under Angelo Agius. One can log on to her website www.paintingsbyjoanne.com.

Audrey Mercieca studied art by attending lectures by Dr Joseph Paul Cassar, Charles Cassar, Anton Calleja, Philip Agius and Alfred Briffa. She is a member of the Pastel Society of Malta. For Audrey, oil resembles strength while watercolour resembles peace and tranquility. Audrey also studied clay modelling under Angelo Agius.

African Beat is on throughout all of June and July and is being launched in collaboration with Delicata Wines and supported by Bank of Valletta.