Wonderful Life is the name of an exhibition of photographs in Gozo by Matthew Green.

Matthew’s life is a paradox: a social educator by profession, he manages govern-ment services for young people in the UK by day, intoxicating bars and clubs with his eclectic blend of nu jazz and lounge soul by night, and capturing the fleeting images of his daydreams at every other opportunity with his trusty Nikon.

Matthew first came to Malta and Gozo in 2001, on a work placement as part of his post-graduate studies with London University. It was on this first trip to what has now become a home away from home that he met his soul mate and now wife.

“From childhood I have been fortunate to travel widely across Europe and further afield. I am told that at a very young age I fell in love with Mediterranean living and declared at the age of three that I would live in the sun, by the beach. I guess that subconsciously I have been chasing that dream ever since, both through my photographic projects in the past six years and in my real life as I learn a deeper appreciation of a lifestyle that us Northern Europeans can learn so much from!

"In Gozo, particularly, my creativity is highly active and it is here that I do much of my thinking and planning – picturing an image, attaching it to an emotion and content so that it doesn’t need to speak volumes but just a single word – and whatever that word is will be a private thought for each individual who engages with the view of the world that I present through my art.

"My personal connection to the islands made it a natural decision to exhibit in Gozo and fills me with a sense of eager anticipation and excitement.”

Wonderful Life is a photographic exhibition in three parts with a concurrent theme that is styled and composed of both traditional prints and manipulated images on paper and canvas. They are intended for contemporary environments and savour natural colour and contrast and the simplicity of the world around us that can often feel complicated and burdened with our own personal chaos.

Beach Life presents simple landscapes built on layers of blues and mocha. It is proudly escapist and takes the blank canvas of the sea to create a portal into a romantic and relaxing lifestyle.

In colour, but working with shadow and black and brown tones, Coffee House is an appreciation of the talking shop that is the café and, as Europe-wide bans are enforced, Coffee House bids farewell to smoke filled rooms where ideas are born and deals are closed.

Sketches of Gozo is earmarked for reproduction as a series of postcards for Malta. These stunning landscapes of a low tech land in a high tech world present a series of images that plays with colour to manipulate a fresh take on a familiar landscape.

Matthew’s work can be viewed at art…e gallery, 1 Library Street, Victoria, Gozo from today until 14 September.

Opening times: Saturday to Thursday: 9.30am-12.15pm

Friday: 9.30am-12.15pm and 5pm-7pm.

By appointment at other times, by phoning 7963 0443 or by sending an email to hushabyelifestyles@yahoo.

co.uk.