, who a year ago produced the handsome publication also by PIN on artist Antoine Camilleri – His Life and Works (2006).

Conversations with 12 Maltese Artists is a colourful, original publication that brings together 12 interviews with some of Malta’s leading modern and contemporary artists. These are Vincent Apap, Victor Diacono, Esprit Barthet, Antoine Camilleri, Frank Portelli, Frank Baldacchino, Harry Alden, Gabriel Caruana, Joseph Lawrence Mallia, Neville Ferry, Caesar Attard and Joseph Saliba. The interviews do not focus on mere biographical data, but provide interesting insight on how these artists work and what inspires them. The book is also rich in happy anecdotes and sheds light on other historical issues that were taking place at the time. The research material differentiates fiction from history, and is instrumental for anybody studying Maltese art history of the last hundred years.

The author has recorded these conversations over a 25-year period which gave him the time to update and revise the content of each encounter. Since that time, four of the artists interviewed have passed away, which renders the book even more valuable for its exhaustive documentation. The book forms a puzzle made up of several pieces as recounted by these artists presented as living testimonies of the artists’ different credos. The book is also rich in illustrations and provides a historical critical review of 12 major works by each artist.

Dr Cassar selected a colour to represent each artist and focuses on some major quotes that represent the philosophy behind these artists’ creations. The approach selected is of a simple question/answer approach with an opening and ending thought.

Conversations with 12 Maltese Artists is sold at EUR52.41 / Lm22.50.