An interesting collective exhibition is presently showing at Palazzo de la Salle in Valletta. Works by artists Joe Spiteri Staines, Mary Clare Albanozzo, Martin Formosa and Louis Mifsud show a miscellany of images, in varied mediums, ranging from pastels through to oils and watercolours.

The common denominator is subdued light, soft colours and a gentleness that speaks of experience, patience and reticence. Certainly a feeling of tranquility and calm does envelope the four exhibition halls where each artist takes turns at expressing his or her medium at its best.

Joe Spiteri Staines works exclusively in pastels, true to his openly declared love of the pastel, being also the president of the Pastel Society of Malta.

His seascapes are highlighted by a bright-eyed Boatyard that is eye-catching in its simplicity and directness of composition and colour coordination. Fishmarket at Dawn and Msida bring to the fore experimentation in pastel shimmers that very succinctly and successfully draw attention to the realism in glistening sea texture. Starkly different is Solana a portrait of the artist’s grand-daughter – well executed, clear and yet touchingly delicate and ephemereal.

Louis Mifsud hones in on rustic scenic views in watercolour paint. A variety of Maltese views namely of buildings, country houses, alleyways and stone are painted. Habbatiet 2 is perhaps one of the most original takes on the typical Maltese door knocker. His Razzett Abbandunat Bingemma is certainly one of the more evocative of the collection. One inspiring aspect of his works is the way he manages to provoke a perfect sensation of sunshine reflecting off stone and street, rendering that overpowering lighting, so typical of Maltese summer afternoons.

Martin Formosa’s work is strikingly different yet again. Pastels and watercolours work side by side. Two impressive portraits are Baby Jessica and Old Man’s Tale both of which are extremely well executed and carefully rendered. Wied il-Qlejjqa is a tiny yet exquisite watercolour that stands out from its secluded corner of the hall. Again we are presented with several typical Maltese scenic views and Formosa manages to instill in us marvel at the beauty of the Maltese land and seascape.

The only lady of the lot is Mary Clare Albanozzo, again experimenting both with pastels and watercolours. Ta’ Hagrat Temples is a softly rendered watercolour that is as interesting in composition as is Fort St Angelo which majestically portrays iridescent reflections of the grand old edifice juxtaposed against the sea below. Her eager experimentation belies the dedication she puts into each and every canvas.

This foursome has come together for a first time to offer a sampling of the essence of the Maltese character. They have managed to merge their works in a holistic approach to a common denominator.

Art Gems exhibition is on at Palazzo De La Salle – the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce at 219 Republic Street, Valletta up until 21 February.