The renowned artist and cartoonist RICHARD COLE has returned to Malta after 33 years of absence. Here he talks to Erika Brincat about his connection to our country, what he loves about our islands, why he finds them so beautiful, the changes he has sensed so far,
and his art…..
When was the last time you were in Malta and why?
“My first and only visit to Malta was in 1976 when I was a cartoonist working for The Times newspaper. A cartoon I had drawn for a profile of the then Maltese Prime Minister, Dom Mintoff was published in the newspaper the previous year. I had drawn him as Napoleon kicking the British bulldog out of Malta. One of his aides contacted me because he wished to obtain the cartoon. I eventually exchanged it for a return air ticket to Malta. I arrived in October the following year courtesy of Air Malta, the national airline. It is inevitable that after a period of 33 years Malta will have changed considerably. I am now looking forward to visiting the old locations I drew. I hope at the end of March to compare my notes and sketches and later in the year to mount an exhibition of my new and old work.”
Where has your career as a cartoonist taken you since then?
“I have subsequently worked over the years for the broadsheet newspapers notably The Sunday Times, Telegraph and Guardian as a political cartoonist, illustrator and reportage artist. I now concentrate on my artwork and contribute occasional cartoons to The Financial Times. As the contract artist for CBS News I drew the major terrorist trials in Europe, debates in the House of Commons and the Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie’s trial in Lyon. In 2004 I went to Baghdad as the sole court artist covering the court’s martial of American soldiers at Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq.”
Have you been able to re-visit some of the old locations you treasure the most and have you commenced some new sketches of our islands?
“Yes, I have been back drawing with enthusiasm this week in Valletta and around the harbour. I noticed in one of my old drawings that I had drawn a Chinese trading vessel in the harbour which was indicative of the political situation in 1976. The streets around the harbour don’t seem to have changed much in 33 years but I have been told to expect great changes in Gozo when I return later in the week.”
What is it that you love about our islands and what do you find to be their most beautiful features, that you appreciated in the past and even today?
“I have been very lucky this week with the weather as I was told to expect rain and to bring warm clothes. The Saturday I arrived, the weather was glorious, blue sky and sunshine greeted me. The light was fantastic and this is very important to an artist. The vegetation of the island is very beautiful, the palms, oranges, lemons, avocadoes, pomegranates and prickly pears. The most amazing thing is the way the island had been carved out of the yellow limestone rock on a grand scale especially around the harbour. The houses built from the stone give it great unity. I find the Maltese are very hospitable and friendly.”
Since 33 years ago, what are the changes that have struck you the most in Malta?
“I have certainly noticed a great change in Gozo with its large urban developments. It has been very difficult trying to identify the places I have drawn in Victoria in 1976, especially when the church of St.James in Independence Square is entirely different. I have subsequently learnt that the original church collapsed and they dug underneath it trying to build a restaurant. The Café Tapies I drew in St.Francis Square was also knocked down and rebuilt to make the Square larger. I am still trying to find the Café de la Reine.
I have been impressed by the higher standards of the working class. When I first went to Gozo the major form of transport seemed to be donkeys and carts and lots of people were not wearing shoes.”
What do you think Maltese society could do to make this country even more aesthetically pleasing?
“Improve the buses and roads. The bus I took into Valletta was a real bone shaker and the interior seemed to be held together with strings and plastic tape. Travel must be very uncomfortable for the older people. On my first visit I was fascinated to see the religious shrines behind the drivers and I did arrive at my destination in one piece!”
If you had to draw a cartoon of one of Malta’s current public personalities who would that be and why?
“Obviously it would have to be Dom Mintoff as I would undoubtedly see a great change in him. Old people are always great to draw as their faces carry the experience of a lifetime.”
Cartoons often have an underlying humour and sometimes tragic connotation to them. Do you think humour is an important aspect in dealing with life’s somewhat tragic-comedy?
“Yes of course, it is always important to see the humorous side of life as it keeps you young.”
When can the Maltese public look forward to watching you and your art unfold on local TV?
“Well the Maltese public can surely look for my paintings on 118 Collections every Thursday evening after the 6pm news on TVM throughout March and can contact Brainbox Ltd regarding exhibitions throughout the year. I do also hope to return at the end of the year with some new work.”
Do you have a website were we can have a preview of your work in progress?
“Yes, it is www.richardcoleltd.com.When I return to England I will update it with a section on my work in Malta. Watch the space!”
The 118 team have partnered up with renowned artist Richard Cole and will be adding a touch of personal French art to your homes in 118 Collections. 118 Collections is part of the program 118 conducted by Xandru Grech. In 118 there are different slots like 118 Collections, 118 Cuisine and 118 Wines. Richard Cole will be interviewed and his paintings exposed throughout the whole month of March 2009. 118 is broadcasted on TVM on Thursdays after the 6pm news.