From 21 February until 30 March, St James Cavalier, Valletta will be hosting Xebgha Nies, a collective exhibition of nine Maltese artists. From pen and ink to watercolour and oil paintings, the exhibition will also feature three dimensional works in ceramics, mixed media and bronze. As the title implies, Xebgha Nies loosely translates to a throng of people, the general subject is portraiture, however, what can be expected is a unique take on an assorted set of interesting characters. From the man enjoying pastizzi and a glass of Kinnie at Joe’s Bar to the mustachioed twins and everyone in between, you definitely won’t resist falling in love with this crowd.
As one would anticipate, a religious element is not missing from the works on display, and while Saviour Baldacchino explores Christian iconography, Kenneth Zammit Tabona’s colourful watercolours depict fleeting glances amid opulent Maltese ecclesiastical scenarios. The darker side of things is left in the hands of Debbie Caruana Dingli, whose wicked witches will stir more than a mere bubbly cauldron. While Steve Bonello returns to the exhibition scene after a hiatus of almost two decades with his unmistakable pen and ink drawings, this will be the first time Mark Scicluna and Moira Zahra will be exhibiting. Keep an eye out for Scicluna’s first Maltese man on the Moon and Zahra’s not-so-cuddly assortment of six-legged pets. Paul Scerri and Andrew Diacono will be the only two artists presenting sculptures. While Scerri’s mastered medium is ceramics, as betrayed by his complex glazes, for this show Diacono chose to exhibit bronze and mixed media works. The final word rests with Marisa Attard whose illustrated sweethearts add a breezy touch of humour to the whole.
The artists participating in the exhibition are Andrew Diacono, Steve Bonello, Marisa Attard, Debbie Caruana Dingli, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Paul Scerri, Mark Scicluna, Moira Zahra and Saviour Baldacchino.
The opening hours are Monday and Tuesday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 9pm.
The exhibition was made possible with the support of Halmann Vella Ltd, Lovage Bistro, Ecco, wearegoat.com and St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity