The Malta Independent 9 May 2025, Friday
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Art at The Phoenicia Malta

Sunday, 3 December 2023, 09:00 Last update: about 2 years ago

The Phoenicia Malta hosts art exhibitions every month at the Palm Court Lounge as part of their Artist in Residence programme. All three exhibitions are being curated by Dr Charlene Vella

This month, seasoned artist Kenneth Zammit Tabona is showcasing his latest pen and ink watercolour paintings in a solo exhibition titled Mediterranean Gardens.

Inspired by lush gardens that Zammit Tabona is well acquainted with and others that he has imagined, this exhibition will showcase his idea of the most perfect Mediterranean gardens. A vast array of plants are meticulously yet freshly captured, where the lily and palm tree do not fail to feature, as do urns, sculpted busts, flower pots, ponds and fountains. Each painting features a bright palette with predominating pinks and purples that begs the viewer to discover the abundant detail in these delightful gardens. This collection of gardenscapes is not only masterfully executed, but they are also evocative of Zammit Tabona's love for nature. 

Watercolours are the preferred medium of Carmel Serracino, who is holding his first ever solo exhibition this January titled Across the Harbour.

Light-infused land and seascapes of the Maltese islands are the subject of this exhibition. Portraying largely the harbour area in general and scenes of and from Bormla in particular, the compositions are freshly executed thus adequately capturing the atmosphere. The same freshness is experienced in the paintings that are executed en plein air as well as in the studio.

Purposely lacking in detail, quick strokes - in a wet or dry brush - evoke essential traits. Trees, buildings, boats, the sea and the human form all form part of the compositions in this collection. Serracino's ability to contrast lighter hues and more intense ones is amply clear. These paintings adequately characterise Malta in 2023 where even the religious element such as processions feature.

Lena Maria Ludes is the artist in residence for the month of February with her first solo exhibition of oil paintings titled Beyond the flawless: Embracing the imperfect beauty of humanity.

This exhibition will explore the nuanced facets of human existence and will challenge conventional notions of perfection. In a world where flawlessness is often glorified, this exhibition looks at the rich tapestry of imperfections that make each person unique. With the chrome-like paintings, which are perceived as glossy and perfect in their significant colours, yet fluid in their form, this young German artist aims to celebrate the imperfection of humanity and especially the transience of beauty. Each of the pictures expresses different feelings with its own colours. Everyone tries to be perfect and flawless in their own way, but ultimately, everyone also has feelings and emotions that shape us as human beings.

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