As the year 2023 draws to a close, artist Isabel Warrington presented us with yet another intriguing body of her recent and past work with the exhibition titled "Revelations". The oeuvre found its display at the Gemelli Art Gallery at the Ta' Qali Crafts Village until 23 December. The eagerly anticipated visit did not disappoint and the discoveries made, the revelations uncovered, were fascinating.
The exhibition comprised a mix of some 33 framed works depicting landscapes, portraits and theatrical stage settings in delicate watercolours, bold mixed media collages on canvas in acrylics and a fine blend of watercolour and ink pieces. Each work of art revealed an amusing narrative, at times delving into a deeper concern of one topic or another. And yet the narrations were highly valid in the context of an evolving society in which the artist navigates her talents and produces a small mirror to reflect in, to comprehend her as an artist and creator more fully.
The protagonist in every work of art is a solo female story teller. We are confronted with a dancer, a puppet, a puppeteer or a strong femme fatale with at times an introspective view into a mystical world to reveal, at times a bold statement view back at the observer. We are drawn into a narration of dance, melancholy and light, equally as we are drawn to a strong gaze of the subject with a clear message: ya' ain't gonna mess with the lady.
We discover the figure bouncing or flying gracefully through serene and light landscapes which are at the same time filled with loopholes and pitfalls. Or we are invited to observe the figure delicately balancing in a theatrical stage setting surrounded by a multitude of external observers. The tug of war between the delicate balance of unencumbered luminosity and an eerie background darkness weaves its way through every story: a play of hope and resignation, dance and limbo.
One very poignant element which accompanies the protagonist is the cone shape. Memories of a traffic cone which serve to alert to a potential hazard, are revived with their white and their contrasting bands of colour. And yet the cone shapes reveal their own narrative. They are soft, flowing cylinders with no harsh edges. They inhabit landscapes and seemingly protect from gaping holes. They also serve as a hat or a head dress of sorts, offering protection to our protagonist. And at times the cone even serves as a protective cocoon, a shielding surround to a complex and disturbing world.
The strong, independent woman is a further fascinating revelation in numerous mixed media works. A portrait of a strong, determined woman with her flawless beauty and yet stern expression will catch our eyes unrelentingly. The expression is clear: I am a force to reckon with. Attractive, yet not disposable.
Isabel Warrington invites us into her creative world and draws on her talents as an artist, painter and performer on stage. She has created a wonderful platform from which to discover her true force and passion. Truly 'Revelations' in visual art.
