The Phoenicia Malta is welcoming back Mariam De Giorgio in what is her second solo exhibition. Following the success of her first solo exhibition held there in January 2023, this Maltese artist, specialising in acrylic painting and illustration, has decided to show a new collection of paintings.
The exhibited paintings are collectively titled Midsummer Diaries. This exhibition is therefore a journey of a summer in the life of De Giorgio and her family. The audience is invited to join the family on outings to the beach, San Anton Gardens or to Gozo. You will see paintings of the family very much enjoying the outdoors, whether it's during breakfast or a candlelit garden dinner. But not just.
Despite her busy days, Mariam finds moments of self-reflection and an appreciation for the simple joys that many of us often overlook. In her world, nothing is mundane; everything is imbued with meaning. She elevates the mundane.
The exhibition is rich with scenes of everyday life, capturing the beauty in the ordinary. You will find yourself immersed in exquisite table settings, still life compositions featuring fish, oranges and flowers, and, of course, the playful, tender moments of her children - whether they are eating, bathing, reading or simply playing by or in the glittering sea. As well as visits to the capital city, Valletta.
It is a very full life that Mariam leads. Mariam's life, as portrayed in these works, is filled with love. Her paintings, like her life, ooze love. Executed in acrylic on canvas, these works are looser in style compared to her previous collection, yet they remain deeply inspired by her family life.
Despite the fluidity, Mariam's attention to detail is remarkable. Everyday objects - teacups, tiles, cushions - become focal points, with textures that are so vividly rendered that you can almost feel them.
Through these paintings, we feel the joy of family life, but we also experience a deep sense of tranquility. There is a calm, a peace that envelops us when we stand before a De Giorgio creation.
Even though De Giorgio is relatively young, one can see an experienced hand holding the brush at work, as well as experimenting with colour.
The exhibition is curated by Dr Charlene Vella.
Mariam de Giorgio's exhibition is open until 30 September at the Palm Court Lounge, The Phoenicia Malta.
For more information visit www.mariamdegiorgio.com, www.charlenevella.com
De Giorgio is a Maltese artist specialising in acrylic painting and illustration. She also enjoys experimenting with ink, watercolours and mixed media. Mariam's paintings have a distinctive personal style that allows viewers to enter a fantasy world. This is also due to the choice of palette, even when depicting real places and figures. She has illustrated a number of children's books, including Sensiela fanali, published by BDL Publishing and Juliet finds peace in The President's Secret Garden, published by the Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.
She is a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate from the MCAST Institute of Art and Design, Malta, and is a member of the Malta Community of Illustrators. Mariam's work was selected for exhibitions in Malta and overseas by the National Book Council and the Maltese Embassy in Spain. She has participated in several group shows, such as Malta Design Week in 2011, An Educated Guess and 6:6, both in 2012. Her paintings are enjoyed in private collections in Malta, Spain, the Philippines and Guam (USA).
Photos: Michaele Zammit