Urban Perspectives is a collection of paintings by Kevin Sciberras that depict Maltese architectural landmarks. The artist drew inspiration from the beauty of dignified buildings and the play of sunlight on their surfaces. He even sought to illuminate the often-overlooked qualities of familiar settings. Aerial views, skylines and streetscapes are strikingly devoid of figures, allowing the architecture itself to take centre stage.

Sciberras invites viewers to experience familiar locations from a fresh perspective. Each painting radiates a sublime light that highlights the essence of the structures he portrays. In his creative process he initially captures the physical form of a spatial area, then seeks to infuse it with atmosphere and light, allowing the subject to develop a life of its own. This approach infuses his work with a timeless quality, blending detailed elements with abstract veils to create dreamlike imagery. Within his art, some details remain sharp, while others drift into obscurity, enhancing the mysterious nature of his subjects.

Energy and luminosity permeate his canvases, evident through visible brushstrokes and rich layers of paint. Sciberras employs a layered technique, often using diluted acrylics to create thin, transparent washes. This method allows light to emanate from within the painting, resulting in a vibrant interplay of glazes. His energetic brushwork, characterised by swift, expressive strokes, adds dynamism to his pieces, while the overlapping planes of light further define his unique style. His use of acrylics allows for versatility, from delicate washes to textured layers, creating depth and translucency in his work. Emotion plays a crucial role in his colour choices and brushwork intensity.

The themes of time, decay and preservation resonate throughout his body of work. His spontaneous approach and layered technique represent the accumulation of time and memory. His abstract forms evoke fading memories of places but also raising concerns about the impact of modernisation on cultural heritage. Through his art, the artist generates a dialogue between the past and present, capturing the essence of architecture and the passage of time.

Urban Perspectives is being held at Gallery 23 in Balzan. Opening hours Wednesdays 6.30 to 8pm and Sundays 11am to 12.30pm. The exhibition will run till 20 October 2024