After his most recent exhibition in Gozo late last year, British artist Richard Cole is back on the Islands, this time showcasing a series of unique and historical works. Presently showing in Valletta, Cole's collection of court drawings and paintings manages to clearly encapsulate the art of documenting memorable court proceedings. Going where no other journalist could go and where no photographer was permitted, Cole has, over the stretch of his long and winding artistic and journalistic career, managed to be the quiet observer of many a trial that attracted both public interest and international outcry.
The courtroom sketch provides an insight into proceedings which are held behind closed doors, since photography is usually prohibited due to issues of privacy and to avoid sensationalism. The illustrations created by court artists may be created on the spot, capturing the instant moment of interest. In certain instances and countries, the court artist is not allowed to draw or paint while inside the courtroom, but must rely on notes taken during the proceedings and subsequently create the drawings from memory once the court is adjourned.
The works presently on exhibit are of a completely different character from Cole's more popular painterly frames depicting somnolent French and English country villages or sun-baked Maltese and Gozitan streets and sights. Indeed, this exhibition focuses on key personalities whose lives, misadventures or nasty goings-on, led them into a legal quagmire that did not always end well for them.
Consider key trials, which shook the world, such as that of Klaus Barbie held in 1987 in France. Barbie was a German Nazi officer and head of the Gestapo based in Lyon, France during World War II. He eventually became known as the "Butcher of Lyon". He was convicted of crimes against humanity and imprisoned for life. Cole himself admits that the lengthy court proceedings were especially emotional at times, even for him as an external observer.
Of a completely different nature was the trial, which saw the renowned politician and author Jeffrey Archer, being tried for perjury and sentenced to four years in prison in 2001. And what about musician Elton John, who, along with his lyricist Bernie Taupin, sued ex manager Dick James for a bigger share of the £200m from their earlier hits. The case was heard in 1985 at the High Court in London. Elton John eventually lost the case.
Then there was the clamorous case surrounding the clash of two leading British tabloids - The Sun vs The Mirror - a trial also held at the High Court of London in 1985. The case involved media tycoons Robert Maxwell, proprietor of The Mirror, and Rupert Murdoch, proprietor of The Sun.
Another most shocking trial, which attracted news agencies the world over, was that held in Baghdad, Iraq between 2004-2006. This was the Court Martial of 17 US soldiers and officers, who were charged with the violation of human rights and a series of war crimes against detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison during the Iraq war. Further public figures featuring in Cole's current exhibition of court drawings include author Dan Brown, actor Stacey Keach, the Yorkshire Ripper - Peter Sutcliffe and others.
Cole's selection of court drawings and sketches is being shown in a most suggestive ambience - the expansive courtyard space of a leading law firm based in Valletta. The Cole exhibition will in fact be the last of a series of art exhibitions held throughout this year as part of Ganado Advocates' corporate social responsibility efforts, that also extend to supporting arts and culture. In line with its commitment to CSR, Ganado Advocates has chosen to offer artists the opportunity to exhibit their work on its premises free of charge, contributing to the growth and visibility of the artistic community.
Cole's court drawings and paintings will be on display until 23 December at 59 Strait Street, Valletta. To schedule a viewing appointment Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, please contact the artist on r[email protected]
