"The gaze I encounter... is, not a seen gaze, but a gaze imagined by me in the field of the other" - Jacques Lacan, The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis (1973)

Gozo is an island filled with beautiful scenes which are still untouched by human intervention. Both its rural and urban areas are exceptional in their characteristics, contributing to the island's distinctive charm. The rural areas of Gozo are dotted with traditional farmhouses, lush vegetation and rolling hills, creating a picturesque landscape.

In this collection of paintings, Audrey Mercieca showcases various unique places in Gozo that she visits during her plein air painting sessions. These works range from sunsets and seascapes to heritage sites, studies of dispersed green areas and buildings, characteristic of Gozo. Each painting tells a story, inviting viewers into a Lacanian interplay of the imaginary and the real.

Mercieca's love for painting sunsets and the sea is evident. In this series, we see the beauty of places like Xlendi, Qbajjar and Marsalforn, which are visited by both locals and foreigners throughout the year. These works, painted mostly in the evening, capture the last few hours of sunlight with rich blues and tinted yellows contrasting with darker areas of the land. The artist successfully directs the viewer's gaze, a Lacanian concept, demonstrating how light determines where our attention is drawn and how we interact with the imaginary layer of the painting.

In her painting Il-Ġgantija, Mercieca presents a snapshot of a World Heritage prehistoric site from a different angle than typically seen in photographs. The artwork captures the raw, ancient beauty of the Ġgantija Temples on the island of Gozo. This site, considered one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, is depicted with a sense of reverence and mystery. Mercieca's use of warm, earthy tones of colour enhances the timeless quality of the stone structure, emphasising its resilience through millennia. This interplay of the Real and the Symbolic realms of the temple's architecture invites viewers to perceive the structure's enduring presence beyond time. Unlike typical photographs that might focus on well-known perspectives, this artistic angle invites viewers to appreciate the site's grandeur from a fresh, intimate viewpoint. The artist uses soft, diffused light to capture the serene atmosphere, evoking a sense of peaceful antiquity and allowing the viewer to imagine the site as it might have looked in its original state. Mercieca's interpretation not only pays homage to the historical significance of the Ġgantija Temples but also encourages a deeper connection and appreciation for this ancient marvel, blurring the lines between the Real and the Imaginary.

Iċ-Ċittadella has always been a subject depicted by many local and foreign artists who visit this fortified cathedral at the peak of Victoria, Gozo's capital. It is an architectural and cultural landmark perched on a hilltop, offering a panoramic view of the island and testifying to Gozo's rich history. Mercieca has painted this spectacular place many times, and in this exhibition, she presents two works: one executed with meticulous and precise perspective inside the bastions with narrow, winding paths, and another painting seen from a distance. Through these perspectives, she explores the symbolic structure of Iċ-Ċittadella and its relationship with the imaginary landscape.

Għasri, where the artist resides, has also been painted several times from different viewpoints. Examples include View from Għasri, Għasri Church and On the way to Għasri. These works reveal the intimate connection between the artist's personal space and the broader imaginary of Gozo's landscape.

The island's coastline is mesmerising, with stunning cliffs, secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. Beaches such as Ramla Bay, with its distinctive red sand, and the area of the now-lost Azure Window, a natural limestone arch (which unfortunately collapsed in 2017 but remains a symbol of Gozo's natural beauty), attract visitors from around the world. Mercieca remarkably painted these places with much enthusiasm and technical skill. View of Dwejra and The secret bay of Ramla are two fine examples that showcase the artist's love for natural beauty. Through these paintings, the Lacanian Real of Gozo's untouched beauty confronts the viewer, disrupting the comfort of the symbolic order.

Stylistically, we find three approaches in Mercieca's repertoire: contemporary impressionism, realism and expressionism. Most of the works are oil on canvas, with a few watercolour paintings usually done in the open air to capture the real atmospheric effects of the weather, the light of the day and the dramatic value contrasts of colour. Mercieca's use of these different artistic styles, can be seen as a way of navigating between these Lacanian realms. Impressionism, with its focus on light and atmosphere, might align with the Imaginary, capturing the fleeting beauty of a moment. Realism, with its detailed representation of architecture and landscape, speaks to the Symbolic, providing a structured and culturally mediated view of Gozo. Expressionism, with its emotional intensity and sometimes distorted forms, engages with the Real, conveying the raw, subjective experience of the artist in the face of nature's overwhelming presence.

Expanding on the Lacanian interpretation of Mercieca's work involves seeing her paintings not just as representations of Gozo's beauty but as complex engagements with the viewer's psyche. Through her art, Mercieca creates a space where the Imaginary, Symbolic and Real interact, inviting viewers on a journey that mirrors Lacan's psychoanalytic exploration of human experience. Each painting becomes a site where these realms converge, offering a multifaceted view of Gozo that is as much about internal landscapes as it is about external ones.

Mercieca's work vividly captures the essence of Gozo, blending natural beauty with historical depth. Her paintings offer viewers an opportunity to see the island through her eyes, revealing both well-known landmarks and hidden gems with equal passion and skill.

The exhibition will run until 30 November at Il-Mithna tax-Xewkija, Gozo. The opening hours are from 9am to 7.30pm

Professor Louis Laganà PhD (Lough) is an academic, art historian and practicing artist