The prolific Gozitan artist Christopher Saliba  continues to captivate audiences with his vibrant and textured paintings. His upcoming exhibition, titled Skylines, is set to be showcased at the Art..e Gallery in Victoria, Gozo, from the 1st till the 28th of December. This exhibition promises to be a visual feast, presenting expressionist landscapes of the Maltese Islands  through his unique artistic lens.

Saliba's work is characterised by his bold use of colour and dynamic brushstrokes, which transform familiar scenes into abstracted visions that capture the spirit and energy of the islands. His paintings often explore themes of spirituality, nature, and human existence, creating what some critics describe as "spiritual landscapes." This approach allows viewers to experience the Maltese landscape in a new and profound way, highlighting the emotional and spiritual connections that people have with their surroundings.

This compelling collection of works also reflects Saliba's mastery in capturing the dynamic interplay of light, structure, and emotion within local urban landscapes and seascapes. Known for his evocative use of colour and intricate detailing, Saliba brings to life the character and energy of familiar places from various perspectives. 

In Skylines the horizon transforms itself nto more than a simple meeting of land, sea  and sky -   it becomes a powerful expression of emotion that connects every part of the scene. This exhibition breathes life into expressionist landscapes, where the skyline is never just a quiet boundary but a line charged with energy and feeling, blending the viewer's inner world with the landscape itself. The horizon acts not as a passive divider, but as an active force that shapes and stirs the land, sky and sea around it. In townscapes, it rises with the energy and pulse of urban life. In open landscapes, it stretches far, inviting the viewer into a space of depth and intensity.

This horizon isn't a place for the eye to rest; it's a line that keeps the gaze moving, hinting at something beyond sight. Sometimes bold, sometimes soft, it's always alive, carrying the tension and flow between earth and sky. Saliba lets the horizon breathe with emotion, inviting viewers to see the landscape or seascape as a mirror to their own feelings, where the line between land, sea and sky is also the line between self and world.

Here is  a description of some exhibits that convey the essence of the exhibition. The painting  Senglea - Early Morning comes alive with bold orange and yellow tones, transforming the fortified city  and boats into a fluid, abstract composition. The vibrant hues emphasise emotional depth and a serene sense of isolation, embodying the artist's preference for mood and atmosphere over realism. 

In The Citadel  the dynamic use of oranges and greens creates a striking emotional landscape, where sweeping forms suggest timelessness and solitude. The fragmented depiction of the citadel and its surroundings captures the introspective essence of expressionist art.

In Gozitan Cliffs  the fiery palette of reds and oranges lends the cliffs an intense, almost volatile energy. Flowing brushstrokes suggest movement and emotional tension, while the contrast with the distant horizon and reflective surfaces adds a sense of quiet drama.

On a different note, the deep purples and reds that define Gharb dominate the scene, enveloping it in an aura of mystery and introspection. The golden and glowing sky appears to emphasise a serene yet dramatic moment of transition between day and night. It contrasts with silhouetted architecture, evoking a palpable tension between light and shadow. This interplay mirrors the internal conflict often explored in Saliba's works.

In Mdina  the visible texture suggests the typical application  of the palette knife by Saliba and his layered impasto techniques. This approach creates depth and dimensionality, emphasising the ruggedness of the terrain and the architectural solidity of Mdina's fortifications. 

This vivid collection captures the heart of expressionism, offering emotionally charged interpretations of landscapes that prioritise feeling over form. Set within the intimate and inviting space of Art.e Gallery, this exhibition is a testament to Saliba's artistic vision and his ability to transform architectural forms and seaviews into poetic visual narratives. A must-see for art enthusiasts and city lovers alike.

Viewing hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am - 12:15 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.