You can still go and visit the collective exhibition at Gallery 23 in Balzan, Painting with Light, which doesn't close until the 20th December. It is dedicated to the work of multiple artists, in this case 14 leading artists living in Malta. Collective exhibitions bring together artists sharing a theme, an artistic movement or belonging to a specific histo-cultural cross-section. In this case these artists have been invited to discover and explore interiors, exteriors, spaces and objects that create interesting compositions with the play of light whether artificial, natural, sunlight or moonlight.
The classic technique of chiaroscuro is also used in this collective. By using a strong contrast of light and shadows to create an impression of depth and realism in an artwork, a painting adopting the chiaroscuro technique looks more three-dimensional than artworks produced without incorporating this technique. Chiaroscuro was particularly significant in the development of painting as an art form because it allowed painters to convey an impression of depth and dimension on a flat canvas.
This technique was utilized to great success by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Caravaggio, who possibly was the best at it. All three are now regarded as some of history's finest artists.
In the paintings exhibited at Gallery 23 the artists have used both natural light and artificial light. Interiors and exteriors are explored and interpreted by them.
I have come across several of Ryan Falzon's paintings. I was glad to meet him and his partner Jenny that evening. His art is immediately recognisable as he paints plants. I invited him to comment: "I began painting plants by coincidence in March 2020. During the first quasi-lockdown weeks in Malta, I spent most of my time gardening, which led to plants organically finding their way onto my canvas once I returned to the studio. I believe that spending time with a subject and effortlessly absorbing its presence is crucial to informing one's practice. This series, in all its cycles, explores notions of biophilia and the interconnectedness between humans and plants. The influence of potted gardening on domestic environments is especially relevant in an era of shrinking habitats and an impending environmental crisis."
I spoke to Debbie Bonello who is not only exhibiting two of her paintings in this collective but also has a solo exhibition, Crowded at Studio 87, Liesse Hill, Valletta until 19 December. She is best known for her portraits and landscape paintings but also loves to experiment and extend her boundaries as much as possible. She likes to be original and needs to constantly reinvent herself. It's never a dull moment with Debbie.
There is no space to report all the comments made by the artists but I love their enthusiasm and dedication. They are happy creating beauty for others.
Artists want to share their work with others. Having an exhibition is a milestone. We are living in a highly competitive world where there are so many artists who want to get their body of work noticed. Artists work hard and want to make a living out of their work. An exhibition such as this helps the public to see at close quarters the work of several artists at the same time.
Running even a relatively small art gallery is not an easy task. The two gallerists, Alexia Gingell Littlejohn and Rachel Said take care of all the management aspects such as the organisation of exhibitions, sales negotiations and all the details involved in this kind of work. There is also the maintaining of trust with the artists and collectors; the supervision of transport and handling of the works. Nothing is left to chance and Alexia and Rachel give all aspects of the business great attention. It is very obvious that they love what they are doing. In turn, we love them and evenings of art at their gallery.
One may visit the exhibition by appointment 99428272 or [email protected] or during the open days on Sundays from11am till 12.30pm and Wednesdays from 6.30pm till 8pm. The exhibition runs until 20 December.
[email protected]