Curating Ivan Grixti's solo exhibition, Jestem, has been an enriching and profound experience. The Polish word jestem, meaning I am or present, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this collection. Grixti's landscapes invite viewers to pause, immerse themselves in the present, and experience the world through his vivid and deeply emotional lens.

Grixti, a Maltese artist who spent 12 years living in Poland, brings an extraordinary depth to his work. His paintings reveal not just the physicality of places, but their soul: a fusion of natural beauty, personal memory and emotional resonance. Grixti's journey into landscape painting began during the Covid-19 pandemic, inspired by the words of David Hockney, who emphasised the beauty inherent in simply observing the world. Hockney's belief that "looking can make a thing beautiful" profoundly impacted Ivan, leading him to venture outdoors and paint en plein air for the first time in Chartowo Forest, Poznan, Poland, in 2020. That pivotal moment sparked a series of works that explore the transformative power of being present in a specific place and time.

The exhibition showcases landscapes painted en plein air and others that were created in Grixti's studio. The en plein air pieces are meticulously faithful to their locations, with titles that specify the exact time and place of their creation. These works capture the ephemeral interplay of light, shadow and atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the artist's lived experience. On the other hand, the more abstract studio paintings transcend literal representation. Here, Ivan embraces the philosophy of the American artist Brian Rutenberg, who said that "bending the laws of nature to fit the laws of art". These pieces are not tethered to specific locations but are instead born from an amalgamation of sketches, memories and emotional impressions, resulting in works that are deeply evocative and richly layered.

A standout feature of Ivan's work is his innovative use of colour. His landscapes pulse with unexpected hues: purples and pinks in tree barks that reveal hidden dimensions of the natural world. And this palette is also visible in the more abstract paintings. The artist needs to hone in on his or her ability to reinterpret the familiar through colour and texture, which Grixti has succeeded in doing.

What makes Jestem particularly poignant is the personal narrative interwoven into the art. As Grixti prepared for this exhibition, he faced the profound loss of loved ones, attending three funerals, which made him ponder on the loss of his beloved mother that took place years ago. This kind of reflection imbues the works with a sense of yearning. As the Italians say, an angolo del paradiso (translated to "a corner of paradise") seems to linger in each painting, suggesting that beauty is not only a physical place but a state of being, a connection to something greater.

Ivan's gratitude for those who have supported him is heartfelt. He acknowledges the influence of artists like David Hockney and Brian Ruttenberg, as well as the encouragement he has received from family, friends and collaborators. His deep respect for the artistic traditions that precede him is evident, yet his work also asserts his unique voice, shaped by his Maltese heritage and Polish experiences.

As the title suggests, but which we need to take time to understand, Grixti's landscapes remind us of the importance of slowing down, of truly observing and engaging with the world around us. In a fast-paced world that often prioritises efficiency over mindfulness, Grixti's work calls us back to the present moment, urging us to rediscover the beauty and significance of simply being.

Looking ahead, I am excited to see how Grixti continues to evolve such landscapes and abstracts in his artistic practice. His journey into this form of abstraction, while challenging, holds immense potential. By letting go of literal representation, he opens new avenues for exploration, allowing his art to communicate on an even deeper, more intuitive level. This transition requires courage and vulnerability, qualities that Grixti possesses in abundance.

Curated by Prof. Charlene Vella, Jestem is open at the Palm Court Lounge, The Phoenicia Malta until 29 January.

Biography

Ivan Grixti (b. 1982) is a Maltese artist who showed an interest in art at a tender age. He studied art under Philip Agius, Paul Vella Critien and Anthony Calleja. In 2005 he graduated from the University of Malta with a bachelor's degree, specialisation in Technical drawing and Design & Technology. In 2013, he completed a postgraduate degree in Pedagogy with Art Education at the University of Arts in Poznań-Poland. Between 2021 and 2022 he also attended a postgraduate course at the Institute of Fine Arts at Maria Curie-Sklodowska, University, in Lublin, Poland.

After living for many years in Poland, he has just returned to Malta. An educator by profession teaching Grephical Communications, he is also an artist who enjoys exploring the world around him and taking it all in. He is a silent observer who enjoys working en plein air, with no distractions but the beauty of nature around him.

He has held exhibitions in Poland, France and Malta. He is represented by Vinci Art Gallery in Poznań, Poland.

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Photos: Michaele Zammit