Marlene Gouder's exhibition, Eutopia - What lies beyond, invites viewers to reconnect with their inner child, experiencing the world with wonder, awe and occasional trepidation. Her artworks capture idyllic moments frozen in time, where stillness evokes sounds and memories of a distant past that accompany us throughout life's journey.
Gouder is a predominantly self-taught artist who has intermittently pursued formal training. She attended periodic classes at the School of Art in Valletta and later undertook art direction under the mentorship of local artist Anton Calleja for several years. Additionally, she collaborated with artists Lino Borg and Patrick Dalli in pursuing in-depth studies of the nude. Over time, she continued to refine her skills in human figure drawing and portraiture, both independently and through participation in various established local art groups. In 2012, she attended a course in printmaking at the Malta School of Art.
The current collection explores the human quest to transcend existence and truly feel alive. Gouder focuses on children interacting with the vast beauty of nature, primarily using oil paints to blend light and how it reflects across nature, creating an impressionistic reality. Some pieces encourage introspection, allowing viewers to revisit their own childhood memories and decide whether to identify with the scenes portrayed. The interplay of subjects and themes within a Eutopian context invites personal interpretation.
Works executed in charcoal offer open-ended narratives, yet they once again prompt individual interpretations without imposition. As the viewer approaches the end of the collection - the culmination - Gouder employs more expressionistic brushwork, hinting at the artist's new artistic direction.
Eutopia delves into the complex meaning of life and existentialism. These are far from simple concepts that are expressed through the depiction of Gouder's own children. Her son and daughter are portrayed in awe by life's simple joys, living each moment with immeasurable intensity. Where innocence is bliss. This is not merely an idealised concept of childhood but a reflection on finding completeness in life's experiences. Viewers are invited to immerse themselves in scenes that recount moments of genuine rest, mental ease and spiritual peace.
The interaction between the child and nature is presented as an intrinsic part of the human condition, given an idealised representation. Through the centuries humankind has lost touch with the natural world. We are invited to ponder on our disconnectedness from nature. The concept of "nature-deficit disorder" underscores the consequences of alienation from nature and the "nature-culture divide" explores the theoretical separation between humans and the environment, suggesting that this dichotomy has led to a disconnection from nature.
In a complex world, Gouder advocates for a simple appreciation of life. Some works capture moments where her children walk, sit among tall grass at sunset or explore a beach in a state of undress. Allegorical pieces feature children as gods or divine beings, such as Neptune listening to a conch with a divine smile despite facing the fearsome force of the sea, or a falling angel laughing in the face of danger, embodying the fearless nature of children as they affront challenges even if it is two deadly crows.
Movement holds particular significance and is exemplified by a girl chasing dreams while holding a bunch of garlic, symbolising good fortune, health and protection.
This collection reflects the artist's observations of nature's changes in the surrounding environment, marveling at its resilience and evolution. Gouder describes her art as a journal, exploring her daily routine as a mother adjusting to the day's challenges. Her children serve as an ongoing inspiration: their movements, wonder, adaptability, questions and constant need to explore. They are unaware of her observation and serve as the real inspiration for this collection. Being at close proximity with her subjects has led her to closely examine aspects that connect her with their realities. Time spent together in nature has never been more important, fostering mutual discovery.
Gouder reflects: "Getting in touch with the earth that made us is the momentous quest of this journey. I have not only created a portrait or resemblance but found a representative moment that bound me to my inspiration. As a person, I have used the experience of motherhood to unlearn all that I thought I knew and step towards reattaining childhood simplicity in a Eutopian reality."
Eutopia - What lies beyond is a profound exploration of life's meaning through the innocent eyes of children, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the simple joys that make life complete.
The exhibition will run until 28 April at the Wignacourt Museum, Rabat, Malta