Here comes something very different! Next at il-Kamra ta' Fuq, we have none other than SJ Fuerst with yet another innovative exhibition. Madonnas on the Rocks will run from 20 March until 5 April, curated by yours truly.

Are you intrigued by the article's title? Well, you should be. But let me build a little more suspense while I give you the customary artist background check. I first fell in love with SJ's work years ago, when I visited her first solo exhibition, Forrest Fresh, held at Lily Agius Gallery back in 2019. While her bravura in hyperrealism is undeniable, what struck me most was her ability to think outside the box, giving a three-dimensional and even a fourth-dimensional quality to her exhibitions and projects. In fact, upon entering the gallery, visitors were met with numerous large trees, immersing them in a forest-like environment before encountering her works.

I was very eager to visit her second exhibition in Malta, Gimme Some Sugar, held at the Malta Society of Arts, where things were taken to an entirely different level. The palace courtyard was transformed into a candy shop/play area, while upstairs, visitors could explore the works in the collection. But that still wasn't enough. In the final room, where SJ presented replicas of roasted marshmallows adorned with delicate portraits, she introduced that signature fourth dimension once again. The space was filled with the scent of roasted marshmallows!

That was the moment I knew I had to meet her and that we had to collaborate. And we did. I later curated But I See Beauty and Wonder... at Spazju Kreattiv as part of the ŻiguŻajg Festival 2024, where SJ created an immersive installation, complete with fake snow, enveloping her painted masterpiece. We collaborated again on a smaller collective at il-Kamra ta' Fuq, The Rabbit Hole Collective, where she presented three works featuring striking female faces on inflatable plastic pool toys... truly unforgettable.

So you can imagine my excitement when she expressed interest in a solo exhibition at il-Kamra ta' Fuq. When her proposal landed in my inbox... it felt like winning the lottery.

Madonnas on the Rocks confronts the beauty of the Earth while bearing witness to the cruelty inflicted upon it by humanity, ranging from corruption and greed to violence and misogyny.

At the heart of the exhibition are Fuerst's signature depictions of women, painted in all their glory, like goddesses or Madonnas, executed directly onto slices of stone. This unique medium is more than aesthetic; it is deeply symbolic. "It's interesting that being 'on the rocks' means going through a very difficult time, whereas 'being a rock' means being a steadfast, safe place, impervious to surrounding difficulties," Fuerst explains. Through this duality, the stones embody both struggle and resilience, reflecting the precarious position of women in a world that, at times, appears to be sliding back into extreme conservatism and violence.

The Madonnas themselves are simultaneously vulnerable and indomitable. Despite the sombre commentary on societal and humanitarian crises, Fuerst's paintings radiate hope and beauty. Each stone, diverse in hue, pattern, and texture, mirrors the diversity and goodness inherent in human nature. For every act of destruction or cruelty, there are those who fight to create, to protect, and to resist. The Madonnas may be on the rocks, but they will not be destroyed.

She uses ten different stones, same as the number of works that make up this intimate exhibition. As with all gemstones, they were not chosen at random by Fuerst, but carry their own meanings and particular energies. And now, thanks to my Google-search skills, here goes my Petrology 101.

Peanut Obsidian, also known as volcanic glass, offers mysterious energies, some of which help one better connect to Mother Earth. Here, Fuerst paints a female face and shoulders reminiscent of a Pre-Raphaelite work by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Agate, characterized by alternating bands of coloured chalcedony and symbolizing balance, protection, and inner peace, becomes the support for a dark-haired woman, dressed in what could be perceived as a white dancing costume.

Galaxy Rhyolite, also known as Que Sera, is a silica-rich volcanic rock, its name meaning "whatever will be." The complex, patterned stone becomes an eclectic backdrop for a semi-reclining female figure in red attire. Interestingly, while the stone was in transit from the seller, it broke naturally.  This was a serendipitous outcome that the artist embraced. Fuerst likened it to ancient fragments of art and pottery, and was so inspired by the result that she intentionally broke other stones to achieve a similar finish.

As always, I have my favourite, and this time it's the work titled Labradorite. Love at first sight. The work is one of the two sculptures on a pedestal, and presents a striking young female face set against the stone's iridescent surface, displaying a spectacular spectrum of colour. A stone associated with transformation, protection, and heightened intuition, labradorite is often referred to as the "Stone of Magic."

Lapis Lazuli doesn't need much introduction for art aficionados.  It has been prized throughout the history of art for the incredible blue it produces. What is perhaps less widely known is its symbolism: wisdom, truth, and inner power. Here, SJ adds a dark-skinned female figure adorned with a gold headpiece, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue of the stone.

Another favourite of mine is Ammonite. This stone consists of fossilized shells of extinct marine mollusks, with concentric patterns that speak of time and transformation. Fuerst takes matters a step further by incorporating the circular forms, reminiscent of the Fibonacci sequence, into the intricate outfit of the female figure she portrays. Too good!

Next comes the second pedestal sculpture, set on Ocean Jasper, a rare, multicoloured stone, symbolizing emotional healing, joy, renewal, and the fluidity of life. Here, Fuerst masterfully merges the dress of a reclining female figure with the natural roughness of the stone, creating a trompe l'œil effect of a ruffled tulle skirt.

We also encounter Amethyst and Petrified Wood (above), and last but not least, our beloved Franka! To top it all off, the piece of globigerina limestone was sourced from Mqabba, with SJ travelling all the way from Gozo to select it. (A special thanks goes to Patrick, who assisted greatly in cutting the stone to the desired form.) The piece presents a female figure with purple hair, her skin rendered with remarkable softness, head bowed, perhaps asleep, perhaps shy of the viewers who will soon be drawn to her beauty.

For the hanging works, Fuerst opted for golden frames, while the two sculptural pieces are presented on low, elaborate pedestals embellished with Baroque motifs, the kind one might expect to support jewels or sacred relics. Here, they hold both precious stones and striking works of art.

To conclude, in a defiant gesture against gender-based violence and historical inequities, Fuerst stipulates that these paintings may never be owned by men. "From a young age, I was taught to find another woman if I was ever lost or in trouble," she notes. "Since these paintings are about women's vulnerability as well as our strength, I like knowing they will forever be safe in the care of other women." Furthering this ethical commitment, 20% of all sales will be donated to a women's rights organization, supporting those fighting for equality and justice worldwide.

And there's a very special treat. The first 30 visitors will receive a free sculpture by SJ Fuerst. This is something she also did in her previous exhibition at MSA, where she gifted lollipop sculptures to early visitors (I got one, obviously). I'm fairly certain I'll manage to get one of these concrete Venus Soldiers as well.

These works are executed in concrete, infused with peridot (wellbeing), obsidian (grounding), and black tourmaline (protection), brushed with gold leaf for prosperity, and embellished with rhinestones for happiness, and yes... they are up for grabs. Disclaimer: Men are allowed to take home a free Venus Soldier.

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