04 02 2010

Marc England at St. James Cavalier in Valletta

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Events, Marc England
Marc England will be exhibiting his paintings in the main hall of St. James Cavalier in Valletta. The Exhibition, to be inaugurated by Prof. Serracino Inglott, will be opened on the 25th of March and will run until the 9th of May 2010. asri
The subjects of his work are mostly Churches in Malta and Gozo. Although this subject has been treated on countless occasions by other artists, Marc manages to give his churches a particular ethereal and mystical veil of gothic solemnity, that seperates them from any other style. Whether his tints and tones are subdued, or whether contrasted with explosive colour, both are equally imposing and dramatic. He has indeed developed a unique and individual technique that is highly recognizable. His works may be viewed on www.marcengland.com.
mell
mdina

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08 09 2009

Spectre-Bark – Anthony Catania

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Anthony Catania
In his fourth solo exhibition, Maltese artist Anthony Catania turns his attention to spectres of the sea; images of ghost ships and lost barks that wander through stormy and quiet waters seeking refuge from their inevitable fate. Charon Galleon, 2009
The works are inspired by S. T. Coleridge’s ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and legends of the Flying Dutchman, with the recurring image of the albatross haunting many of the works.
Ghostly abandoned ships roam these dark canvases, their sails and masts tattered, webbed and skeletal. Alone in the untamed fury and wrath of the sea, or alternatively the deceptive eerie stillness of its calm surface, these spectral vessels are doomed to sail the tired waters of these canvases eternally.
Lost, like the souls of their doomed crew, the barks’ only company is that of the omnipresent albatross. Depicted as a swastika-shaped dancer flexing its limbs in a demonic pre-kill ritual, the albatross enacts its curse on these ill-fated ghost ships. Black Blood, 2004
Alternatively, the bird is transformed into an almost maternal presence, enveloping the child-like craft in its treacherous embrace while its speared beak hovers menacingly between its arms. In these paintings the albatross conquers sea and sky as it also engulfs the canvas in its immense overarching wings.
Inspired by literary motifs, Catania’s latest works continue in the strong tradition of his past three exhibitions which refer the viewer to Greek and Nordic mythology, Dante’s Inferno and the Germanic legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. In Spectre-Bark the artist’s skill is once more applied not simply to breathing visual life into the verses he alludes to, but more importantly to conceiving of them anew in the unique and playful manner that we have now come to associate with his work.
Marija Grech Rust Cry
‘Spectre-Bark’ – Art Exhibition by Anthony Catania will be open between Friday, 11 September 2009 until Sunday, 25 October 2009 at Malta Maritime Museum

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04 05 2009

Joseph Casha at 70

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Blogroll, Joseph Casha
Sculptor Joseph Casha is celebrating his 70th anniversary and 50 years in the field of sculpture with an art exhibition entitled “Small is Beautiful”, consisting of 40 miniature sculptures in painted terracotta made during the last three months. The exhibition which is being inaugurated on the 21st of May is being held at the Malta School of Art to coincide with the Prize Giving Ceremony of the school. It will remain open till the 12th of June. Joe at work
Casha has always had a creative relationship with the Malta School of Art that has developed and changed over five decades. He enrolled as a student in the late 1950’s in the modelling class under the supervision of George Borg and studied drawing under Vincent Apap, obtaining a four year scholarship to study abroad. On his return he was appointed art teacher in Government Secondary Schools. In 1983 he started teaching sculpture at the School of Art and in 1995 he was appointed Head of school. He retired in 2000 but he is still in charge of the popular 3D sculpture class.
This is Casha’s first exhibition since his retrospective organised by the Bank of Valletta three years ago, curated by Mr Louis Saliba.

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08 03 2009

Watercolour Paintings Exhibition by Jacqueline Agius

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Blogroll
Jacqueline Agius is currently exhibiting some of her latest watercolour paintings at the Trattoria Fiorino D’Oro in Salina, L/O Naxxar. Art in Malta. Fawwara
She has a strong affinity for the outdoors and is particularly interested in capturing a sense of atmosphere and mood in her paintings. She loves the landscape with its open spaces and especially the warm stone buildings and churches standing proud against the skyline. Her aim is to work a spell on the viewer, to stir feelings.
Trattoria Fiorino D’Oro is located at it-Telgha t’Alla w Ommu, Salina and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7pm to 11 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 3 pm.
Art in Malta. Mdina

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24 02 2009

Antonio Mifsud u Camilleri Cauchi – bix- xogholijiet taghhom fl- Europa

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Antonio Mifsud
Xogħlijiet ta’ żewġ artisti Maltin intagħżlu minn ġurija internazzjonali biex jiġu esebiti fil-Parlament Ewropew bħala parti minn esebizzjoni li qed tittella’ fl-okkażjoni tas-Sena Ewropea tad-Djalogu Interkulturali. L-attivita’ giet organiżżata mill-grupp politiku tal-ALDE (l-Alleanza tal-Liberali u d-Demokratiċi għall-Ewropa), li huwa t-tielet l-akbar grupp fil-Parlament Ewropew, b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Betlem u l-uffiċċju rappreżentattiv tal-Italja għall-Kummissjoni Ewropea art in malta. Camilleri Cauchi
Kien f’Ottubru li għadda li l-kuratur ta’ din l-esebizzjoni artistika Dr Sergio Basile bagħat invit lill-Ambaxxata Maltija fl-Italja biex tinnomina żewġ artisti biex jirrappreżentaw lil Malta f’din il-wirja. L-istedina ġiet mgħoddija lis-Segretarju tal-“Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju” ta’ Malta Charles Bellia li kkuntattja lill-artisti Maltin Aaron Camilleri Cauchi u Antonio Mifsud biex jipparteċipaw f’din l-esebizzjoni. ArtinMalta. Antonio Mifsud
Ix-xogħlijiet artistiċi ta’ Camilleri Cauchi u Mifsud ġew esebiti f’wirja ffurmata minn 350 biċċa xogħol tal-arti ta’ 250 artist differenti mill-Ewropa u l-Lvant Nofsani. Dawn ġew esebiti għal xahar sħiħ fir-reġjun Taljan tal-Kalabrija bħala parti mis-sitt edizzjoni tal-”International European Crib Exhibition” biex minn fosthom imbagħad intagħżlu l-aħjar disa’ artisti biex jesebixxu l-arti tagħhom fil-bini tal-Parlament Ewropew.
Iż-żewġ artisti Maltin – it-tnejn li huma – intagħżlu mill-ġurija esperta biex ikunu fost id-disgħa li jesebixxu l-iskulturi tagħhom. Is-seba’ artisti l-oħra li ntagħżlu kienu mill-Italja (Kalabrija u Napli), il-Palestina, ir-Rumanija, Spanja u r-Repubblika Ċeka.
Mhux talli hekk, imma talli waħda miż-żewġ skulturi Maltin – dik tal-artist Aaron Camilleri Cauchi, rebħet waħda mit-tliet kategoriji ta’ din l-esebizzjoni – dik tal-iskultura. Iż-żewġ kategoriji l-oħra kienu għall-presepji u l-ikoni. Wara li l-iskultura tiegħu ġiet iġġudikata bħala l-aħjar skultura tal-wirja, Camilleri Cauchi ġie ppremjat mill-membru parlamentari Ewropew Vittorio Prodi.
Camilleri Cauchi tqabbad ukoll jagħmel skultura biex tiġi ppreżentata bħala tifkira lill-Viċi President tal-Parlament Ewropew Mario Mauro, li taħt il-patroċinju tiegħu u tas-Sindku tal-belt ta’ Betlem Victor Batsrseh, ittellgħet din il-wirja.
Preżenti għaċ-ċerimonja tal-inawgurazzjoni ta’ din il-wirja, li saret fid-29 ta’ Jannar fil-Parlament Ewropew, kien hemm diversi ewro parlamentari Taljani fosthom Luisa Morgantini, Marco Pannella u Elizabetta Gardini.

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11 12 2008

Carmelo Mangion – His Life and Works – Book Award

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Carmelo Mangion
Carmelo Mangion - By Joseph Paul Cassar On Thursday 4th December the Book: “Carmelo Mangion: His Life and Works” was awarded first prize at a ceremony “Premju Nazzjonali Tal-Ktieb 2007″ which took place at the Auberge de Castille, Valletta. The prize was awaded by the Prime Minister of Malta the Hon. Dr Lawrence Gonzi.
The author of the book Dr Joseph Paul Cassar was represented at the ceremony by the Carmelo Mangion family members since he is currently engaged in teaching and research in the United States. Dr Cassar is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland University College. He also lectures at the Osher Foundation Towson University and Carroll Community College, Maryland.
Carmelo Mangion Book Launch

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23 10 2008

FUSION art Exhibition by David & Vency

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in 43 years anniversary of the Independence
invitefusion David and Vency would like to invite you for the Exhibition “FUSION”. A selection of 28 art works done by two artists working together on the same piece at the same time (one mood). It will be held at Gallery Last Touch on the 31st of Oct at 7.30pm.

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23 10 2008

Exhibition of recent Lawrence Buttigieg paintings

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Lawrence Buttigieg

Lawrence Buttigieg is exhibiting a collection of recent paintings at the Vee Gee Bee Art Gallery in Republic Street, Valletta, till November 15. The exhibition may be considered as a sequel to last year’s exhibition in the Auberge d’Italie.

In this body of works, Buttigieg continues to develop the themes of the female portrait, the naked female form and the local landscape. What characterises his portrayals of the female figure, both nude and dressed, is his distinctive objective approach, which may be derived from his architectural background. These new paintings portray Buttigieg’s ever present preoccupation with composition, drafting and colour. Whereas the figurative works address questions of identity and representation, the landscapes explore the Mediterranean environment, with its typical strong colours and sharp contrasts of light and shade.

In Buttigieg’s works, land, sea and human form are simplified and transformed into subtle orchestrations of colour and defined brushstrokes. His colours are the colours of life, which render likeness and personal stylisation inseparable.

Works of Buttigieg may be viewed online at www.aboutlawrence.eu and www.aboutlawrence.com.

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20 10 2008

Anton Agius

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in 43 years anniversary of the Independence
Anton Agius – Prolific sculptor Anton Agius passed away peacefully on Sunday 19th October 2008 aged 74.
 
This write-up is dedicated in recognition of all the artistic work that Anton Agius created during his artistic career. To his wife Mary Louise for all the support she has given the artist during the past years. To his son Christopher may God bless him and to his other son Anton. Anton Agius
 
Anton Agius was born at Rabat, Malta on the 1st December 1933. He recalls his artistic skills from a young age when as child, he was always eager to play a musical instrument. Anton also recalls a particular moment in his childhood when he was fascinated with the sea its reflections and colour patterns. His mother always encouraged him in his drawing and in his artistic talents. She sent Anton Agius to some drawing lessons under the guidance of his cousin – Sammuel Bugeja, a very good sculptor. Later he started an apprenticeship under the decorator and sculptor, Joseph Galea. During his apprenticeship, Anton learned about the use of stucco, casting, colour mixing and the use of other media. Anton started studying art at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce, under the tutorship of Ignatius Cefai. He also furthered his study under George Borg, Vincent Apap and Emvin Cremona. Anton respects George Borg recognizes him as being a Master of sculpture at the school of arts of the time. George Borg taught Agius the discipline in the sketching, design and respect to the modeling.
 
At the age of twenty four, Anton won a scholarship lasting for four years given by the Malta Government after winning a competitive exam which was set by the Malta school of arts. He went to Rome studying at the Accademia di Belle Arti and at Scuola del Nudo. He later attended the Scuola delle Arti Ornamentali. He also studied at the Accademia Nazzionali via Marguta under Profs Pazzini. He furthered his studies at the St Martins College and was awarded the National Diploma in Design, Modeling, and sculpture in 1961.
 
During his study at the St Martins, Agius remembers the revolt against the figurative. It was the most revolutionary event in post-war British art. At St. Martins, art became a concept of innovation. Creativity was removed from Anton’s world. Thousand of years of classical traditional art based on reproduction of the human form have been challenged and modified. Anton refers to this event as an evolution event and not a revolution.
 
Anton came back to Malta in 1961 and he was determined to find the original approach to the artistic truth. He used to visit places like Gnejna to examine rock formation, look for fossils, analyze the shape of vines and olive trees.
 
In 1968, Anton exhibited a number of works. His art was fast developing into pure abstract. His creativity was always looking solely for forms. Later, Anton changed his style as he felt that abstract art was not passing his message to the viewers. He wanted his work to carry a message beyond his life, a message that is easy to understand.
 
Anton worked as an emergency teacher in a primary and secondary school. For 10 years he taught sculpture part time at the Malta school of arts. After the school of arts he used to go straight to his studio to continue working on several sculptures either by commission or for his collection. Anton has been commissioned several historical monuments around Malta such as the 6th June memorial, Republic Monument and others.
 
Anton is married to Mary Louise and he is a father of 3 sons. He lost two sons and he is left with one named Anton. When he met Mary Louise, he showed her his dedication and respect to art. She accepted Anton and decided to support him in every moment of his life.
 
Anton’s ambition and dream is to create a cave full of figures of different gender in different positions doing different activities. Anton feels due to his age and his health condition he could not make his dream come true.
 
One of his favorite interpretation subjects is the Crucifixes. Anyone who knows Anton closely could notice a person with success in his artistic journey with a contrast of a life full of disappointments. As mentioned before Anton lost two of his sons one of them few months ago which he is still feeling sad about. Anton describes Christopher as an intelligent person. “He was everything for me. I was so happy when he was born. I did everything for him. I helped him all the way through. It was a big shock for me when I lost him. I am trying to accept but I can never forget.” Anton expresses his suffering in his life with the crucifixes sculptured in olive trees unrefined and in different positions.
 
Another monument that he mentioned is the well known 6th June memorial. Agius can be recognized quite easily from his facial features as one of the central three – an identification of protest moving in different directions against different forces; a protest against the injustice of life itself and against the injustice of God himself.
 
Anton’s work can be found in several towns and villages around Malta. Some of his work is in permanent exhibition in several galleries such as, thirteen olive wood sculptures at the Mdina Cathedral Museum. He also mentioned the statue of peace in Wales, Cardiff. Anton mentions the statue of Malta which was given by Dom Mintoff to Gadafi.
 
Anton Agius has been honored with several prizes and awards for his artistic achievement, including a 1st Prize in Human Rights Art Exhibition held in 1968 at the Malta National Museum, the Onoroficenza Per Meriti by the Associazione Culturale Amici di Pan of Florence in 1979, the Artist of the Year award in 1980 and in 1982 Targa d’Oro by the Associazione Nazionale Artistica Culturale of Italy. In 1999 he was awarded 1st Prize in the International Art Biennale of Malta In 2006 he was awarded a Gold Medal in recognition for his achievements and interest in the Arts by the Malta Society of Arts. Anton mentions that he has been ordered as a chev in the order of St. John.
 
This article will be published on the website www.artinamtla.com along with photos of selective work of Anton Agius.
Emmanuel Caruana
 
Written on 28thNovember 2007
 

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15 10 2008

Ceramic art exhibition

Posted by: Emmanuel Caruana in Uncategorized

A collective ceramics exhibition entitled Out of the Fire opens on October 24 at Heritage Malta in Merchants Street, Valletta.

The exhibition will showcase the works of seven local female artists – Sue Mifsud, Julie Apap, Zell Osborne, Barbara Attard Pettett, Deborah Marmara, Talia Maggi and Rosella Schembri – and display many of the different techniques and firing methods that this art form allows.

Visitors will be offered an insight into the versatility of clay in experienced hands and the resonance of each artist’s character through their use of this medium. Glazes and forms vary widely, as do sources of inspiration – ranging from the Mediterranean environment and heritage, to more introvert emotions and personal beliefs. Bright, metallic raku colours and subtle earth tones demonstrate a mastery of heat work which enhances the controlled, textured surfaces of sculptures, wall hangings and functional ware.

The exhibition will be open weekdays till December 8 from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

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