Character of a Place

Character of a PlaceCollective Art Exhibition

Kimberly Azzopardi, Sandra Bartolo, Deborah Cachia, Clare Cini, Kim Fenech, Claire Fenech née Sapiano,

Alex Formosa, Dorianne Galea, Joanna Galea, David Kingswell, Iven Maniscalco, Rita Schembri,

Leanne Tanti Busuttil, Charles Zammit

Cavalieri Art Hotel, St Julians13th August - 1st September 2015

E V Borg, curator

Character of a PlaceCollective Art Exhibition


‘Character of a Place’ is a follow up of another exhibition with the same title which I organized for my students at the Hilton Hotel, Malta, in 2002. The scope of this exhibition at Cavalieri Art Hotel, St. Julians is to encourage my students to use their creative and technical abilities in developing works from observation.

Art implies the education of the senses. It stimulates fantasy and imagination, it exploits motion, feeling and emotion and with this notion in mind I invited fourteen of my most promising students to develop their reactions to what they saw when we went to Cavalieri Art Hotel in December 2014. The event took place with the kind permission and help of Ms. Gabriella Mallia, marketing officer of the hotel. Their impressions were interpreted and transferred onto canvas, paper and other supports to create a diversity of expressions that reflect the character of each individual artist. All the works represented in this exhibition are derived from impressions nurtured within the complex that caught the students’ attention. Credit must be given to Mr. E.V. Borg, for his support in organizing this event, and to Ms. Mary Attard for her patience and professional services in compiling the catalogue for the exhibition. I hope that this project instills in my students a sense of solidarity in creativity through art and hopefully it will be a stimulus for them to pursue their artistic studies and career.

Matthew CassarArtist & Teacher

An Outline of Changein Concept and Vision

Matthew Cassar’s Class

This exhibition of students’ work exposes and reveals a great change in mentality, in concept and vision about art in Malta since the 1950’s even if the artistic level attained is still a long way off from what the connoisseur would like it to be. The change has occurred gradually, perhaps even cautiously but dramatically and inevitably. The change was brought about by political, economic, financial, social and historic events that affected all strata of society. Art did not remain peripheral, discriminating and sectoral but popular, inexorable and invasive.I still remember how difficult and arduous it was to teach art in primary schools in the late 60’s when even school head teachers seemed hesitant to encourage the teaching of art as a subject important for developing the whole being. But there were heads who understood that art and music are not merely a subject but life itself. Perhaps in future art, music, dance, architecture, modelling and drama will be given due importance and do not remain a ‘subsidiary subject’

a notion brought about by a frugal approach to living and fossilized in the Maltese saying: ‘l-ewwel il-pappa u mbagħad l-umpappa’ exposing a narrow educational view of life and the ignorance of pre-war years.With Independence in the 60’s employment possibilities perhaps widened and increased and frugality made way for economic advancement. Employment laws changed, shift work in factories and firms changed habits, traditions and views and economic independence for those earning a wage and salary made it easier to attended classes, courses and tertiary education. With time and the influence of television art classes and programmes, art was introduced to the very young in maternal education and kindergartens. From the difficulty that teachers and masters faced in the 50’s at the Lyceum, Hamrun things changed abruptly. Art classes became a must with fitted wash-hand basins and the necessary equipment and amenities through the encouragement of foreign experts and the enthusiasm of local

educators. Improvisation had to give way to serious planning. Yet the traditional drawing master in primary school disappeared and that was a blow in the face. But not for long. The peripathetic teacher of art appeared still bearing the stigma of frugality.But the proliferation of teaching art soon took root, developed and was extended to all ages from kindergarten to University level. The University, MCAST, the Malta School of Art, the Malta Society of Art and various public and private classes offer the teaching of this vital asset. Actually retail outlets that sell art material organize courses for all ages and tutors both public and private do their best to stimulate the creative imagination and fantasy of our children. And in recent years ceramic classes are also helping in the craft and creative arts.Social change brought about social mobility, choice and possibilities never heard or experienced before. Married couples helped their spouse with an extra effort to give that necessary space and time to indulge in this creative exercise. Educated or oriented parents in art in turn help their children to be inquisitive, to paint and draw to their heart’s content and often dedicate a wall with board for their son or daughter to scribble and freely express himself/herself. The frugality seems a thing of the past.

Collectors of Modern Contemporary Art in Malta have also brought change. The masters that have made a name for themselves and those still budding are finding a market and are more inclined to teach art as they find it not only satisfactory but above all rewarding. A master tutor will surely rejoice and celebrate a student’s success.The success of such change in concept and vision will develop if it is based on a sound sense of design, on thought process that exploits fantasy and imagination and stimulates and encourages study, research, experiment and risk. Art is life.

E. V. Borg22. 06. 2015

Note: The participants in this exhibition attend Matthew Cassar’s art classes. The wide spectrum of jobs and professions they represent reveal the popularity of art in Malta today and demonstrate that art need not be just a means of earning a living but an important way of relaxation, enjoyment, pleasure, therapy and healing process. Art is not only a hobby but a filosof, a way of life.

AZZOPARDI, Kimberly (b.1993)

35, TopazTriq Dun Mikiel Callus Rabat Malta RBT 1730+356 7931 8090+356 2145 [email protected]

I am 21 years old and live in Rabat. I have attended art classes for the past 8 years. I have been attending at MCAST Art and Design class for about 6 years and am actually following the course of Higher National Diploma in Fine Art in year 2. If I complete the course with success I will obtain a B.A (Hons) in Fine Art.

01 Kimberly AzzopardiHospitality2015acrylics50x70cm

02Kimberly Azzopardi

Starry Night2015

acrylics 50x70cm

BARTOLO, Sandra (b.1972)

5 Senna da SilvaTriq Borgo MaggioreŻurrieq ZRQ 2210+356 9945 9293 +356 2764 [email protected]

03Sandra Bartolo

Abstract derived from various artworks

2015aquarell pencils

30x40cm

I enjoyed drawing in my free time since early childhood. Eighteen years ago I decided to study art more intensely. I am still attending art classes at Rabat. My tutor encouraged me to develop further my studies in art. He has helped me obtain a high mark in my O level examination (Matsec and London). I paint in different media including oil and watercolour. I took part in various collective exhibitions and in 2006 I organized my first personal exhibition. It is my intention to continue studying arts and express myself in my work.

04Sandra BartoloMetamorphosis of a Palm Tree2015aquarell pencils30x40cm

CACHIA, Deborah (b.1988)

4 TaddeusGiacomo Leopardi StreetSiġġiewi+356 9924 6482+356 2146 [email protected]://www.facebook.com/deborahcachia.artist

05Deborah Cachia

Cavalier2015

oil on canvas60x81cm

I graduated as a pharmacist and have been painting for approximately 15 years. Art for me is a passion which gives me the opportunity to celebrate my emotions through bright colours. I use oil and prefer a dark palette. The subject of my painting varies according to season, mood, medium and the music I would be tuning to at that moment. I enjoy painting figures incorporated in a symbolic or abstracted scene. I am a member of Malta Society of Arts, of the Pastel Society and Art Club 2000. I also participate in art festivals. These events help to promote and expose the artist’s work to visitors and help them in bringing together artist and client.

06Deborah CachiaImaginative WineRack2015oil on canvas60x81cm

CINI, Clare (b.1986)

+356 7986 [email protected]

07Clare CiniSiesta Time2015chalk pastels62x49cm

I am a social worker by profession and I have an MA in Human Resources. From a very young age I was interested in art and I have always been inspired by my own feelings. As a child I loved drawing comics that capture my own emotions and wishes. Eventually art became my passion, so I took up art lessons to further improve my skills. I have been attending art classes since November 2013, where I am learning to use different art media such as acrylics, pencil and ink.

08Clare Cini

Abstract: Rock Structures2015

mixed media50x60cm

FENECH, Kim (b.1986)

16, Maria ElenaTriq In-NaħalMostaMST 2540+356 7987 0116+356 2143 [email protected]

09Kim FenechPanoramic View2015pen and ink42x30cm

I have been attending art lessons for the past three years. Drawing has been my passion from a very young age. I am currently experimenting with pen and ink techniques. The artwork I am exhibiting is inspired by Joseph Casapinta’s work. In my paintings I am expressing patience and exactitude. In future I am planning to continue painting and experimenting with different media such as oil and acrylic.

10Kim Fenech

Festive Season2015

pen and ink30x42cm

FENECH née SAPIANO, Claire (b.1985)

27, “L’Orchidea”San Injazju Ta’ LoyolaNaxxar+356 7909 3255+356 2141 [email protected]

11Claire Fenech née SapianoIl-Palma 2015acrylic on canvas50x50cm

From a very young age, I had an interest and great passion for drawing and painting. My parents encouraged me to attend painting classes from age six. For twelve years since the age of eighteen I attended art classes. My preferred media are oil and acrylic, although I experiment a lot with pastels and pen and ink. I work in the Finance sector yet I paint regularly and am very determined to develop my artistic skills. My ambition is to create a unique expression. I like to focus on sharp and curved lines symbolizing harmony. I love colour in my paintings and create tones and nuances of the same colour. My themes are usually flowers, landscape and figure painting. Painting is my passion and I am determined to produce more creative works.

12 Claire Fenech née Sapiano

Archaic Connotation2015

acrylics on canvas80x60cm excluding frame

FORMOSA, Alex (b.1980)

20 “Sunkist” Guliermo Lorenzi Str Żebbuġ+356 7909 3880+356 2146 [email protected]

My passion for art started at a tender age encouraged by my father who loves sketching still life and focus on various crafts. I obtained my ‘O’ level in 1996 and furthered my studies in art at the Junior College where I obtained my ‘A’ level in 1999. In 2002 I graduated in Communications at the University studying History of Art as a main subject. Then in 2006 I obtained a Diploma in Baroque Architecture. Concurrently I was doing and completed a Master Art course in Fine Arts. Art fills much of my free time. It is a continuous challenge. And it helps me to share my thoughts and expression and encourages me to take risks and move forward in life. In future I wish to develop further my artistic skills.

13Alex FormosaEnpleinair2015acrylic on canvas80x60cm

14Alex Formosa

Main Course2015

acriylic on canvas50x70cm

GALEA, Dorianne (b.1998)

‘Saker Falcon’ Triq il-Ġnien tan- Niġra Baħrija +356 9917 1400+356 2745 [email protected]

15 Dorianne GaleaThe View2015acrylics42x29.5cm

My friends encouraged me to take up art. After 5 years of art lessons I realize that art is a treasure we hardly can live without. Personally art is the way we understand and communicate with nature and man and the way we appreciate nature and things around us.

16Dorianne Galea

By the Pool2015oils

48x40cm

I have been interested in art for the last twelve years. Actually I am a 21 year old student reading for a BEd degree and although I am very busy I always find time for a few relaxing hours a week to engage in my favourite subject. Somehow art helps me in all aspects in my daily life, not only with my peers but with students during my teaching as well.

GALEA, Joanna (b.1994)

198, ĠojjaTriq Dun KarmBirkirkara, BKR 9032+356 7901 9797+356 2149 [email protected]

17Joanna GaleaKavalieri2015pen and wash60x42cm

18Joanna Galea

Relaxing Guest2015

aquarelle pencils60x42cm

KINGSWELL, David (b.1995)

3, ‘Evephilkin’Magħsar StreetBurmarrad, SPB 6010+356 7926 1138+356 2158 [email protected]

19David KingswellDramatic View of Facade2015pen and ink and pastels56x40cm

Born 1995 and just completed my first year of the BSc in Built Environment Studies at the Faculty for the Built Environment. I enrolled for this degree after obtaining a Diploma in Design Foundation Studies at the University of Malta in 2014. From a very young age I have always shown interest in architecture and art. For the last six years, I have been attending art lessons in Rabat. My preferred art media include graphite pencils and pen and ink. In my drawings I like to represent buildings and interior spaces. Ever since I have been attending art lessons, I have become more attentive to detail and started appreciating even more the way that buildings have evolved throughout time.

20David Kingswell

Stairway to the Restaurant2015

graphite pencils56x40cm

MANISCALCO, Iven (1975)

102/2, “NorthPines”Vjal il-ĦaddiemRabat RBT 1763+356 7966 2000+356 2145 [email protected]://www.ManisK.eu

21Iven ManiscalcoSerene Reflections2015oil on canvas70x50cm

I was born in Marsaxlokk and live in Rabat. I am an IT Systems Specialist working with a local Telecommunications Company. I never had the opportunity or gave priority to exercise my artistic skills when young. Yet I used to sketch with pencil anything that captured my interest. In 2009 at the age of 34 I took the decision to attend art classes. I even decided to encourage my children to learn art from basics. It is my 6th year attending classes and have covered almost all modules. I feel fluent when sketching with pencil and pen and ink and recently I improved my skills in oil and acrylic.

22Iven Maniscalco

Pensive Mood2015

oil on canvas70x50cm

SCHEMBRI, Rita (b. 1977)

5 Saint Martin Street Żurrieq ZRQ 2070+356 7962 4724 +356 2164 [email protected]

23Rita SchembriTranquility2015acrylics60x40cm

I work as an economist at the Central Bank of Malta. Although interested in art from a young age, I started taking art lessons six years ago. My preferred media are acrylics and ink. I have a particular interest in landscapes and the human figure.

24Rita Schembri

View across the Bay 2015

acrylics63x44cm

TANTI BUSUTTIL, Leanne (b. 1974)

+356 7903 0332+356 2732 [email protected]

25Leanne Tanti Busuttil Curiosity2015mixed media34x25cm

I love life, music, art and a nice chat with friends. Living on an Island in the sun, full of colour, passion and history inspire and charge my imagination and fantasy especially when exploited together using a simple pencil to create my artistic adventures. I consider each creation an adventure like writing a poem without an ending. The ending is for the viewer to create. In my art I create the plot. The rest I love to leave to suggestion. My intention is to create a unique bond between the viewer and the sensation that my art intimates. I am an emotional individual and such trait I reveal in my creations.

26Leanne Tanti Busuttil Comfort Guaranteed

2015pastels

42x29cm

ZAMMIT, Charles (b. 1971)

Fotogenic Studio34 Triq il-Ferrovija Hamrun+356 7945 1246+356 2144 [email protected]

27Charles Zammit

Lighting the Way2015

oil/clay on canvas board

42x59cm

I have been a professional photographer for the last 18 years under the penname: Fotogenic Studio. I am a wedding and portraiture photographer and qualified by various associations abroad. I won photographic competitions from 55 countries and was awarded an award of excellence in Las Vegas. In 2005 I won the photographer of the year. I started drawing last year under the tuition of Mr. Cassar. My favorite subjects are studio work and I just obtained the A level grade in art. I also attended for some lectures in History of Art and the Art of painting at the Malta University.

28Charles ZammitRobotic Flowers2015mixed media (bolts & screws)42x59cm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Publisher: Matthew Cassar - MaltaTitle: Character of a PlaceSub-title: Matthew Cassar’s Art ClassEvent: Collective Exhibition of Students’ WorkVenue: Cavalieri Art Hotel, St. Julians, MaltaDesign & Layout: Mary AttardEditor, Author, & Curator: E.V. BorgImages: Matthew Cassar & StudentsArchival Images: Matthew CassarPrinted & Bound: Best Print Co. Ltd., Qrendi, MaltaISBN: 978-99957-0-847-4First published: 2015All rights reserved in all countriesPrinted in MaltaCopyright © Text: E. V. BorgImages: Matthew Cassar & Students Permission for publication may be sought directly from Matthew Cassar Address: ‘Maphjor’ 44, Tabia Rd., Rabat, MaltaEmail: [email protected] Nos: +356 7927 3658; +356 2145 4216

Library Cataloguing in publication Data(1) Character of A Place(2) Matthew Cassar’s Class(3) Art: Painting(4) Collective Exhibition of Students’ Works

Acknowledgements:APS Bank Art Academy, MostaBest Print Co. Ltd. Cavalieri Art HotelCentral Bank of MaltaDecoGalea’s Art Studio, VallettaMichael Attard Ltd.Ta’ Victor RestaurantVee Gee Bee, Valletta and San GwannMr. E.V. Borg, art critic & curatorMs. Mary Attard, artist and artistic co-ordinatorMs. Gabriella Mallia, marketing officer, Cavalieri Art HotelMrs Lucienne Zahra, ADG secretaryMrs. Euphrasia Cassar CHHE for her help and continued supportCover photo: Archaic Connotation by Claire Fenech née Sapiano

www.tavictorrestaurant.com

+356 2123 7455


Documents

Character of a Place