Gabriel Caruana…works on paper
at
Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria and Il-Hagar Heart of Gozo are proud to present a solo exhibition by Gabriel Caruana, one of the pioneers of modern art in Malta and a leading ambassador of Maltese contemporary art overseas.
Having presented more than sixty (60) solo exhibitions in Malta and abroad over a period spanning almost fifty (50) years, from the mid 60’s to the present day, ‘works on paper’ is Gabriel Caruana’s first solo exhibition in Gozo, an island dear to him because of family ties. Coming almost ten (10) years since his last one-man exhibition at St. James Cavalier -Valletta, this series of works tries to give an overview of the characteristics and mood which dominates Gabriel Caruana’s latest artistic phase.
Completely different from the lengthy and laborious process of ceramic making or the large and heavy assemblies of wood and other materials, this exhibition presents a collection of coloured drawings on paper and cardboard produced in the last 5 years. Painted and drawn with inexpensive paint on easily found material, these works reflect the artist’s creative and resourceful use of materials and his obsessive urge of making things and putting his imprint on anything that catches his imagination. Presented without frames and any other extra decorations, these works give the opportunity to the viewer to peek closely and without any veils at Caruana’s works, getting engulfed in a dream world of organic forms, worm-like figures and mysterious creatures and experience their strong materiality and spirit. Fragile and frail, with a certain aura of ephemerality about them, these latest works seem to reflect the artist’s own fragilities: his mature age, his failing health, and his mobility problems. His hands might be trembling, yet his brand’s zeitgeist is intact. The works still exude an immediate sense of power and vigour, spontaneity and expressive freedom, lucidity and rapidity of execution, mixed with a tinge of irony and irreverence; those same qualities for which we love ‘Gabriel Caruana’.
The exhibition will be open for the public between the 3rd of May and the 1st of June, Monday to Sunday: 9.00am to 5.30pm, in the foyer of Il-Hagar| Heart of Gozo museum premises at St.George’s Square, Victoria –Gozo. The official opening will take place on the 3rd May at 8.30 pm. Works on Paper will be officially inaugurated by the Hon. Dr Anton Refalo, Minister for Gozo, whilst Prof. Architect Richard England will deliver an introduce and critique of the works of art. The Museum extends an invitation to the public to attend and view the exhibition.
Entrance is free.