Gozitan artist Christopher Saliba, is exhibiting a collection of paintings entitled “Formations” at the Cittadella Centre, Victoria, Gozo. The largest section of the works exhibited consists of 25 landscape paintings, developed by the Gozitan artist from plein air drawings and sketches executed during early mornings and late evenings.

The main concern for Saliba in creating this body of work was to capture the atmospheric impressions and the contrasting light effects that characterise these specific time frames. Most of the scenes are depicted during dawn or dusk, because these, according to the artist, convey best the duality of light and darkness.Though the places illustrated are familiar and easily recognisable, they are conceived by Saliba as an abstracted imagery that goes beyond the merely figurative depiction of natural elements. As the artist himself declares, “I am more interested in rendering the emotions and responses that particular sites arouse in me rather than registering faithfully the details of the subject matter. This is the reason behind the choice of the title I have given to this exhibition.”Saliba’s approach to painting is quite personal, vigorous and spontaneous, aimed at capturing the rapturous glories of sparkling light and the warm and fleeting glows of sunrises and sunsets. Each brushstroke is fully studied, whereby the artist often juxtaposes vertical and horizontal bands of colour. Yet, his manner of applying colours freely never fails to relate harmoniously with the balance and order in his compositions.

The exhibition is open daily to the public from 10am till 3pm until August the 23rd. Further information is available on www.gozo-art.com.

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