Hajja Holma, is the title of a solo show by Mark Xuereb, opening next month at the Arthall Gallery in Victoria, Gozo.

In this collection of work, artist Mark Xuereb gives an authentic glimpse of the world he inhabits. Scenes from reality, dreams and inner reflections are blended together to bring about a body of work that dissolves the boundaries between different realities.

No set medium is assigned, instead the artist allows for the idea to dictate which medium best suits it. This includes mainly ceramics (using both local and imported clay), found objects, paintings and photography to mention but a few. The resulting body of work, though unique and different to each other, also gives a cohesive view on how different realities shape the artworks produced.

The artist said that “thus, when one considers the question of whence does art come from, it is not such a great leap to agree that life, too, is a dream.”

Xuereb remarked that, “a wise man once told me “il- hajja holma, bro” (life’s a dream, bro) and these words have forever since struck a chord. Perhaps it’s because they have a certain ring to them, or maybe it’s because of the sheer truth in the statement.”

He explained that “an artist paints what he sees, either directly from life, or from entirely different realms, like dreams… those real intense ones which leave us questioning what is real. Other times an artist will draw as a result of deep inner reflections, offering personal insights for all to see. Other times the artist will just let his subconscious doodle itself out through mindless spirals, lines and countless other primal symbols.”

Mark Xuereb is a life-depicting Gozitan artist. He has a multi-faceted approach and a willingness to experiment with non-traditional techniques, ensuring that his work is never stagnant and always on point. Various themes are explored in his body of work, perhaps the most common of which being Primitivism and the consequences of the never-ending war on nature.

Xuereb is highly influenced by ancestral peoples from all around the world, those trying to preserve their culture from the ever-consuming giant known as globalisation. This search for the spiritual in the primitive has led him to the deep jungles of Peru, where he spent a month-long artist residency experiencing and learning traditional ceramics from the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. His quest for that which is primal continues.

Hajja Holma opens on Friday, the 2nd of May, at 7:30pm until the 18th of May.

Opening hours: Monday/Tuesday: closed Wednesday/ Thursday/Friday/Saturday: 10-13 and 17-19 Sunday: 10-12.

The venue is Arthall: 8, triq Agius de Soldanis, Victoria, Gozo.

Photos: Arthall

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