Two artists from Canada have joined together at the time when Canada is in the news. Painting during their stay in Gozo, Richard Zenker and Thomas Burnell are exhibiting a selection of their original work and limited edition prints.
The exhibition is being held in the Circolo Gozitano from the 8th to the 31st of July, open each evening from 7.00pm until late.
The work of Thomas J Burnell is well known; After being caught up in the worst storm for 21 years, in the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand, he has a huge respect for the power of the sea and this is shown in his paintings. He creates atmospheric marine art of the highest quality. A variety of his works will be seen but the star will be a limited edition print of Seeds of Freedom, depicting the arrival of the English ships in Mgarr Harbour prior to taking the surrender of the French at the Citadel.
Rick Zenker has been painting professionally for many years. Based in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada, his work has concentrated on the greens and browns of his own country (and the snow of course). Having met Thomas Burnell in Canada he took the opportunity to come to Gozo to work in a completely different environment. His use of his medium is striking; not for him are the pale shades of pastel and paint lightly applied to paper. He approaches each piece with an idea of depth, concentration of colour, giving richness to the work not often seen in water colour. In the exhibition he has provided us with a number of striking images of Gozo and Malta that please the eye and capture the scenes most memorably.
The exhibition will be opened by Dr Samuel Azzopardi, the Mayor of Victoria, at an inauguration and reception on Thursday, the 7th of July.
Fifty years ago in 1961 the transatlantic telephone system was officially launched with a call from Queen Elizabeth II to the then Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. During the reception it is hoped to have a live internet video link with Mr Zenker from Nova Scotia.
The artists said they “would like to thank the Circolo Gozitano for their support and they are particularly pleased that the exhibition is being used to support the OASI Foundation in Gozo. OASI provides “a place in which the environment promises understanding, serenity and hope” for those in special need.”