The official opening and inauguration has taken place of ‘Works on Paper,’ an exhibition by Gabriel Caruana, which is taking place at Il-Hagar Heart of Gozo Museum, .

The inauguration was carried out by the Minister for Gozo. Dr Anton Refalo, who also expressed his admiration for Caruana’s personal and artistic work.

The evening kicked off with a short address by the curator of Il-Hagar – Heart of Gozo museum and cultural centre, Mgr. Joseph Farrugia who welcomed the guests present, underlining the purpose of the museum to be an impetus for the cultural rejuvenation of Gozo.

Prof. Richard England then introduced the exhibition and delivered a critique of the works of art. Starting his address he stated that Caruana’s works are clear in their expression and don’t need any supporting explanation. He also enlightened the audience with comments on Caruana’s stylistic idiosyncrasies, mingled with stories of episodes from his encounters with the artist during 60 years of friendship.

Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria and Il-Hagar Heart of Gozo said that they are proud to present this 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 60 solo exhibitions in Malta and abroad over a period spanning almost 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 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 until 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 Museum extends an invitation to the public to attend and view the exhibition. Entrance is free.

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