The Malta Independent on Sunday
A decade without Joseph Casha
A man, a sculptor and painter, a father… but also a devoted and dedicated teacher till the very end. This was Maltese artist Joseph Casha, an infinity of talent, creativity and generosity in sharing his artistic knowledge with all his students in his 50-year career.
Upon graduating, Joseph started teaching art right away in various schools. Apart from the Art & Design Centre, the School of Art in Valletta, which he joined
The first time I met Joseph Casha was at the School of Art in Valletta as my University sculpture lecturer back in 2002. I was the first student there and the first thing he told me was “Do you have patience?”, I replied “yes sir”. He told me “good, then you will succeed… take a seat”. And I did.
The tasks he handed to us intrigued me and his methods of explanation with charm, humour and precision, made me put away my paints and brushes and shift my focus on sculpture till this very day. Furthermore, I can honestly say that his teaching methods affected mine.
When I asked him to be my thesis tutor, his reply was “I accept wholeheartedly” and it showed every time we met for consultation. His wisdom, guidance and patience were evident. I used to have meetings with him at the School of Art, and of course, I couldn’t resist the urge to dab my hands into moulding and casting techniques, with his blessing of course, and all the while discussing my dissertation. There was no note without plaster stains on it! as a teacher of modelling in 1983, soon became his second home. When 12 years later he became the head of school he transformed Casa Brunet from a beautifully restored but bare building into a warm, comfortable and functional school. Apart from structural works, Casha also revolutionised the system and teaching programmes by introducing extracurricular activities in the form of lectures by special guests. Moreover, he also organised several exhibitions for students and external professionals to merge art and talent. Although he officially retired in the year 2000, he retained his sculpture class at the School
I was a student of Joseph Casha at the Malta School of Art between 1987 and 1992. Although 29 years have passed since I attended his lessons, I can still feel his influence on me. He was a great artist and teacher. He was also like a father to me. Under his supervision, I spent five glorious years studying drawing and 3D modelling. He taught me not only art but much more than that! He was always patient and kind to me. It was he who taught me how to be creative and helped me to appreciate modern art. Without his presence in my life I would not have been the person that I am now. I will never forget all the good values and skills that he had taught me. I miss visiting him at the School of Art and showing him my work. Joseph Casha was indeed a true gentleman!
Christopher Azzopardi of Art. I often visited him there, he was always so proud of his students and the collective contribution towards art in Malta. So much that until three weeks prior to his passing, on 24 June 2011, despite his illness, he was wrapping up yet another scholastic year.
To this day I am still in touch with a number of students who connected in a very special way with their art teacher and mentor. They are all part of my father’s legacy. As an artist he not only left us numerous pieces of art to appreciate, but instilled the love for art, any form of art, in numerous students who carry on his talent till this very day.
For two years I attended the Sculpture, Modelling and Casting course at the School of Art. My tutor was the renowned artist, Joseph Casha. He had the gift of imparting his art in a very simple, direct and interesting manner. All the sessions we shared together were very special for me. I am happy that I met the artist, teacher and fine gentleman that he was.
Adrian German
I first met Joseph Casha while studying 3D sculpture at the Malta School of Arts between 1991 and 1995. I was honoured to have him as my teacher as he was very dedicated to his work. I learned a lot in my three years with him for the diploma course. In 1996 I continued studying for the Post Diploma while that time Mr Casha became the headmaster of the school. I must admit that he was a very down to earth headmaster and went very well with both teachers and students.
Marica Azzopardi Balzan
Joseph Casha loved all his students. Although very disciplined, his calm temperament made it possible to be appreciated as a teacher and gentleman.
He had an admiration towards British artist Henry Moore, which inspired him to broaden his vision of art in a more modern and original way as opposed to traditions. This, however, did not take away his elements of elegance and curves. I must admit, as a student there were times when I was sceptical about the ideas he shared with me when I had to start working on a sculpture, but looking back today, I am certain that he was instrumental in shaping my artistic career and how I conceptualise art today.
Joseph Casha was an artist who also had nature at heart and this made him a humble person. Together with his faith and his talent, he will remain alive in the works of art and in all those persons who crossed paths with him.
I am disappointed that Malta has not done anything to honour his talent and his legacy in the past 10 years, he surely deserves it.
His book Fantasy & Reality, published in 2009 is a tribute to his 50-year career as one of the leading artists in Malta, which he dedicated to “all those who appreciate the emotional and intellectual dimension of sculpture”.
As the author of the book’s foreword, Dr Paul Xuereb rightly noted: “Casha has been an astounding artist for some five decades. This publication and the exhibition of his works also being held should open the eyes of those who may not have given him the importance he so much deserves.”
No quote feels more actual than this, even today that 10 years have passed from the artist’s demise.
“There are artists who paint in their rooms, unknown to the vast majority and their artistic gifts unrecognised. They can be not only artists but poets and writers whose works remain hidden in some drawers; their great work found mostly by accident, after death. Posthumous homage is then bestowed upon them. But how wonderful is it for one’s artistic work to be realized and made public whilst one is still alive. What a boost is given to the artist to continue working when public recognition is given to valid output of work!” [Extract from the book ‘Fantasy & Reality’]
In a bid to carry on the legacy left by my father, a new website www.josephcasha.com was launched last Thursday, 24 June on the 10th anniversary since his loss, paying tribute to his eternal talent.