The Malta Independent on Sunday
Art at The Phoenicia Malta
The Phoenicia Malta hosts art exhibitions every month at the Palm Court Lounge as part of their Artist in Residence programme. All three exhibitions are being curated by Dr Charlene Vella
This month, seasoned artist Zammit Tabona is showcasing his latest pen and ink watercolour paintings in a solo exhibition titled Mediterranean Gardens.
Inspired by lush gardens that Zammit Tabona is well acquainted with and others that he has imagined, this exhibition will showcase his idea of the most perfect Mediterranean gardens. A vast array of plants are meticulously yet freshly captured, where the lily and palm tree do not fail to feature, as do urns, sculpted busts, flower pots,
Watercolours are the preferred medium of Carmel Serracino,
who is holding his first ever solo exhibition this January titled Across the Harbour.
Light-infused land and seascapes of the Maltese islands are the subject of this exhibition. Portraying largely the harbour area in general and scenes of and
ponds and fountains. Each painting features a bright palette with predominating pinks and purples that begs the viewer to discover the abundant detail in
from Bormla in particular, the compositions are freshly executed thus adequately capturing the atmosphere. The same freshness is experienced in the paintings that are executed en plein these delightful gardens. This collection of gardenscapes is not only masterfully executed, but they are also evocative of Zammit Tabona’s love for nature. air as well as in the studio.
Purposely lacking in detail, quick strokes – in a wet or dry brush – evoke essential traits. Trees, buildings, boats, the sea and the human form all form
part of the compositions in this collection. Serracino’s ability to contrast lighter hues and more intense ones is amply clear.
These paintings adequately characterise Malta in 2023 where even the religious element such as processions feature.