The Malta Independent on Sunday
‘Earth’ – new series of paintings by Tonio Mallia exhibited at Art...E Gallery
A new series of paintings by Tonio Mallia is being exhibited at Art...E Gallery in Victoria, Gozo under the title Earth. After a period of much development through universal themes such as war, religion and history, the artist returns to the theme of the landscape, revealing his preoccupying concern with the natural forces and cycles that shape his island-homeland.
Inspired by the practice of such artists as the American, William Thon and English, John Blockley, Tonio appropriates the dark hew and textural versatility of Indian ink in his work. This medium strongly and evidently characterises the new paintings, heightening the strong tonal contrasts reminiscent of Mediterranean sunlight.
The elemental factors of the sun, sea and wind, the earth and the sky, are combined through a lucid handling of the waterbased media, utilising a refined technique which the artist has honed after many years of extensive practice. Through such improvisational working methods, the artist encapsulates the somewhat melancholic, dramatic and turbulent coastal landscape of the Maltese islands. He captures the transient interplay of light and shadow through the fluid medium of paint, evoking the stoic rigidity and weight of the rocks that stand steadfast through the storms of time.
Tonio is well acquainted with the natural environment which he depicts, being an avid walker and often working en plein soleil, setting up his materials while out on one of his regular countryside hikes. Having recently retired from his banking career, Tonio has had much opportunity as of late to enjoy the bounty of natural beauty available to us in the remote and wilder parts of our islands. This exhibition represents a revisiting of sorts, of an artist getting back in touch with one of his primary concerns and constant source of inspiration.
The exhibition at Art...E Gallery at 1 Library Street, Victoria, Gozo will be open daily until 21 May between 9.30am and 12.15pm, Sundays between 10am and noon. Sponsorship has been kindly provided by Charts Investment Management Service Ltd and Frank Salt Real Estate Ltd. For more information phone the gallery on 9980 4774; email: artgallerygozo@gmail.com