29-Sep-2005 :

In spite of its dimensions Gozo is truly brimming with art! Here I am proud to present to you yet another great Gozitan artist. It is also our first non-music-related interview. Christopher Saliba shall soon be exhibiting his latest works in Gozo and is also offering you the chance to WIN a litograph exclusively for Manicmalta visitors!

More details about the competition further down... But take a minute to get to know more about Chris first...

Hi Chris. When did you first consider becoming an artist?

Well, from my early childhood I already showed great enthusiasm in drawing sketches and experimenting with water soluble colours. I was practically self-taught since there was nobody gifted in my family who could assist me. The turning point of my artistic development and maturity came soon after I completed my specialisation in art education at the University of Malta. In 1997, I was granted by the Italian government a four-year scholarship at the Accademia di Belle Arti, Pietro Vannucci, in Perugia. It was at that time, when I was 22 years of age, when I started thinking seriously about becoming an artist.

What did your artistic formation abroad consist of?

In Italy, I specialised in abstract painting, but I also studied sculpture and etching in depth. The informal and progressive teaching methods applied by the Academy professors enabled me to develop an inquisitive and autocritical approach in terms of my artistic development. Research in libraries related to contemporary trends in art, a thorough follow-up of the history of art and frequent visits to museums and galleries in Italy enriched me culturally and helped me to mature as an artist. The healthy ethos which existed at the Academy was of crucial importance to me in establishing a strong and trusty relationship with my tutors and fellow colleagues. This triggered the organisation of important artistic projects which were acclaimed by important art critics in Italy.

So far you've expressed your creativity in various forms such as photography, sculpture and painting. Do you have a preferred art form?

My personal idea of the contemporary artist is that of an all-rounder. The media and art techniques which an artist may make use of and express himself are infinite. Painting, sculpture, print making, photography, installations and video art are all valid means which enable artists to express their thoughts and emotions. It is true that my preferred form of art is abstract painting. However, in certain cases, it might happen that I find some specific media more adequate than others in expressing particular thoughts and ideas. My approach to art is quite versatile and painting is just one medium in my repertoire of artistic creations. In the last four years, apart from painting, I showed interest in video art and produced various installations.

What is common to all my works is my ideology about man and his relation with the natural environment. In my work, I try to reveal the spiritual nature of the human being as well as the primordial link between mankind and the natural environment. I feel that in the present era, man has lost himself in creating a secular and economic security in order to replace the spiritual one he has lost. Through art, I try to make the general public aware of such a loss.

Do you draw inspiration from the great masters who graced our history with their works over the centuries? Or do you prefer to be a self-inspiring loner?

History teaches us that numerous movements of artists have been influenced by the artistic development and changes brought about by generations of artists who succeeded them. All great masters have drawn inspiration from other artists. They humbly recognised the value of their masters before contributing with their innovations. In my case, as regards painting, I draw inspiration from the Expressionists and the Abstract Expressionists. I love in particular the works of Nicholas de Stael, Mark Rothko and Sam Francis. On the local scene, I admire the works of Esprit Barthet and George Fenech.

You are also a qualified teacher of art from the University of Malta. What can you say about your teaching experience? What is your idea about art education in Malta?

I have been teaching painting at Sir Wistin Camilleri School of Art in Ghajnsielem since 2001. Teaching art, of course, rewards me with a lot of satisfaction. My joy is to work with enthusiastic and eager students who come determined at school to develop their artistic qualities. Teaching art is a personal approach with students that caters for their different and personal needs and motivation. I try to identify the personality and character which distinguish each and every student and then try to adopt an individualistic and systematic approach which gives way to the expression of their sensibility.

Should art be the sole luxury of the naturally gifted or should everybody feel confident in exhibiting his artistic efforts in public (at home at least!)?

Art is all about taste and self-expression and the forms of art are numerous. One doesn’t need to be a painter to express himself. For instance, one’s taste in clothing, house decoration or choice of jewellery reveals an inclination towards a particular kind of aesthetics. Our distinctive way of exposing ourselves to the public is a form of art. Art is the privilege of nobody and everybody has the right to express his or her thoughts and emotions.

You are a Gozitan based in Gozo. Do you feel geographically restricted in expressing yourself?

Not at all. Nowadays, the means of transport and communication are limitless. These help me to keep contacts with institutions and galleries that offer me exposure both locally and abroad. Internet is undoubtedly an indispensable tool and it helps me to reach a larger audience.

If you had to create a personal favourite work of art would you still sell it given the opportunity to do so?

Bringing a painting to life is like bringing a child to the world. It becomes an autonomous, living entity. I don’t have any favourite painting as such because all my creations are conceived with the same intensity and care. I am only concerned about bringing new images to the world. I leave it to others to determine which are my best works.

What are we to expect from your upcoming exhibition this October?

My new collection of works consists of 17 paintings of canvas and 5 litographs depicting local scenes from the Maltese Islands. Though the themes are easily recognisable, my intention was that of giving my personal and intimate interpretation of the particular natural places which inspired me. The idea was that of presenting these places in an idyllic and timeless context. I conceived them as places which appear to inhabit a different dimension – spiritual and almost otherworldly. The exhibition of these works, titled “Silent Places”, is open to the public at the Ministry Exhibition Hall, Victoria, Gozo between the 7th and the 23rd of October.

What was the public's reaction to your previous exhibitions and what are we to expect from you in your future exhibitions?

Since 2002, I have held five personal exhibitions in Malta and in Gozo. In 2003, I also had the opportunity to exhibit in London. I must say that my exhibitions have always been successful and I always had a positive feedback from the public in general. Each exhibition had a particular and distinctive content of exhibits. In fact, I have always been intrigued by new and different challenges, and consequently, my art took the different forms of landscape painting, abstract painting , installations and photography. I am glad to say that the public in general is increasingly looking at my work with a certain fascination and appeal. My abstract painting is gaining a wider recognition by local and foreign art enthusiasts. Internet helps me a lot to get along the numerous art passionates from all over the world and communicate with them. I have received offers to work with other artists and exhibit abroad. In fact, I am already preparing myself for two exhibitions abroad throughout the next year. I hope to continue creating art with the same vigour and verve as I am doing at this particular moment in my artistic career.

And now for our famous cheeky questions corner.

If someone contacts you by telephone to ask you to create a nude portrait of him/her would you:

I would accept with certain conditions. I expect from the sitter to allow me to determine the pose and my personal interpretation of his/her character.

If the person turns out to be a very attractive lady would this complicate personal matters? Would you still manage to focus on artistic expression without going astray with your thoughts?

Considering the fact that I have done hundreds of nude drawings at the Academy and that I got used to face lots of beautiful models during these sessions without any inhibitions, I’m sure that I could successfully manage to focus on my work without pondering on any other thoughts.

Thanks Chris!
Interview for Manicmalta.com by Richard Borg on 29-Sep-2005

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You can visit Chris on the web at www.gozo-art.com or email him on christophersaliba@gozo-art.com