Shadows and Light is a contemplative show of abstracted visual imagery in organic hues and pared down compositions: these invite us to reflect on the presence of light — both literal and metaphorical — in times of uncertainty. Rich in texture, the works resonates with the landscape, Malta’s spirituality, and the way the sun plays across uneven surfaces.
Amongst the works on show, ‘Jum Ieħor’ (‘Another Day’) is a painting that, in the gentle orange of an emerging morning sun and the creams of golden stone before dawn, evokes quiet strength, the passage of time, and the promise of renewal. With its earthy tones and luminous warmth, it speaks simply of endurance, of pausing and beginning again.
“The message is simple yet profound,” says curator Professor Charlene Vella. “There is always another day.”
Times2 caught up with the artist to find out more.
Your new exhibition is titled Dell u Dawl, or Shadow and Light. What inspired this theme?
The interplay of light and shadow has always fascinated me, not only in a visual sense, but also metaphorically. Dell u Dawl is rooted in the Maltese landscape and psyche, where bright Mediterranean sunlight often contrasts with cool interiors, silent churches, and shadowed alleyways. It’s a reflection on duality: light as revelation and shadow as mystery.
How do you translate that theme into your works on display here?
The works explore contrasts, not just in tone, but also in mood and material. I work with a restrained palette and textured surfaces that evoke both serenity and, at times, tension. Some paintings capture the almost blinding brilliance of a Maltese afternoon; others lean into darker, quieter moments; introspective spaces that emerge from within the shadows.
What role does Malta itself play in your artistic vision?
A central one. I’m drawn to the architecture, the coastlines, and the particular quality of light we have here. Malta’s history, its layered past, and cultural intensity, often seep into my work. Even when not painting recognisable landmarks, there’s an underlying Maltese sensibility in the way I handle space and atmosphere. I also link my art very much to my daily and personal experiences, joyful ones as well as other sad ones.
For this show, the venue itself, the elegant, and historic Phornecia was a strong influence. I tailored the scale and tone of the exhibition to resonate with the refined interiors and the sense of timelessness the hotel offers. It’s a space that complements the quiet drama of the works.
Would you say your work is abstract or rooted in representation?
It’s a balance. Some pieces verge on abstraction, especially those that focus on texture rather than form. Others are more grounded with hints of facades, windows, or skies. I like to leave space for interpretation, allowing viewers to enter the painting with their own memories or associations.
Finally, what do you hope visitors take away from Dell u Dawl?
I hope they pause. These works invite stillness and contemplation in a world of constant noise and speed. If someone walks away feeling more attuned to their surroundings, or even just to the shifting light of day, I consider that a success.
‘Dell u Dawl’ is open until 28 April at the Palm Court Lounge, The Phoenicia Malta
