The current exhibition in the art..e Gallery in Victoria, Sea, Ice and Earth, focuses on scenes the artist Michael Wright has experienced both in the air and under the sea as he strives to blend realism with his imagination.
“Travel has always been part of my life through work, hobbies and recreation,” he explains. “ Many of the paintings are based on photographs whilst diving around the world (including on Gozo) and also from being on the sea and from the air, hence the title of the exhibition.”
The majority of the painting on show have been created specifically for this show. All are abstract works based on photographs.
“Sinai was created from an aerial photograph whilst flying to Egypt to dive – the colours of browns and golds captivated me,” he continues, and “in the paintings with divers I aim to capture the colours and tranquility of diving. In Ice Flow, I hope you can feel the cold….”
The strong blues that line these golden walls appear to move like the water, giving a sense of immersion beneath the sea.
Wright hopes that the exhibition will inspire tranquility in the view, and encourage them to stop a while in thought.
“I have tried to put some of my feelings and emotion in the works: they all mean something to me, adds Wright, “I’d like people to see things they haven’t noticed before. There is a lot of complexity and detail in each painting so that visitors can use their imagination.”
Sea, Ice and Earth runs until June 14
