Artist Christopher Saliba is exhibiting a  new collection of twenty paintings at Cleland & Souchet at  Portomaso, St.Julians. The exhibition, titled 'Impressions', will be the first to inaugurate the recently modified and enlarged establishment.

Most of the  paintings on canvas consist of a repertoire of semi-abstract  landscapes,  inspired by suggestive scenes from the Maltese Islands. A few of the exhibits feature themes related to Malta’s cultural heritage.

Saliba’s simple yet subtle brushstrokes often compose themselves into convincing evocations of familiar and loved places without making us forget the quality of paint. The themes presented feature the interaction between the natural environment and man-made structures. Sunrises, sunsets and night scenes are Christopher Saliba’s favourite time-sets, since these best portray the duality of light and dark. Natural forms and architectures emerge in the form of  thick impastos, enriching the canvasses with  textural and three-dimensional qualities.

Saliba’s approach to painting may be described as highly distinctive and vigorous. Rather than showing concern for the topographic features of landscapes, Saliba attributes more importance to the emotive and spontaneous nature of his work. His painting evoke otherworldly and dreamlike evocations without failing in revealing the identity and character of  loved localities around the Maltese islands. Though the general feeling of Saliba’s landscapes is that of a contemplative nature, the palette that he employs is often  emboldened  by a richness of hues that is normally associated with expressionist artists.    

One may enjoy viewing Saliba’s works at Cleland & Souchet throughout the whole month of May. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 to 8.00 p.m; and Saturdays from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 to 8.00 p.m. For further information one may visit Christopher Saliba’s official website at www.gozo-art.com.