Last week, local artist Roberta Zammit Cutajar launched her first solo exhibition at the Malta Chamber Of Commerce in Valletta, and the reception from the public was so great that all 29 paintings on display SOLD OUT on opening night!

“I was overwhelmed and so very happy,” says Roberta when I congratulate her, calling it a fantastic feeling. The success makes for a twofold achievement for the artist, who lost vision in one of her eyes some years ago, but didn’t let it stop her from fulfilling her dream to exhibit her work.

“I have been painting now for quite a few years, but have only recently managed to paint regularly, at a good rhythm and with more confidence. I was encouraged by my mentors Debbie Caruana Dingli and Tonio Mallia, who believed the time was right for my first solo exhibition,” Roberta explains.

Apart from that, proceeds from the sale of her work will go to Opening Doors Malta – an organisation that teaches music, drama and dance to people with intellectual disabilities, and one that is close to Roberta’s heart. “My son, who has Down syndrome, attends these sessions. He loves to go and learn different instruments, rhythm, dance, acting and putting up shows with friends. He takes it very seriously, but at the same time has lots of fun. The tutors are all so dedicated and give lots of good energy to their students,” she explains.

Roberta’s exhibition consists of 29 oil paintings which the artist painted throughout the last year, and while there is no real theme that unites them, there are a number of the sea, of which she says, “I love the colours and movement of the beautiful Mediterranean that surrounds us.”

And after such an impressive reception, I can’t help but ask, what’s next for the artist? The inspirational Roberta doesn’t disappoint: “I am feeling very encouraged and I intend to exhibit again in the future. I hope that through my art I can give something back and support worthy causes.”

The exhibition will be open to the public until 30th November 2018.