Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti’s next exhibition, ‘In Search of the Line’ will see the history of one of art’s greatest subjects of exploration; the line. Whilst the line may present itself to be a rather ambiguous subject, reluctant to stay within the confines of the obscure classification on which we rely, it’s open nature, complexity and radical transformation have seen the often overlooked medium create an infinite number of works of art.

The line has long been a subject that fascinates artists not to mention philosophers, anthropologists and people in general. Both on the page as well as into space and time, the line has manifested itself in many ways, from drawing to weaving, writing, singing and storytelling.

The lines, the surfaces on which they are drawn and of course the hands that have produced them, will all be researched and represented.

The line is often a trace of a manual gesture, a trace of the free expression of purely artistic thought, the expression of the artist’s ideas and impressions. Till today, artist’s question and challenge the line, it’s meaning and representation, it’s linearity and its culture. Through the works of local artists and collectors, this exhibition will aim to take us out for a walk, just as Klee’s line does, to freely explore and understand the vast spectrum which is line.

GuideMeMalta got in touch with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti to learn more about this exhibition.

Can you please explain the background of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and what the organisation does?

Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (FPM) is an independent organisation which was set up over 30 years ago, in 1992. Our mission has always been to showcase Malta's rich cultural heritage through publications, exhibitions and museums. The newly reestablished Victor Pasmore Gallery really aims to celebrate the underappreciated 20^th Maltese artists century artists. Pasmore was a British artist who made Malta his home in the 1960s, when he and his wife, Wendy, settled in the sleepy town of Gudja. Naturally, while on the island he befriended many local artists such as Gabriel Caruana, Antoine Camilleri, Frank Portelli and many others who will feature in the new space.

How did this exhibition come to be?

The concept for the exhibition can be traced back to four years ago when exhibition curator, Sarah Chircop, tabled the idea of tackling the subject of Line in art, a subject she had explored, if but briefly, during her university studies. Through expanding her research and many conversations with people from various fields, art history, anthropology, dance, as well as visits to public and private collections, the curatorial narrative was developed. A focus on the Maltese modern artists of the twentieth century helped narrow down this vast subject.

You mention that you typically tackle historical subjects at FPM. Why did you decide to tackle an abstract concept this time round?

Taking on a thematic approach to our exhibitions felt like a natural evolution for us. It allows visitors to view the history of art through a multi-faceted lens by engaging with different disciplines such as philosophy, sound and dance.

In fact, the exhibition catalogue, collects essays by prominent art writers from varied backgrounds including architect Richard England, Sarah Chircop and Giulia Privitelli, artists Vince Briffa and Matthew Attard as well as philosophers Robert Brewer Young and Michael Zammit. Each writer brought with them their own view on the topic of line.

Throughout the programme we have also collaborated with others such as performer Florinda Camilleri. Back in March, she choreographed a live-composition performance emerging through somatic and sensorial encounters in collaboration with Niels Plotard and Andrew Schembri.

Starting with a concept rather than a point in history or an object offers a more complete picture. It opens the door for further collaboration and invites for further interpretation of the subject at hand.

What in your opinion is the most notable piece that will be displayed in this exhibition?

That is not an easy question to answer, each piece was carefully chosen by the team to complement the narrative of the exhibition. The real highlight is that many of the works on show are pieces we've unearthed from private collections, many of which are on public view for the very first time.

Of course, there are certainly some pieces which stand out more than others for example, the three impressive drawings for a Monument to the Unknown Soldier by Antonio Sciortino. Here, we chose to collaborate with visual artist Matthew Attard who created original artwork in dialogue with Sciortino, which articulates one of the exhibition's key concepts, 'line of sight'.

Another highlight comes from our collaboration with sound artist Christian Galea, who engaged with Victor Pasmore's series of Linear Symphonies. Galea produced an original soundscape which explores what it means to 'abstract' from nature, just like Pasmore did.

Can you tell us more about what people can expect from the new opening of the Victor Pasmore Gallery? What made his art particularly notable?

The new space offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Maltese modern art, while our exhibitions will showcase artworks from throughout history, the primary focus will be on the cultural legacy left behind by 20^th century artists.

FPM has been renovating APS House in Valletta, transforming it into a new state-of-the-art gallery. The gallery cares for a permanent collection of Pasmore’s work and will also have an active programme of temporary exhibitions showcasing the work of Malta’s most significant 20th-century artists.

Pasmore is remembered for being a leading protagonist of the twentieth-century abstract art movement and a prominent art educator in the UK. His work is found in important collections across the globe, including the TATE modern in London.

While Pasmore's collection will be a mainstay after IN SEARCH OF LINE, the Gallery will have a vibrant rotation of temporary exhibitions highlighting the work of his Maltese contemporaries, like Toni Pace, Josef Kalleya, Isabelle Borg among the many others.

The exhibition is being held at the Victor Pasmore Gallery until the 14^th January, 2024.

Lisa Attard