So much drama! 5 artworks by Malta's great artists to get you into the spirit of autumn
Expressing the seasons through art.
Expressing yourself through art is the most intimate of expressions. Whatever you medium of choice, be it poetry, dance, theatre or sculpture, your creativity needs to spew out somehow. And if you're anything like me, autumn is such an inspiring season - the warmth in the air is replaced with the warmth in colour, and the wonderful colour appears everywhere, from our clothing, our food and our environment to our art.
There are a number of paintings and sculptures that inspire this autumnal sense; local artists who searched deep to express their innermost thoughts. Here are a few - are you familiar with them?
The Death of Dragut, Calí
Starting with one of Malta’s most revered pieces is a cliché, I know, but the impact this particular piece has on the locals is rather impressive. The dramatic detail primarily expresses the intensity of the Great Siege but the warmth in the colouring, the strength in expression and the simplicity of perfection always evokes autumn in my mind.
Marie tal-Bajd, Barthet
Esprit Barthet is a modern pioneer who is most known for his Rooftop series, but here we are faced with an iconic figure in Maltese culture, Marie. She’s not a particularly famous woman, no big shot title, she's a simple woman who, in my opinion, represents the bounty our land can deliver. And autumn is all about living off the land - at least for our ancestors.
Abstract, Cremona
Mostly known for his Broken Glass series, his stamps and other iconographic material, Emvin Cremona was a modern pioneer in the local art scene. His abstract found in the National Museum of Fine Arts is a major contributor to Malta’s Modern and Contemporary art culture. This particular piece is definitely up for some serious interpretation - whether you see autumn in the the waves crashing ashore or summer in the serenity on the horizon is entirely up to you.
Les Gavroches, Sciortino
This sculpture is not Antonio Sciortino’s most known piece, but the chilly factor it evokes is probably his most autumn-inspiring selection. The three children seem to be on a mission, a journey or even an adventure. Does this iconic sculpture contribute to the feeling of autumn for you, as it does me?
Boschetto, Caruana Dingli
A horse-driven carriage, a figure in warm clothing, a quaint village scene with some shrubbery jutting in - now this is autumn! Edward Caruana Dingli is known for his flair for picturesque depictions; his work always welcoming and palette clean and inviting.
Art is personal. There’s no right or wrong interpretations, just thoughts. What are your thoughts? Share your favourite local autumnal artwork in the comments below!