Magazine of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1116

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Magazine of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1116

F CUSNovember 2010 - Issue no15

Rehabilitation & Restoration Works at Palazzo de La Salle

Pages 7 & 8

9th National Art Competition & Exhibition

Pages 3, 4 & 5

Honours List Collective Exhibition

Page 6

EditorialFOCUS - November 2010

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EditorialBrowsing the published work commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, I sensed the dedication and the altruism of founding members and their immediate successors in establishing the Society on solid rock. By and large such dedication continued throughout the years in a way that today one can describe the seat of the Society as a place of action. This does not mean that there were no periods when the Society seemed dormant, as indeed happens in all institutions. A strong base, however, instils a never-die-spirit and quickly motivates those involved into active participation of the tasks ahead. Ups and downs are found in every sphere of life but these will not break the spirit of persons who genuinely strive for success in the mission entrusted to them.

One may ask today but what is the vision of the Society for the remaining decades of the 21st century? A valid question and one that the Society must have a reply in the very near future. Even so, however, one absolutely cannot say that the Society is stagnant. A look at the hundreds of students attending at Palazzo de La Salle everyday following the various courses organized by the administration of the Society will convince doubting members that the Society is still vigorous in its activities. One may again argue that the courses held by the Society are found in many other institutions today. So be it, but still people of all ages come to register for all courses advertised. The Society cannot give up its original mission of being the institution ‘safeguarding traditional crafts, promoting Maltese art, creating the right environment for Maltese craftsman and artists’. Modern technology, particularly in the communication area, may perhaps open new avenues where the Society can o�er its services. In this regard an in-depth study will be necessary and assistance wherever it comes from will be needed.

No doubt challenges lie ahead and they must be met with the same vigour the founding members established a Society which has survived one hundred and �fty-eight years and, like the old Scot Acquaintance, is still going.

Calendar of Events 2011at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

TVU LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC EXAMINATIONS IN 2011

Practical Examinations: SPRING SESSION: in May (Closing date is Friday 4th March) WINTER SESSION: in October (Closing date is Friday 5th August )

Theory Examinations:SPRING SESSION: Wednesday 13th April 2011 (Closing Date Friday 28th January)SUMMER SESSION: Saturday 18th June 2011 (Closing Date: Friday 15th April) WINTER SESSION: Saturday 26th November 2011 (Closing Date: Friday 23rd September)

Tel: 21244339 / 21244400 - E-Mail: lcm@artsmalta.org - Website:

www.artsmalta.org

Annual Concert and the Graduation Ceremonyof the London College of Music October 22 was Graduation Day for 46 students. They received their Thames Valley University London College of Music Diploma during a concert/ceremony organized at the Casino Maltese by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, the local representatives of the Thames Valley University London College of Music . The presentation of the Diplomas was made by the President of the Society, Mr Joseph J. Mifsud and Ms Ann Hohenkerk, the Thames Valley University London College of Music Examiner in Malta for the Winter Practical Examinations held at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. Before the ceremony 7 Graduates, Matthew Farrugia, Lara Scerri, Julian Carter, Elsa Fiott, Johan Debattista, Rosanne Bellizzi and Michela Galea performed in a concert in the presence of a packed hall. It was another enjoyable and well attended evening. Members of the Council of the Society were present for the event. Marika Azzopardi presented the programme.

Ann Hohenkerk presenting Diploma to Michela Galea , The Graduates

• 10th January - 19th MarchArts, Crafts & Music Courses – Second Term at Palazzo de La Salle

• 20th JanuaryGold Medal Award Ceremonyat Casino Maltese

• 3rd – 19th February“Taht il-Mija 2” Collective Exhibition at Palazzo de La Salle

• 10th – 26 March“Three Fold” Collective Exhibitionat Palazzo de La Salle

• 21st MarchAnnual General Meeting & Council Members Election at Palazzo de La Salle

• 2nd – 16th April“The Blood of the Earth” Exhibition by Martine Rigaud-Busuttilat Palazzo de La Salle

• 4th April – 11th JuneArts, Crafts & Music Courses – Third Term at Palazzo de La Salle

• 6th - 21st May“True Colours”Collective Exhibitionat Palazzo de La Salle

• 13th MayAnnual Fund Raising Dinner at Villa Arrigo

• 20th MayAnnual Concert & Presentation of LCM Certi�cates at Casino Maltese

• 27th May – 30th June“Expressions”Collective Exhibitionat Palazzo de La Salle

• 3rd June – 3rd JulySociety Members Collective Exhibition at Hotel Cavalieri

• 7th – 30th JulyMembers' Annual ExhibitionCollective Exhibition by Members of the Society at Palazzo de La Salle

• 11th July -10th SeptemberArts, Crafts & Music Summer Courses at Palazzo de La Salle

• 22nd September - 22nd October10th National Art Competition & Exhibition Collective Exhibitionat Palazzo de La Salle

• 21st OctoberAnnual Concert & LCM Graduationat the Casino Maltese

• 3rd – 19th October5th Pastels Malta Society Annual Exhibition Collective Exhibitionat Palazzo de La Salle

• 28th NovemberSociety’s Prize Day & Inauguration of the Society’s Arts and Crafts Students Annual Exhibition at Palazzo de La Salle

• 29th November – 7th DecemberSociety’s Arts and Crafts Students Annual Exhibition at Palazzo de La Salle

9th National Art Competition & ExhibitionFOCUS - November 2010

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After several years of serious e�ort by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce events like the 9th National Art Competition and Exhibition, a vast array of painting sculpture and ceramics are leaving their desired e�ect - imbuing artists with enthusiasm and application, and inculcating self-esteem, self- assertion and pride in one’s work.

Now that the exhibition has closed its doors it is vital that through re�ection a sound evaluation might help future e�orts. The exhibition represented a cross section of talent and ability, an all inclusive drive by the Society to help emerging artists and newcomers and a few well known names. 115 works, that include 86 paintings and 29 pieces of sculpture, represent 82 artists. Although a short listing of works would have raised somewhat the general level, the Society preferred to show the works of all participants to encourage further some of its students.

Dismissing emergent artists is never advisable as from among them, time chooses and anoints new stars. This

national competition is becoming very popular and attracting varied talent and levels of ability as the numerous guests present for the inauguration (many of them participants) demon-strates. The Society teaches art at its premises and its students make it a point to take part. Many of the guests present showed their appreciation for the smooth organization, presentation and inauguration. The event could be considered an overwhelming success when one considers the level of good technique in many works. At times a young artist who strives for recognition hardly rests on his laurels.

Painting Sue Flask with her work of ‘Joaaeefoa’ (81A) was awarded �rst place with 43 marks out of a maximum of 50. With big round smiling eyes and brimming

with enthusiasm and joy, this child holds a toy gira�e in her chubby dimpled hands. The élan vital that springs out of her jocund face is irresistible. Painted on

a dark ground the realism becomes more forceful still. Much skill in drawing and realistic colouring show explicit bravura. Jesmond Dalmas won the �rst honourable mention (40marks) with ‘Sensacion de Rojo’

(39A). The artist shows good draughts-manship and complete control of soft pastel in painting two female nudes: 38A and 39A. In 39A the smoothness and delicacy achieved is commendable. Even if taken from an illustration the exercise is valid and shows competence. Jude Zammit won the second honourable mention (22 marks) with ‘Joy of Life’ (46A). A woman in her youth, elegant, lovely, delicate and gentle looks poised, caught gazing into space. The great realism achieved, the multi-folded �oral skirt, the yellow �ower sadly wilting endows the painting with symbolic content. It could be called Flora or even Venus. The youthful woman probably madly in love emanates joy that is slightly dampened by the ephemeral

and temporary nature of reality; that life is sadly transient. This is an excellently painted work, really a winner.

An exceptional and exquisite work is ‘Wave’ (63A) by Mary Portelli in glass and mixed media. The craftsmanship is incredibly meticulous and perfect. A gem of a work! ‘Vence Afternoon’ (11A) by Bruce Bingham is an

excellent painting in warm tones of red and browns while ‘View of Valletta’ (10A) by Barbra Butzke is a remarkable Marsamxett skyline with the Carmelite church dome dominating rooftops in almost a greying monochrome of deftly

worked brush strokes. Impressive are ‘Chadwick Lakes’ (44A) by Joseph

Muscat and ‘Mother and Child’ (3A) by Matthew Kassar mainly know for

his collages in newspaper. ‘Corals’ (14A) by Caterina Louise Attard almost monochrome is a good abstract inspired by the pastel shades of a coral reef. ‘Good Morning’ (25A) by Deborah Cachia is a simple ‘chiaroscuro’ work with a nude female body, sensual and almost erotic, de�ned in silhouette against the glaring light entering through the balcony or window.

9th National Art Competition & Exhibitionby E.V. Borg

Mother & Child” (3A) by Matthew Kassar (Category A)

“View of Valletta” (10A) by Barbara Butzke (Category A)

“Vence” (11A)by Bruce Bingham (Category A)

“Sensacion de Rojo” (39A) by Jesmond Dalmas, Category A – Hon. Mention

“Nell’Ombra” (38A) by Jesmond Dalmas (Category A)

“Wave” (63A) by Mary Portelli (Category A)

“Joy of Life” (46A) by Jude Zammit, Category A– Hon. Mention

“Joaaeefoa” (81A) by Sue Flask, Category A – Winner

“Chadwick Lakes” (44A) by Joseph Muscat (Category A)

9th National Art Competition & Exhibition

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FOCUS - November 2010

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Sue Flask prize winner of Section A – Painting is receiving the prize and a certi�cate from the Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco.

Sean Camilleri prize winner of Category B – Sculpture is receiving the prize and a certi�cate from Mr. Kenneth Gauci Borda. with Hon. Dr. Mario de Marco looking on

Mr E.V. Borg, Curator of the Competition & Exhibition, addressing the audience with the Hon. Dr Mario de Marco and Mr Joseph J. Mifsud looking on

An excellent composition! Worth mentioning are: ‘Opus Dei’ (66A) by Lino Magro; ‘Composition with Shapes’ (7A), a highly elaborate abstract by Antoine

Xuereb and ‘Blank’ (75A) by Rene’ Sacco a portrait of fragile old age that demonstrates good draughtsmanship and sound tonal values borrowed from the Impressionists.

Sculpture and CeramicsSean Camilleri with his piece ‘Untitled’ (29B) was awarded �rst prize (marks 16+) in this section, a social comment with an explicit message. Chained �gures in recycled material or found object speak volumes about the indignity of slavery. The work could be

considered ‘arte povera’ as the material used is auxiliary to the theme. The pathos in the work is highly charged and tragic and was possibly the reason for convincing the judges and winning the competition. Egeo Baldacchino won the �rst honourable mention (16 marks) with his ‘Serena’ (16B) in polished wood. The sphinx like face dominates a curvaceous form enhanced with knotted wood in darker stains. Silken, delicate and elegant it rides the waves mesmerized by her song. Martin Bezzina Wettinger won the second honourable mention (12marks) with ‘George – my father-in-law’ (24B). This portrait head is lovingly and sensitively sculpted in a solid wood block. The work is the fruit of

experience in carving wood. The sensibility achieved is so acute that the work is transformed from craft into art. The resemblance is striking as one could compare the facial features of the model (Matthew Kassar’s father who was present at the inauguration) with the portrait head. Undoubtedly a good work, technically and artistically. Charles Bonnici’s ‘Whisper’ (12B) in stone is a balanced work of force and counter-force elegant and delicate in its complexity. A ‘bravura’ in stone is

‘Moons’ (2B) by Alfred Camilleri. Camilleri must be a master-carver. Exceptionally beautiful as an abstract architectonic shape in line with Constructivism is ‘Abstract’ (10B) by Censu Fenech in stucco. This fantastic piece is a small scale model of a future building in spatial engineering and reminds one of Calatrava’s bridges on the river Guadalquivir in Seville, Spain. Worth mentioning are the ceramic pieces by Godfrey Xuereb - ‘Omerta’ (17B), ‘Slanting Edge’ (1B) in stoneware by Alfred Aquilina, and ‘Explosion’ (14B) in racu by Christian Fenech. There are many other works that technically and artistically achieve a high standard that only limited space does not allow a mention.

Dr. Mario Demarco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Environment & Culture, inaugurated the event at the premises of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce at Palazzo de La Salle on Thursday 23rd September 2010. During the event introduced by the President of the Society Mr. Joseph J. Mifsud, �rst prize was awarded in two categories: Painting (A) and Sculpture (B). Mr. Kenneth Gauci Borda, representing the sponsors Vee Gee Bee Art, Windsor & Newton and Coran D’Arche of Switzerland, presented the winner of Category A with the prize and certi�cate while Mr Joseph J. Mifsud, President of the Society, presented the winner of Category B with the prize and certi�cate. The exhibition closed on the 16th of October.

“Corals” (14A) by Catrina Louise Attard (Category A)“Good Morning” (25A) by Deborah Cachia (Category A)

“Blank” (75A)by Rene Sacco (Category A)

“Opus Dei” (66A) by Lino Magro (Category A)

“Moons” (2B) by Alfred Camilleri (Category B)

“Abstract” (10B) by Censu Fenech in stucco (Category B)

“Composition with Shapes” (7A) by Antoine Xuereb (Category A)

“Whisper” (12B) by Charles Bonnici (Category B)

“Serena”(16B) by Egeo Baldacchino, Category B – Hon. Mention

“Explosion” 14B) by Christian Fenech (Category B)

“Untitled” (29B) by Sean Camilleri, Category B - Winner

“George – my father-in-law” (24B) by Martin Bezzina Wettinger, Category B – Hon. Mention

“Omerta” (17B) by Godfrey Xuereb (Category B)

EventsFOCUS - November 2010

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Honours List Collective ExhibitionThe Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce has for these last nine years been organising the National Arts Competition & Exhibition which has now become an annual event in the calendar of the Society. Up to 2007 this competition/exhibition was held at Naxxar’s Trade Fair Grounds during the Furniture and Christmas Fairs. These last two years this event was held at Palazzo de La Salle, seat of the Society. The Silver Palette Arts Competition and Exhibition, very popular amongst established and up-coming artists, has from 2002 been held on a biannual basis, also at Palazzo de La Salle.

The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce with the collaboration of the O�ce of the President of the Republic organised an exhibition at San Anton Palace during the month of September 2010. The winning artists of both the above mentioned competitions during these last 10 years were invited to take part, namely Carmen Pizzuto, Anna Galea, Ivan Fenech, Zell Osborne, Aleksandar Sasha Matic, Jude Zammit, George Farrugia, Winston Hassall, Charles Bonnici, George Muscat, Antoine Paul Camilleri and Sean Camilleri.

The Opening was made by H.E. Dr George Abela, President of the Republic at San Anton Palace, Attard. During his address the President praised the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for all the good work it is doing to promote art and thanked the 12 participating artists. Mr Joseph J. Mifsud, President of the Society thanked and presented the artists with a participation certi�cate

Part of the proceeds made from sale of works went to the the Community Chest Fund.

Errata CorrigeIn the FOCUS issue No 14 on page 5 the name of Martin Formosa was inadvertently entered as Aaron Formosa. The mistake is regretted.

NewsFOCUS - November 2010

Restoration Worksat Palazzo de La Salleby the Hon. SecretaryIt all started with the realization that the admininstrative sta�, some six/seven years ago, were working in an environment unacceptable in the 21st century. Steps were taken to refurbish the rooms with new o�ce furniture and to provide the sta� with computers which since then have been already replaced by new ones. Prior to the rehabilitation of the o�ces and classrooms the old water and electricity services then existing had to be scrapped and new services installed. The walls of all classrooms were plastered and the furniture, then in complete disrepair, were replaced by new ones adapted for particular art, music and traditional crafts teaching.

When the above works had been completed, there was available a ‘substantial’ sum, accumulated over the years by the frugal mentality of the Council and Society’s administration. The sum was about seventy thousand Euros, but the term ‘substantial’ is appropriate, considering the meagre means of the Society. The �rst project that came to mind was the restoration of the concert and exhibition halls on the �rst �oor of the building. Those who are familiar with those halls prior to the renovation can appreciate the di�erence they look to-day. The track lighting system when it was installed was described as state of the art (a phrase now considered a cliché).

In the meantime the Society’s request to the Ministry of Finance for the provision of funds for the restoration of the outside walls of the Sala dei Cavalieri which included the walls at St. Nicholas Street was approved. These funds were included in the Vote under the Ministry of Resources and Rural A�airs and the project was completed this year. Incidentally the Society has submitted another request to the Ministry of Finance for the provision of funds for the restoration of the façade in Republic Street which will complete the whole project as far as the restoration of the outside walls of Palazzo de La sale is concerned.

The Society had for some time a dream of converting the courtyard into a multi-purpose centre of creativity. It was more a delusion than a dream, until a providential windfall came to hand which the Society could have utilized in any way it liked. After a deep study the Council decided to ful�l its dream, but in the implementation of this dream, �rst consideration was given to the welfare of the students attending the various courses organized by the Society and the teaching sta�. Hence the installation of an openable glass/iron canopy over the courtyard which will remove the inconveniences to teachers and students, mainly on rainy, cold and windy days, as access to seven classrooms and ground �oor toilets is through the courtyard. However, before the courtyard can be rehabilitated in a way to provide additional space for the holding of exhibitions and cultural events, much work has to be done, which as one can observe it is currently being carried out. This includes the restoration of the outside walls of the courtyard, application of new paving involving the replacement of the drainage and rain water

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NewsFOCUS - November 2010

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systems, the installation of a new lighting system (adaptable for the artistic and cultural activities) and the removal of the closed balcony and replacing it by an open wrought-iron balcony. Who knows! Perhaps eventually a space will be found for a Gallery Café which may be expedient in the coming years.

It must be said that it is no easy matter to co-ordinate �ve projects in the same limited area each of which depends on the progress of the other. The Society’s a/Director, Mr Joe Scerri, dedicates most of his time in such co-ordination with the various contractors awarded the projects. He must be passing some sleepless nights!. The Society is immensely thankful to Architect and Civil Engineer Ms Amanda De Giovanni, from the Restoration Unit of the Ministry for Resources and Rural A�airs, whose professional contribution will make possible the successful completion of the projects.

Now that the danger of water in�ltration has been removed, the restoration of the wall paintings of the Sala dei Cavalieri may be taken in hand. Maybe it is too early to discuss this artistic project but the Council has already decided that when funds are available the professional restoration of this Hall will be carried out.

When completed the above projects will give the Society the strength and the means to proceed on its mission of achieving high standards (i) for the students attending the various courses and (ii) in the organization and running of artistic exhibitions and cultural events.

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