On the morning of Saturday 6th April 2019, Gallery 23 organised a gathering of nine of Malta’s most reputable artists within the verdant grounds of Villa Frere – the former estate of diplomat, classicist and philanthropist John Hookham Frere.
In celebration of this 19th century architectural gem, each artist was encouraged to create their own painted, sketched or drawn interpretation of the Villa’s unique synthesis of architecture and landscape, each to be showcased at a dedicated group exhibition in Gallery 23’s elegant new space for art.
Following an inspired morning within the Villa’s lush grounds, Catherine Cavallo, Andrew Borg, Debbie Bonello, Steve Bonello, Sarah Calleja, Jeni Caruana, Henry Falzon, James Vella Clark, and Winston Hassall have delivered a set of works that showcase the attributes of this historic estate in endlessly animated and nuanced ways.
Delicately detailed watercolour paintings contrast with monochromatic pen drawings, whilst abstract compositions use swathes of pigments to signify the light and organic vibrancy manifest in the Villa’s mature gardens. Collectively, these works pay homage to one of the Maltese Islands’ most beguiling historic venues, each acting as a visual advocate for its admiration and conservation.
A private opening of A Morning at Villa Frere will take place on Friday 28th June, following which, the exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday 29th between 18.30hrs and 20.30hrs. Thereafter, audiences are invited to visit the show by private appointment, by contacting the gallery directly for bookings.
