Exhibition Visit - Vee Gee Bee

I went to Vee Gee Bee in Valletta and saw a small exhibition. Most of the work was done by Dr. Joseph Paul Cassar.  There was also some beautiful work done by Ivona Matejkova, Ray Spiteri and Wayne Attwood.

Joseph Paul Cassar is an artist, art historian, art critic, curator and educator.

He is the author of numerous books that emphasis on the creators of modernism in Malta. He is represented in Malta and Gozo by VGB Art Gallery. Joseph Paul Cassar is a successful artist whose work is being exposed also around the USA.

Artwork 1 

The drawing is named ‘Crucifixion after GDC’ and is made with Pen and Ink. I wouldn’t say that the proportions are exactly right but still they are very close. The color scheme is rather plain but in my opinion the drawing will have much more emotion and passion. The lines are sketchy and thin, with that practice, the drawing looks more mysterious.

Artwork 2 

This drawing is named ‘Man’ and it’s made using Charcoal. The best element in this drawing is the charcoal effect. It looks as if it’s rough but it’s quite smooth. The drawing for me has an organic feel and also has balance between negative and positive space. Having the drawing black and white, it gives a sense of sentiment and depressed feel.

Artwork 3 

This drawing is named ‘Boys on tree’ and is created by cross-hatching technique with pencil. When comparing this drawing with Joseph’s other artworks, it has a rather different perspective and mood. The boys are happy and energetic unlike the others who seemed sad. The cross-hatching technique really gave the drawing contrast within the softness and harshness side.

 Artwork 4 

This drawing is named ‘Mother and Son’ and is made using pen. Artwork no.4 is quite different from others. In this drawing there is love and also sadness. A drawing like this would probably be very nostalgic for certain people depending on their experiences. I think that Cassar used water to combine a flowing array throughout the whole drawing. Although this drawing is in black and white, it is as though I can see and comprehend light coming from behind the ‘mother and son’.

Artwork 5 

This drawing is named ‘Drawing’ and the media used is ink. Looking clearly are this drawing, one can see the cross-hatching used and the water flowing effect. I really find the dull colors using interesting, they are very suitable for this drawing. The people drawn seem to be dark skinned. The lines are fine and thin, the positioning is correct and it has the saturation effect.