Malta’s cultural heritage and natural beauty are a source of perennial inspiration to artists.
The picturesque streets and alleys of Rabat, Mdina, and of course, Valletta- Charlene Vella
Maria Rossella Dalmas’ exhibition in the loggia of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, brings out her fascination and intrigue with the beauties, both natural and man made, of her island home.
The fact that Dalmas has already held five solo exhibitions at the National Museum of Fine Arts is, at face value, quite impressive.
Unfortunately however, in the context that is Malta, the standard of exhibitions, is not always of an appreciably good level.
The one I am writing about is her sixth, and carries the title ‘Iam Usque Huc’ (Latin for ‘I came thus far’). What one can read into such an enigmatic title is manifold, but I prefer to interpret it as a statement of Dalmas’ humility towards her artistic output.
Most of the acrylic paintings on display depict street- and city-scapes. These show traditional scenes of Maltese towns. The picturesque streets and alleys of Rabat, Mdina, and of course, Valletta, predominate, although not exclusively.
One of the more memorable is Old Theatre Street, Valletta. These streetscapes focus, among other things, on Maltese houses, doorways, the gallarija, a corner street shrine, a red letterbox, a bell tower, as well as on the Maltese feast with its street buntings and decorations.
Kalkara Red, one of the paintings inspired by a feast, is interesting for its play of light and shade.
A narrow street of Florence also finds its way in this exhibition, but perhaps misfits with the rest of the Maltese-themed paintings.
There are also landscapes, as well as a still life, Hat-trick. This single still life stands out because, like the Florence streetscape, it is out of place among the Maltese landscapes and streetscapes.
It makes one wonder why it was included. The composition and execution are also different. Having said this, I concede it is a good painting and a memorable one.
Good execution and fine brushwork stand out in Għalqa l-Miżieb, which has a hazy atmosphere brought about through the use of sfumato. A grainy texture endows it with an added surface interest.
The few landscapes are the more successful works. The streetscapes, I find somewhat laboured, and lacking the freshness that makes the landscapes attractive.
‘Iam Usque Huc’ is open in the Loggia of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta until next Sunday.