Fantasy art exhibition

Artist Mario Portelli is hosting his first personal exhibition of works at the Zabbar Sanctuary Museum, portraying 17 pieces of his works.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and will run until September 19.

Works pertaining to mythology and fantasy such as The Spartan and The Return of Conan give a glimpse of some of the works to be exhibited.

However, the subject of the works is varied and represents the artist's exploration over a period spanning the late 1990s up to this year. An eye for detail in most of his works betrays his draughtsmanship skills.

"I have dubbed my work as 'fantasy art' because that is what it is - an art that reflects my fantasy," Mr Portelli said.

The genre is very particular because it is inspired by the modern, abstract and surrealist masters - Frank Frazetta, Boris Valejjo, Julie Bell and Louis Rojo.

Born in Vittoriosa and raised in Zabbar, the 41-year old artist was introduced to art at the age of five. Later, he also received tutorship from artists Antoine Camilleri, Anthony De Giovanni, George Fenech and the late Rafel Bonnici Calì.