The opening of the exhibition will be held on Friday 29th October 2010 at 19.30 in Palazzo Castellania, Merchants Street 15, Valletta.

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Palazzo Castellania, Merchants Street 15, Valletta.

Palazzo Castellania, Merchants Street 15, Valletta
1st – 26th November 2010 – Monday to Friday 8.30 – 17.00

Inauguration: 29th October 2010

The exhibition will be inaugurated by Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Chris Said at Palazzo Castellania, Merchants Street 15, Valletta on Friday 29th October 2010 at 19.30.

Download the booklet here!

The Presentation by the curator, E.V.Borg

An explosive force, a dynamic energy, a burst of vivid extravagant colours, powerful and suggestive shapes and forms with a defi ned outline in evocative space are the basis of Paul Vella Critien’s expression.

Paul’s work emanates joy and pleasure. He loves life and his explicit hedonism emphasizes his vision of a world of overwhelming beauty. Although there is a hint of tension in his work his dynamics are well balanced and the explosive force is contained in unity. He sublimates conflict and suffering in his concept of fertile and germinating life though the struggle surfaces in his agonal colours, in his balanced dynamics of force and counter-force as in his ‘Sensazione Astratta’ series.

His recent ceramic sculpture of ‘Bimbo’ and ‘Bimba’ reveal this explicit hedonism: the great pleasure and joy the artist perceives in a child – its innocence, joy, pleasure, sense of adventure and blind faith in his parents.

The romantic flair in Paul comes to the fore in such expression full of sentiment and emotion. The pose of these fi gures is so extravagant, theatrical and baroque that exposes the passionate nature, warmth and forceful nature of this sensitive and sensible artist.

In ‘Futura’ Paul projects his love of woman, the basis of his inspired vision. It is his ideal of maternal instincts projected into a gilded future. He models the shape of her womb with great tenderness, delicacy, sensitivity and love. He regards such elliptical form and space as a sacred shrine, a tabernacle of love, a depositary for the male, vital seed that with time care and patience yields new life. How extraordinary this miracle is with attendant mystery and magic! It is as great as the analogous oyster and pearl. To protect and prevent its flesh from inflammation from an intrusive grain of sand the oyster secrets a kind of mucus. With time it transforms the grain of sand and the irritating pain into a wonderful magnifi cent pearl as woman transforms the seed into a splitimage.

Paul does not only praise woman’s maternal fecundity as he concurrently sings and evokes her mysterious, magical powers: erotic, lustful and seductive. Her potential to seduce, to charm and cast a spell is fabulous and legendary (rf. to ‘Nudo’ & ‘Nudo – Ravenna, 1982). ‘Woman’ is mother earth and in her womb germinates life that sucks from breasts nutritious milk that comforts satisfi es and quenches thirst.

His formidable series of spheres are organic and belong to Plato’s dictum that shapes are not merely relatively beautiful but are absolutely so. ‘Sfera rossa sul blu’ is superbly beautiful and its rotundity and spatial strength suggests Mars as seen from a powerful telescope not as desert but as a vibrant planet. ‘Sfera blu’ is about an immanent beauty. Its ultramarine blue echoes the emotion kindled by precious stones, evokes planet Earth as seen from outer space.

‘Stravolgente’ is the best way to describe it. In ‘Colori dell’Anima’ there is a burst of colour, emanating a song of joy, pleasure and beauty, a rare vibrant music.
In ‘Gente’ the artist is inspired by the social realism of Renato Guttuso (1912-27) while in ‘Vergine’, ‘Madre Celeste’ and ‘Mother and Child’ is felt an acute sense of humanism, a human element so strong in Paul’s fi gurative expression.
In public monuments such as ‘Verso l’alto’ and ‘Colonna Mediterranea’ Paul soars high into the air as if wanting to fly into the void on vertical columns that resemble Egyptian obelisks.

In Paul’s childhood his grandfather Gianni Vella (1885-1977) became his mentor and tutor (1973-77). ‘Morning Mist’ and ‘At Marfa’ are works that pay homage to Paul’s grandfather as they show the inspiration and influence of his tutor. Paul studied ceramics (1974-77) locally under Gianni Bonnici (1932-) and Gabriel Caruana (1929-) forming part of the third generation of ceramists during the 20th century.
In 1978 Paul was awarded a fi ve-year scholarship by the Italian Government.

He attended the ‘Gaetano Ballardini, Istituto Statale d’Arte per la Ceramica’ (1978-82), Faenza and the ‘Accademia di Belle Arti’ (1979-82) in Ravenna. He specialized in Fine Art & Ceramics and graduated B.A. Ceramics and M.A.

Fine Art. The best ceramists and sculptors at the time: Guido Mariani (1950-), Angelo Biancini (191-88), Mario Tassinari (9142-), Fulvio Ravaioli (1926-83) and C. Zauli (1952-1991) some of them international in status were some of his masters and tutors. Paul also obtained the diploma in Ceramics Restoration.

Paul’s studies are based on his apprenticeship years with his grandfather the well known painter Gianni Vella, his local studies with the best ceramists in Malta and his university and post-graduate studies in Italy, in Faenza and Ravenna internationally famous for specialized higher studies in ceramics. This academic background is the basis of works, the result of technique and talent such as his ‘Self-portrait’ (Faenza 1980), ‘Nudo’ (Ravenna 1982), ‘After Mantegna’ (Faenza 1981) and ‘Crocifi sso” (Faenza 1980). There is in Paul a persistent creative urge, a constant and insistent attempt to turn matter into pure energy. Ceramics and fi ring at high temperatures is an excellent choice to achieve this aim. His works are marked by an irresistible dynamic force, an explosive energy, a passionate and emotional nature, a hedonism at once prodigal and extravagant and bold, strong and powerful colours and glazes that melting temperatures in his kiln mould and crystallize into a personal romantic expression so exceptional and unique.

E. V. Borg
September 05th, 2010

See the campaign Proud of “My Country”

Read the article of «Times of Malta» “Luqa monument face of new promotional campaign”

Mayor John Schembri described the art work as “vulgar” and “embarrassing”, saying it should go “as a sign of respect” for Pope Benedict XVI. Colonna Mediterranea was created by artist Paul Vella Critien and has been on show in the town of Luqa since 2006. Mr Critien responded by calling his critics “ignorant” and “uneducated”…

Read the rest of the article on news.bbc.co.uk

See the sculpture

25th April, 2009 – 9th May, 2009
Maltese Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce
Palazzo De La Salle
219, Republic Street
Valletta

See the picture Gallery of the Exhibition

On Saturday 25th April, an art exhibition by the Maltese artist Paul Vella Critien will be inaugurated at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacture & Commerce, Republic Street, Valletta.The theme “Anime delle Terre” consists of a collection of around 25 pieces in ceramics which were produced during the last 16 months. This is the twelfth personal art show that the artist has organized in Malta and Europe. In this particular exhibition, the exhibits will be of small and large sizes, a mixture of contemporary compositions. In a personal way, the artist will be viewing developed techniques in Maiolica, Stoneware and Engobes colours. This collection is based on the spirit and effects of Planet Earth, a combination to demonstrate his love and deep passionate belief in natural forms, colour and texture.

Paul’s recent works are bold, expressive ceramic sculptures that the artist has evolved in ancient raw materials into modern idoms, full of passion derived from universal forms. Most of the works are a balance of structural engineering methods, techniques that manifest the vast experience he has acquired during his studies with renowned sculptores such as Prof. A. Biancini and Prof. C. Zauli, winners of prestigious world art prizes such as the Venice Biennale in sculpture and ceramic art competitions in Faenza, Italy. Paul completed his studies in 1982, graduating B.A., M.A. (FINE ART), Faenza, RA, Italy. During the last 30 years, Paul has exhibited his works in important art galleries in Europe, Australia and USA. His works are an expression of great ability, depth and originality with endless energy, a monumental technological force with unique artistic styles and freedom. “Elementi Liberi” is an abstract mural, an alto relief finished in salt glazes of blue and bronze. The sphere collection, three pieces in all, are 3-dimensional sculptures portraying aspects of changing effects, decorated in different methods, with powerful contrast and technical expertise. This series of sculptures (40cm x 40cm) are without a doubt the focal expressions for this art show, and the continuation of a long process he had already put on view at Auberge d’Italie with his Sphera I exhibited in 2005. Two ceramic base reliefs, “Summer Sunset I and II” simplified to create light and effect with great simplicity of our local characteristics. “Bimbo” and “Bimba”, are two stylised sculptures produced by one of Paul’s favourite methods, spontaneously building and modelling his composition at the same time, a technique that requires great skill and experience in ceramics engineering. His figurative works are his Forte, a combination of natural and great academic training and of creative ability. “Mother of God”, a freestanding sculpture (70cm) glazed in metallic bronze is an expression of faith and humility, leaning towards the viewer. This magnificent art piece, was made by what the artist calls “Alla Prima Tecnica”. Most of his completed works are made using this method.

Paul Vella Critien was commissioned several public ceramic monuments in Malta, Europe and Australia, in this forthcoming exhibition Paul shall once again manifest his artistic bravura and unique creativity, proving his international repute and success in recent years.

Prof. A. Bellendi

See the picture Gallery of the Exhibition

In collaboration with the ministry of tourism and Culture, I will be presenting a collection of my ceramic art works during the months of December and January. This event will be held on Saturday,17th December, and will be inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, HON. DR. F. ZAMMIT DIMECH, AT 7.30 PM.

On show, 32 pieces, mostly made during the last three years. All works on show are made of ceramics, some are 3 dimensional, and others are ceramics plaques. Various ceramics techniques have been used, such as Stoneware, Maiolica, engobes, and third firings colours.

Paul loves and celebrates life. He adores woman and glorifies her beauty. Woman’s perpetual spell inspires him with artistic madness. He exults in the mystery, magic and enigma of woman and with exuberant enthusiasm and prodigal effort sings her praises with élan vital and joie de vivre.

With intense feeling he expresses her fragile and vulnerable nature, her sensual and erotic disposition, her maternal and creative energy. He captures her charm. He is bewildered by her poise, elegant, delicate and graceful dynamic force. He is awed by her powers of seduction. He believes as Michelangelo and Delacroix in woman as life and death, as alpha and omega, as the beginning and end.

‘Futura’ is an evocation of maternal fullness, of curvaceous and sinuous forms, of erotic feeling, of bulbous full breasts that suckle mankind on a rivulet of milk, on the nutritious honey of her love, care, attention and concern. In a paean of feeling he expresses her moods: languid or sanguine, joyful or sad, intensely tragic or merely romantic and sentimental.

Paul projects woman as a nostalgic dreamer, titillating siren, enchanting seductress, explosive temptress, piteous victim and conquering heroine. Paul is an artist of mood, of deep emotional feeling, of acute fantasy and powerful and forceful expression. He projects an art of explosive, unbounded energy.

Paul is a lover of nature, of life, of landscape, of forms, colours and light. The plaques of ‘Porta Portese, Roma’ and ‘Peschiera di Valletta’ are demonstrations of technical bravura and virtuosity. The majolica rendition of the ‘Peschiera’ is a simulation of a watercolour sketch, of wet on wet. The ‘Porta Portese’ is a vibrant expressionist idiom in ‘chiaroscuro’ and a definition of black linear rhythms.

The plates are wonderful modern evocations of expressionist bursts of colour. Characteristic is ‘Tsunami’ an impression of an apocalyptic natural catastrophe that has shocked the world while ‘Riflessi di Marsaxlokk’ is a study in dreamy nostalgia and ‘benessere’, a study in equanimity, effortlessness or ‘disinvoltura’. ‘Luce della Natura’ is vibrant forceful and powerful.

Paul exults in life and nature, in woman and her wiles with the engaging enthusiasm of a child, with contagious exuberance and enthusiasm, with the awe, surprise and astonishment of primordial man. He is so awed and stunned by the mystery and magic in life that the boundless joy shown at the scientific and technological exploration of Saturn’s moon, Titan pales into insignificance.

Biography

Paul Vella Chretien was born in 1960. At an early age Paul started his artistic career drawing and painting with his grandfather Gianni Vella, at one of his studio’s in Mosta. During the same period he joined the Malta School of Art with Censu Apap and Esprit Barthet respectively. For three years he had acquired good skills in the field of ceramics under John Bonnici and Gabriel Caruana receiving the School Diploma.

In 1978, he was recommended by the Education Department and awarded a five year scholarship by the Italian Government to specialize in Fine Art at the renowned “Gaetano Ballardini” Institute of Art & Ceramics, at Faenza,(RA), Italy. During his studies abroad, Paul studied under various artists such as Prof Angelo Biancini, (winner of the 1940 Venice Biennale & Premio Faenza 1946,1957) and Prof G. Mariani (Premio Faenza 1980) and other experts in the art of ceramics & painting. Paul graduated in 1982, obtaining his Master’s degree in Fine Art, specializing in various ceramics techniques including restoration. In 1977, he was awarded a certificate of Merit for his art work at the London Art Exhibition, held at the Tate gallery in London. Since then, his participation in various art competitions was regular, in fact in 1980 his work had already been chosen to be on show amongst the best ceramists of the world, at the International Art Competition of Faenza, Italy. For many years his work was accepted and exhibited in important art galleries in Europe, Australia and the USA. Paul’s work is found in many private collections and museums around the world. Presently he is completing a 7 meter ceramic monument commissioned by the San Gwann local council which will be inaugurated later this year.

With great patience and involvement towards his art, the result is not only highly commendable and successful but also quite astonishing.

Prof. A. Bellendi – Florence

Exhibition of ceramic sculpture by Paul Vella Chritien

Gallery – Dai 3 Amici
Via della Rotonda 7-8-9 (near the Pantheon)
ROME

Explosive energy

Paul Vella Chretien

Paul loves and celebrates life. He adores woman and glorifies her beauty. Woman’s perpetual spell inspires him with artistic madness. He exults in the mystery, magic and enigma of woman and with exuberant enthusiasm and prodigal effort sings her praises with élan vital and joie de vivre.

With intense feeling he expresses her fragile and vulnerable nature, her sensual and erotic disposition, her maternal and creative energy. He captures her charm. He is bewildered by her poise, elegant, delicate and graceful dynamic force. He is awed by her powers of seduction. He believes as Michelangelo and Delacroix in woman as life and death, as alpha and omega, as the beginning and end.

‘Futura’ is an evocation of maternal fullness, of curvaceous and sinuous forms, of erotic feeling, of bulbous full breasts that suckle mankind on a rivulet of milk, on the nutritious honey of her love, care, attention and concern. In a paean of feeling he expresses her moods: languid or sanguine, joyful or sad, intensely tragic or merely romantic and sentimental.

Paul projects woman as a nostalgic dreamer, titillating siren, enchanting seductress, explosive temptress, piteous victim and conquering heroine. Paul is an artist of mood, of deep emotional feeling, of acute fantasy and powerful and forceful expression. He projects an art of explosive, unbounded energy.

Paul is a lover of nature, of life, of landscape, of forms, colours and light. The plaques of ‘Porta Portese, Roma’ and ‘Peschiera di Valletta’ are demonstrations of technical bravura and virtuosity. The majolica rendition of the ‘Peschiera’ is a simulation of a watercolour sketch, of wet on wet. The ‘Porta Portese’ is a vibrant expressionist idiom in ‘chiaroscuro’ and a definition of black linear rhythms.

The plates are wonderful modern evocations of expressionist bursts of colour. Characteristic is ‘Tsunami’ an impression of an apocalyptic natural catastrophe that has shocked the world while ‘Riflessi di Marsaxlokk’ is a study in dreamy nostalgia and ‘benessere’, a study in equanimity, effortlessness or ‘disinvoltura’. ‘Luce della Natura’ is vibrant forceful and powerful.
Paul exults in life and nature, in woman and her wiles with the engaging enthusiasm of a child, with contagious exuberance and enthusiasm, with the awe, surprise and astonishment of primordial man. He is so awed and stunned by the mystery and magic in life that the boundless joy shown at the scientific and technological exploration of Saturn’s moon, Titan pales into insignificance.

This exhibition in Rome of Paul’s recent creations is the result of corporate effort. On behalf of the artist I wish to thank the Bank of Valletta plc, Air Malta, The Minister for Youth and Culture Dr. Francis Zammit Dimech, the Malta Ambassador for Italy Mr. E. Melillo, the Ambassador for Italy Dr. Alviso Memmo, the cultural attaché Dr. Anna Maria Di Marco, Mr. J.F.X. Zahra, Sig. Alfio Schiafone and all those who have helped to realise this dream.

16. 01. 2005
E. V. Borg