Following two successful exhibitions showcasing his abstract works over the past few years, James Vella Clark returns to his artistic roots with a vibrant new collection of expressionist landscapes. The collection of works, created over the past three years, will be shown for the first time in Vella Clark’s forthcoming solo exhibition at Gallery 23, his first solo show at this venue. This show not only highlights the artist’s enduring passion for the Maltese landscape but also marks a pivotal moment in his career and personal life.
At the heart of this new collection is a celebration of how Vella Clark has always chosen to re-interpret the landscape in his distinctive expressionist yet playful style. Each piece reflects the artist’s emotional connection to his surroundings, blending vivid colours with bold textures that capture the interplay of light and shadow. As with his past works, these new paintings continue to explore themes of memory, identity, and place, inviting viewers to engage with the landscapes on both a visual and emotional level. The collection showcases the evolution of Vella Clark’s expressionist approach, blending abstraction with a return to his earlier cubist elements.
This exhibition also serves as a significant milestone in Vella Clark’s 25-year artistic journey. Known for his versatility and ability to reinvent his style, Vella Clark has consistently pushed boundaries while staying true to his love for the landscape idiom. Over the years, his works have continued to captivate collectors, cementing his reputation as one of Malta’s leading contemporary artists. This new collection exemplifies his stylistic growth, offering a fresh perspective while paying homage to his artistic roots.
Coinciding with his 50th birthday, this exhibition is more than a showcase of recent works. As he prepares for his first major retrospective later this year, this personal show at Gallery 23 serves as both a prelude and a re-affirmation of his commitment to his stylistic expression.
Gallery 23 is proud to host James Vella Clark’s first solo exhibition inside its intimate space, an opportunity that will offer a glimpse into the artist’s latest works.
The curators of this exhibition, Alexia Gingell Littlejohn and Rachel Said, are available by appointment (99428272 or info@gallery23malta.com) and invite you to visit Gallery 23 at your convenience to enjoy this fantastic collection. Otherwise you may join them on the open days to meet the artists on Sundays from 11am till 12:30 and Wednesdays from 6:30pm till 8pm.