Gallery 23 offers an exclusive, alternative exhibition experience focused on bringing quality, sense-provoking fine art to the people who love it and want more of it.
Gallery 23 is a tool for emerging and established artists to showcase their collection of works.
Balzan
Alfie Gatt Andrew Borg Andrew SMITH Caroline Said Lawrence Catherine Cavallo Celia Borg Cardona Debbie Bonello Henry Falzo...
Balzan
The idea of this exhibition was to invite artists to discover and explore interiors, exteriors, spaces and objects that create interesting compositions with the play of light.
Spaces have no definition or meaning unless visual objects or elements are placed inside them, establishing a relationship between them that brings them to life. Space is a negative between positive solids. What we perceive visually is not the space itself but the defined boundaries shaped by walls, the textures of objects, the presence of people and the interplay of light and shadows.
For Painting with Light, each artist interprets this theme through their unique lens, drawing inspiration from historical interiors and objects to views and local landscapes and the classic technique of chiaroscuro.
During the Italian Renaissance chiaroscuro became a primary technique for many painters highlighting the dynamic relationship between light (chiaro) and dark (scuro) to create dramatic and emotionally evocative imagery. Artists like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Vermeer were masters of this style using it to give their works a profound sense of depth, drama, andemotionalresonance. Over time, this technique transcended painting, influencing other art forms such as filmmaking, where light was not just a tool to illuminate a scene but evolved into a storytelling device. Noir films of the 1940s popularized this approach, using stark contrasts of light and shadow to shape mood, tone, and narrative as it did in paintings.
In the artwork displayed throughout this exhibition, both artificial and natural light play a crucial role in the compositions. Some of the artists captured the warm natural light entering the room, highlighting interior details and creating beautiful shadows. In contrast we also see the use of artificial lighting, particularly in the outdoor scenes, illuminating the surrounding objects, monuments and buildings whilst the moonlight infuses atmosphere to nocturnal scenes. Although paintings are two –dimensional, the artists manage to create depth using multiple layers of brightness. The contrast created by the differences in the intensity and distribution of light allows the viewer to see an interesting three-dimensional image. These artworks invite viewers to experience a sense of spatial movement, connecting the tangible and intangible aspects of their compositions.
An intriguing approach which was encouraged for this exhibition is the explorataion of Fuori/Dentro, which literally translates to ‘outisde/inside’. Not only did the artists capture the essence of interior spaces but also the transitions between the inside and outside, interpreting how the eye moves through objects, doorways, and architectural spaces. Light guides our gaze, flowing in and out of buildings or exterior environments, creating a dialogue between the contained and the infinite.
In art, interiors offer a glimpse into the private lives, cultural norms, and psychological landscapes of people throughout history. They have been a popular subject in various artistic movements such as the Dutch Golden Age were artists like Johannes Vermeer and Pieter de Hooch created serene, detailed interior scenes which incorporated symbolic objects reflecting themes of morality, wealth or daily activities. Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists like Pierre Bonnard and Édouard Vuillard focused on colour, light, and personal space, often blurring the boundary between interior and exterior whilst Edgar Degas is known for his intimate indoor scenes with human figures depicted, especially in ballet studios. Surrealists like René Magritte used interiors to explore the subconscious, juxtaposing familiar elements with dreamlike absurdity. The arrangement of furniture, lighting, and perspective can create warmth, mystery, or tension creating a mood and atmosphere in a painting as seen in Edward Hopper’s depictions of modern isolation. Many similarities to the subjects and techniques used by these masters will be found as the viewer travels through this exhibition. They are challenged to consider how spaces shape identity and emotion. Most of the locations chosen will be familiar to many viewers and evoke feelings of comfort as well as nostalgia.
Whether through the abundance or absence of light, the artists create contrasts and dramatic interpretations which evoke emotion, telling stories of hope, despair, or introspection. The emotional state of the artist often influences these interpretations; darker periods in their lives may yield sombre works, while still finding the light to symbolize hope and renewal. Painting with Light adds a new dimension to this timeless theme, offering a metaphorical vision that is both deeply personal to the artists and open to interpretation by viewers. Through this collection, light becomes more than a visual element—it transforms into a narrative force, revealing the profound connection between illumination, emotion and the human experience.
Feel free to book your slot between 9am-1pm or 4pm-8pm
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