Gozo's colours inspire German artist

Gozo-based German artist Jörg Böttcher is holding an art exhibition at his farmhouse in Zebbug, Gozo, at the weekend.

It is his second "farmhouse exhibition", following the success of the first in 2001, the idea behind which is also to allow visitors to see how the paintings fit "living" surroundings, outside a large, white, gallery space.

The exhibition includes around 70 paintings, mostly acrylics and portraying abstract and local scenes, and 50 photographs, displayed in the house, the courtyard and the garden.

Even his photographs depict local scenes, but also an innovative idea: the artist did his own abstract body painting on women and photographed them, "making an art form out of it". He is pleased with the results of the experiment.

Mr Böttcher chose to settle in Gozo in 1992, but has known the island since 1978, when he first came on holiday. Before he moved to Gozo, he ran a wine shop, with an art gallery, for 11 years.

Although it is not easy for Mr Böttcher to describe his own works, he says that Gozo has played a major role in his artistic development and that he has, undoubtedly, been inspired by the island's colours. Their vibrancy marked a major contrast from city life and strongly influenced him.

To Mr Böttcher, Gozo's appeal lies mostly in its "quietness" and the possibility to relax and work. He remains awestruck by the landscape and its contrasting colours, ranging from yellow and dark ochre to clashing turquoises and blues, mostly visible in his abstract paintings.

Mr Böttcher started painting in Greece in 1977 and has since held over 30 solo exhibitions in Berlin. But the Gozitan environment marked a change in his artistic style.

Today, his works adorn restaurants like Manoel's in Mgarr, Il-Kartell in Marsalforn and Bellusa in Victoria.

The artist has been wheelchair bound, due to a spinal injury, since 1999, but nothing has stopped him from pursuing his painting, or allowed his love for art to dwindle.

"Art keeps you up and young," says the artist.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of his works are going to the Arka Foundation in Gozo.

Mr Böttcher's farmhouse is at 21, Kapuccina Street, Zebbug.