Extraordinary evolutionof clay
Colour, form, shape and texture all evolve into a conglomeration of works by Paul Haber - works that require time and space in which to be visually absorbed.
Mysterious crevices, monumental glaciers and extraordinary spheres - these are not the characteristics of a secluded natural wilderness, nor for that matter, the terrain of a distant planet. They are the products of the imagination and artistry of ceramist Paul Haber whose work is presently being exhibited in Gozo in a much-awaited exhibition that is seeing some 25 pieces of abstract diversity on show.
Fired Imagination is right - the artist's imagination has gone wild, building a selection of varied works based on the remotest of possibilities, each composition producing a constant challenge to one's sense of observation.
"I cannot say that my work is inspired by anything specific and if inspiration did exist, it would eventually become a minimal point of inspiration after all. The final product comes naturally, as I compose my clay, fire it, embellish it and develop it further."
One work resembles an ark kept aloft by a huge sail above, another is a perfect globe riddled by corrosive pitting that is challenging to its perfection as a spherical object, a third resembles a water creature from a distant megalithic time, although the artist claims he had initially visualised ripples in water. Some spherical shapes tower above the rest and then there are the plaques - diverse as much as they are inventive. The world of the abstract form takes shape through a surprising array of creativity.
As Mr Haber himself asserts, the clay changes as he works and plays with it, metamorphosing in tandem with his moods and inclination. However, it is a well known fact that he is a man imbued with a passion for nature, for the tranquil rural quality of our land, the beauty of the countryside and environment. And many of these ceramic inventions echo of a wilderness that has been lost to modern development and invasive human intervention.
This solo collection follows on the steps of his 2005 exhibition Fireworks which was displayed at the National Museum of Fine Arts as well as at an open air show on City Gate, Valletta in the same year. An opportunity to exhibit in Connecticut, US happened last year in June and this year Mr Haber will be embarking further afield. But before doing so, he wanted to keep a long-time promise to exhibit in his beloved Gozo.
However, foreign attention has been beckoning once again and come September, Mr Haber's Fired Imagination shall enjoy pride of place at the premises of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
This internationally renowned artist, whose work has been exhibited in the UK, Japan, New York, Washington DC, Canada, Italy and various other countries, was recently nominated to display his artifacts in the foyer of what can only be described as an imposing building.
The Council of Europe will in fact host his sculptures in ceramic practically throughout all of September. Strasbourg will see 50 compositions flown specifically for the Fired Imagination exhibition - probably one of the largest and most impressive by Mr Haber so far.
• Fired Imagination can be viewed at the Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria, in collaboration with The Gozo Cultural Council until August 31. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. The extended exhibition can eventually be also viewed at the Council of Europe foyer, Avenue de l'Europe, 67075, Strasbourg, from September 4-26.
Fired Imagination is right - the artist's imagination has gone wild, building a selection of varied works based on the remotest of possibilities, each composition producing a constant challenge to one's sense of observation.
"I cannot say that my work is inspired by anything specific and if inspiration did exist, it would eventually become a minimal point of inspiration after all. The final product comes naturally, as I compose my clay, fire it, embellish it and develop it further."
One work resembles an ark kept aloft by a huge sail above, another is a perfect globe riddled by corrosive pitting that is challenging to its perfection as a spherical object, a third resembles a water creature from a distant megalithic time, although the artist claims he had initially visualised ripples in water. Some spherical shapes tower above the rest and then there are the plaques - diverse as much as they are inventive. The world of the abstract form takes shape through a surprising array of creativity.
As Mr Haber himself asserts, the clay changes as he works and plays with it, metamorphosing in tandem with his moods and inclination. However, it is a well known fact that he is a man imbued with a passion for nature, for the tranquil rural quality of our land, the beauty of the countryside and environment. And many of these ceramic inventions echo of a wilderness that has been lost to modern development and invasive human intervention.
This solo collection follows on the steps of his 2005 exhibition Fireworks which was displayed at the National Museum of Fine Arts as well as at an open air show on City Gate, Valletta in the same year. An opportunity to exhibit in Connecticut, US happened last year in June and this year Mr Haber will be embarking further afield. But before doing so, he wanted to keep a long-time promise to exhibit in his beloved Gozo.
However, foreign attention has been beckoning once again and come September, Mr Haber's Fired Imagination shall enjoy pride of place at the premises of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
This internationally renowned artist, whose work has been exhibited in the UK, Japan, New York, Washington DC, Canada, Italy and various other countries, was recently nominated to display his artifacts in the foyer of what can only be described as an imposing building.
The Council of Europe will in fact host his sculptures in ceramic practically throughout all of September. Strasbourg will see 50 compositions flown specifically for the Fired Imagination exhibition - probably one of the largest and most impressive by Mr Haber so far.
• Fired Imagination can be viewed at the Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria, in collaboration with The Gozo Cultural Council until August 31. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. The extended exhibition can eventually be also viewed at the Council of Europe foyer, Avenue de l'Europe, 67075, Strasbourg, from September 4-26.