Environmental art

Ever since it began last year, I have been following 'Fr Peter's Perspective' in The Sunday Times.

His contribution, 'Environmental art and Mt Carmel', last week, was no exception as it referred to a subject which is very close to my heart.

Without having any intention to match the scholar's intelligence and general knowledge nor make any critical notes about the artistic works at roundabouts, I wish to comment on how the works should have been carried out rather than on has been done.

A sculpture should not be commissioned after the building has been constructed; similarly, a sculpture at a roundabout should not be commissioned when the latter is already full of mature trees and abundant with decorative bushes and flowers of the season. Without consultation between the artists and the landscaper, the sculpture would probably not fit in the environment, irrespective of what material is used or subject chosen whether figurative or abstract.

This is not a matter of contacting an artist, ordering a sculpture and then finding a suitable place for it or removing an already existing tree to make way for it, as is often done. Besides, as far as I know, a sculpture should reflect the place where it is displayed. In Malta's case, although small, a sculpture in Rabat could be different from a sculpture in Vittoriosa. The characteristics of the location should be kept in mind.

Incidentally, I have my doubts about the possibility of commissioning land artists to operate on our roundabouts which have been transformed into a roundabout typically found in northern countries with turf, seasonal flowers, shrubs and decorative trees as an attraction to tourists.

This is only possible if the artist is given the opportunity when the roundabout is empty and still under construction. I would rather go for commissioning land artists/sculptors to work in the countryside, near the sea or in industrial areas such as Mosta Technopark.