Interpreting art

While appreciating and understanding Joe Psaila Savona's opinion (The Sunday Times, June 29) of Willie Apap, it would have been better had he read and studied my published thesis on Apap's Descent from the Cross before rushing to haphazard, albeit understandable, conclusions.

It is only through such an approach that one may initiate a meaningful debate on the art scene in 20th century Malta. Art works speak for themselves, sometimes transcending the very intentions of the artist himself. And it is precisely this particular side of the analysis that I am interested in. Independently of social, cultural and religious manifested imagery, art 'uncovers' deeper and more complex relationships within man's existence.

It is the function of the artist, art critic and philosopher to touch this complexity. Without such an approach, art transforms itself into a provincial, tourist-souvenir-oriented alienated activity.