Isabelle Borg’s great contribution to contemporary painting in Malta

Isabelle Borg was one of my oldest and dearest friends and saying goodbye is one of the hardest things. This last year witnessed a rapid decline in her health caused by Lung Fibrosis. She never once complained; the words “why me?” were never heard once passing from her lips. She was remarkably brave, a true Stoic, and never lost her sense of humour throughout this ordeal.

I would like to mention her partner Graham Cooper whose devotion for Isabelle was the living embodiment of the words “I am committed and love you till death do us part”. I keep saying this and say it again: “You are fantastic Graham!”. If the words “A true gentleman” have any sense in our world today they are for you.

Isabelle was also a colleague and fellow painter. After graduating with a B.A. in Fine Art from Camberwell School of Art, London, she returned to Malta and set up her studio in Floriana. She read an M.A. in History of Art at the University of Malta and worked as a full time lecture in art at the Junior College and The University of Malta.

Isabelle rejoiced in her painting. I recall her Harbour Views and the mellow Mediterranean values in her large figurative paintings; her canvases of boats and harbour inlets around Valletta, Floriana and Marsa, figures in industrial landscapes, crouching figures on bastions. She painted her friends and I have had the honour of modelling for her twice and been immortalised in her expressionistic painting style.

Then, her giant bull painting, her suitcase paintings and her final exhibition entitled “Strange Cargo” held at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Oh yes! The metaphor of carrying a suitcase on this mysterious journey through life could not be more apt.

Let us remember Isabelle through her paintings for she has contributed to contemporary painting in Malta, and if I may say so myself, Isabelle has contributed greatly.