A retrospective exhibition by Damian Ebejer

Never Mind the Dust is the title of the retrospective exhibition of Damian Ebejer’s works showing at Villa Madama in Balzan as of tomorrow.

The exhibition is showcasing some 30 paintings – a selection of works that span a period of more than 15 years, from the time when Mr Ebejer held his first solo exhibition in 1994 at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

For this show, Mr Ebejer has, quite literally, brushed the dust off some of the works he has kept over the years, so that he could display a pictorial map of his development and transformation.

Over the years his work has changed and evolved through the exploration of landscapes, realism, surrealism, figurative painting and abstract expressionism.

“I felt the need to take stock of who I was and where I came from,” explained Mr Ebejer. “This exhibition does just that. It shows my artistic journey. It’s also the catalyst for my next steps forward and future work.”

Besides his original paintings Mr Ebejer will display a photographic portfolio of his ceiling and mural artworks carried out in various palazzos, churches, museums and private residences in Malta.

These include the restoration and creation of murals and ceiling deco at Palazzo Falson, Palazzo De Piro, the Carmelite Priory, Palazzo Parisio and Casa Rocca Piccola to name a few.

The exhibition is also acting as a launching pad for Mr Ebejer’s publication titled The Divide of Silence – a book of poetry spanning some 20 years. A selection of poems will be read out during the evening.

“A frequent question I’m asked is whether there is a connection between the visual and written art forms I choose to work on… there is no straightforward reply to this. But I feel that my play with words evokes imagery and colour”, he said.

Mr Ebejer has held several solo exhibitions and has also taken part in many collectives.

• Never Mind the Dust opens tomorrow and runs until December 31. Viewing times are between 7.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.