Artworks by Victor Pasmore, one of the 20th century’s leading abstract painters, will be permanently on display at the Central Bank of Malta.
This will be the first gallery dedicated to a changing selection of the artist’s personal collection and will be housed at the bank’s Polverista (the gunpowder magazine) in Valletta, which dates back to the 17th century.
The exhibition follows an agreement between the bank and the Victor Pasmore Foundation.
Architect Richard England, a founding member of the foundation, said his relationship with Pasmore started on the artist’s arrival in Malta in 1966.
“I remember receiving a phone call from him commenting positively on the then still shell structure of my church at Manikata,” Prof. England said. He learnt to appreciate Pasmore as a special friend and a “valued mentor” who influenced his thoughts and philosophy throughout the years.
Born in 1908 in the UK, Pasmore gained international fame in 1960 following his representation of Great Britain at the Venice Biennale with an exhibition of works that toured Europe.
In 1966, he moved to Malta with his wife Wendy and lived in Gudja until his death in 1998.
His works can be found in many public collections around the world including Tate Britain, the London Royal Academy of Arts, the New York Museum of Modern Art, the British Council and the Yale Centre for British Art.
Prof. England described Pasmore’s art as focusing on the theme of subjective freedom. An artist of knowledge and mastery, he was “fascinated by the elimination of the nonessential”.
Pasmore’s influence and contribution to the Maltese artistic community was “immeasurable” and “may well be compared to the legacy left by Caravaggio and, later, by Mattia Preti during their stay on the island centuries ago”, Prof. England said.
Pasmore explored and potentially exploded many conventional theories while seeking fresh ideas
The official opening is scheduled for November 3 and Prof. England said it would be a “timely tribute to an outstanding artist who spent a third of his life in Malta”.
Pasmore’s daughter, Mary Nice, and her husband, Derek, said they were delighted with the exhibition. “He would have been intrigued, honoured and amused. He had a great sense of humour and a wonderful laugh,” Mr Nice said.
“I’m sure he would be happy that his Maltese-inspired works will be stored here [in the bank].
“He explored and potentially exploded many conventional theories while seeking fresh ideas, techniques and materials,” he added.
Central Bank governor Josef Bonnici said the exhibition would rotate a number of Pasmore’s works, of which the bank owned four. These are on loan from the Pasmore Estate in Malta and the UK.
For more information call 2550 3100.