“A visual perception operates on different planes we always see more, not necessarily through,but in conjuction with what we are focused on. While you are looking at people or just their limbs, torso, back or faces, you are aware of something else perhaps in your peripheral vision, perhaps in your visual memory or perhaps in a physical sensorial sensation that has nothing to do with vision at all.”
This is how artist Mark Attard describes as the basis for his second art exhibition, People.
Through his use of various media – oils, pastels and acrylics, as well as additional original touches – he succeeds in guiding the viewer’s eyes to alternative aspects of human images, transporting the work-a-day world to the borders of fantasy, while at the same time leaving room for interpretation.
Attard maintains that within his paintings what you see is not always what you get and they are only complete once the viewer adds his or her own interpretation to the piece. The exhibition follows Attard’s debut in the visual arts world, From a Different Angle, some two years ago.
Attard is also an established musician and composer. Also known as Mark Kram on the music scene, he regularly performs with established bands such as the popular Fakawi, a band he co-founded himself, Xirka Rock, Trania (dedicated to Mediterranean ethnic fusion) and What the Funk! He also plays with var-ious other outfits and is accomplished in various styles such as jazz, rock, funk and reggae.
Although this art form had somehow been overshadowed by his music, Attard manages to fuse his music and his paintings together. His use of vibrant colours may be compared to musical tones with the dark and bright tones comparable to the diminuendos and crescendos on a musical score.
The collection of some 20 pieces sees works involving people or parts thereof and is testament to his artistic journey so far, while at the same time promising more destinations in the future.
People shows at the Heritage Malta Venue, Valletta, between December 12 and 31 (closed on the 24 and 25).