Primordial is a series of installations by artist Mark Xuereb that will be on show in the bomb shelters of Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta, until April 11.

This is Xuereb’s first solo exhibition and, as the name suggests, the element of primitivism and going back to basics was given utmost importance. “I did my best to strip away as much of the glittery exterior as possible till I ended up with a body of work which is honest, raw and cuts deep,” the artist says.

The project has been developing over the past five years, with most of the sculptures created during this time frame together with other related activities such as the photography of the artworks and the constant development of the concept.

Not all the sculptures are complete

“Not all the sculptures are complete and some of them can still be developed further, but then again none of my sculptures and paintings are ever complete,” Xuereb says.

“As long as my works are within my reach, they are never safe from my prying hands. The sculptures on show are but a few of the many works that either got destroyed or reworked into new ones.

“One can say they are survivors which, in most cases, had to adapt in order to survive.”

The installations presented in the exhibition are assembled in a way that the pieces are at balance with their surroundings, creating a holistic experience throughout the bomb shelter levels.

The exhibition is curated by George Mario Attard and supported by the Malta Arts Fund.

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