With Art Collective II now open, William Degiorgio interviews Claude Camilleri, the curator of Gallery Marcoux and Le Méridien Malta, to unveil the thinking behind the exhibition and the process used to bring works by artists from all over the world together.

Paintings on canvas, sculptures, installations and photography have been brought together at the international Art Collective II to truly offer a feast for the senses.

The exhibition, featuring art by artists from as far afield as the US, Austria and Bulgaria, promises culture vultures a fun journey through the thoughts, aesthetics and vision of eight different creatives.

“I think it’s great to see what artists are up to from any given location,” says Claude Camilleri, the curator of Gallery Marcoux and Le Méridien Malta.

“It’s also healthy for the artists locally – artists inspire other artists and this energy is great as a whole. Even so, I wouldn’t say that this exhibition feels multicultural,” he says.

“To me the word ‘multicultural’ is associated with people of different ethnicities, so I prefer using the word ‘international’ as it’s more open.”

Claude Camilleri. Photo: Frank Edgar Muller

Having had its launch just two Fridays ago, the exhibition is definitely colourful. Moreover, many of the exhibits are real conversation and discussion pieces and use various elements from popular culture (Shakespeare, Charlie Chaplin), nature (sea horses, flowers), and even superstition (goats’ heads) to create an enchanting discourse.

“The process of bringing it all together was very organic, actually,” says Camilleri.

“I don’t have a structure of implementation: artists approach me on a regular basis and I approach them sometimes too…

“I do, however, have a selection process for the art I exhibit and it is primarily focused on the visual and kinaesthetic experience a work of art gives me. In other words, if it feels right, then I exhibit it.”

Of course Camilleri’s eye for these things comes from the wealth of experience he’s amassed through his life and career.

“My curiosity has lead me to various paths, and each one has been a beautiful experience,” he says.

“I have been around and interested in art all my life, but only made that conscious leap of pursuing this passion in full in 2012.

The sustainability of galleries for modern and contemporary art in Malta is pretty slim

“Back then I started an art community on Facebook called ‘Pop My Gallery’ and, one year later, I opened an online and pop-up gallery called Gallery Marcoux.

“Since the start I have been involved in art festivals, private and public exhibitions, I have also taken part in art fairs and I got involved in anything I could. My calendar is booked out till 2016, and also includes exhibit visits to London and Art Basel in Miami again at the end of the year.”

Camilleri is also the curator at Le Méridien Malta, which, in February, hosted the first Art Collective, entitled La Premiere 2015 at KuDéTa Lounge & Bar.

“Since the mission of Le Méridien is to stimulate a visitor’s experience, it was easy for me to get involved as the hotel’s curator this year,” says Camilleri.

“And its location in one of the Island’s favourite hotspots is great to get people to check out the art.

“I believe that it’s important that art is seen on our islands, but the truth is that the sustainability of galleries for modern and contemporary art in Malta is pretty slim.

“Space is a luxury on this island, and until enough interest is generated locally, then we will not be seeing many dedicated spaces and galleries.

“Nevertheless, nourishing art-ists is key: art inspires people, and inspiration is a great thing,” he says.

“When someone buys a work of art they are supporting creativity and the artist behind the work, plus art is a commodity and a tangible asset one can keep or exchange.

“The more we support artists’ creativity the more spaces and galleries we shall see in the future.”

The eight artists whose work is being showcased at this exhibition – four from Malta, New York, London, Austria and Bulgaria – each used their own medium of choice, and the art varies not just in medium but also in thought-process and message.

“We have a great selection of artists and each artist offers something different,” says Camilleri.

“The New York-based artist David Hollier works on cultural icons and his work is based on calligraphy-style pop art.

“Sequin Kay, on the other hand, is known for her intriguing and time-consuming works using sequins, while Archer Charles from Malta works on freestanding and wall-dynamic structures. Stiefnu’s installations and sculptures are also a must-see.

“Meanwhile, Vency from Bulgaria has a signature minimalist style with symbolism from history and mathematical equations, and Alexia Coppini will be exhibit-ing fine art including Estella, a character she’s brought to life.

“Clemens H from Austria will be exhibiting his pop art-work, and Krista Sullivan from Malta will be showcasing her abstracts.

“We will also have one work exhibited from a private collector, so, yes, there are many pieces, which people should come see…

“Ultimately, the turnout and the buzz at La Premiere 2015 were electric and, with the Art Collective II as the follow-up to it, the stakes for delivery are high but, yet again, we plan to deliver!” he says.

Art Collective II shows until September 30 at KuDéTa, Le Méridien, St Julian’s. For more information contact Claude Camilleri on 9946 1598 or by sending an e-mail to gallerymarcoux@gmail.com.

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