Art Discussion Group is inviting ceramist Paul Scerri for its meeting at Misco Office (first floor) in Fino Building in Notabile Road, Mrieħel, tomorrow.
The artist will answer questions about vision, concept and technique and discuss aspects of some of his work.
The presentation will focus on Scerri’s personal exhibition entitled Running with Scissors held at The Splendid in Strait Street, Valletta last month and a choice of previous works.
His work is a deep insight into the human psyche and man’s foibles, vicissitudes and absurd obsessions. If it were not so tragic one could laugh wholeheartedly with self and others. But the pathos the works express might suggest reflection. The keyword scissors is used metaphorically and in reality the works are an extended metaphor.
Exiting from the exhibition one might whisper to oneself: ‘what a mad world it is’; or wonder whether the human animal is completely sane.
Scerri’s artistic career started in the 1970s. He was lucky enough to embark on professional training under the eminent tutorship of Esprit Barthet. He then successfully won a number of scholarships in Italy, namely at the Accademia delle Belle Arti Pietro Vanucci of Perugia.
This was followed by studies at the Istituto Statale D’Arte G. Ballardini in Faenza. The latter study was the juncture where he became enraptured by the clay medium. He enhanced his knowledge in design and decoration of ceramic tiles by completing his studies in Imola.
Paul Scerri was awarded first prize in Ceramics at the ‘Concorso Avis’ which was held in Faenza. This encapsulated his Italian experience. He returned to Malta to teach at the Art and Design Centre in Valletta.
Actually, while still producing beautiful sculptures, Scerri also works for one of the leading marble tile factories whose owners headhunted him purposely to work within their industrial design department.
Moreover, he is also a part-time lecturer in ceramics at the University of Malta within the Faculty of Education.
The ceramist excels in creating intrigue and in depicting stereotypical characters, while delicately adding notions of injustice and narcissism. His sculptures are free to individual interpretation.
Scerri clearly describes his work by stating: “The character of my work has effectively made a full circle since, from the figurative, I moved to abstract ceramic creation and have now turned back to figurative work.”
ADG invites all members and their friends and the public to enjoy meeting Scerri who is ready to share his work and answer any question on aesthetics and technique.
Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 7.30pm.