A walk around Buskett awakens the senses. The dancing shafts of sunlight puncturing thick, green canopies, the sharp, pungent smell of damp undergrowth, and the aura of silence gently upset by the rustling of leaves, beckon the casual visitor to abandon all earthy concern and return to Eden.

These are the feelings evoked by Trees of Buskett, an exhibition by photographer Peter Paul Barbara that is a homage – as the name suggests – to the trees of Buskett. The exhibition truly represents a rediscovered affinity for these trees some of which are hundreds of years old. This collection of works represent a special relationship, up close and personal between the artist and nature.

The photographer trusts that these images transmit the same sense of enduring serenity he feels – with the Aristotelian belief that living organisms have different kinds of souls, and that such souls are the substance of life. Some truly believe in the spirit of trees, that these vibrate peace and serenity, and that trees can communicate through their evolved consciousness. For others, trees are magical, and their energy flows between heaven and earth.

Buskett is a major area of conservation, a very delicate and fragile area rich in biodiversity with different types of habitats and organisms that dwell within. For the past 30 years, some changes did take place some for the better, but a lot still needs to be done. The photographer hopes that his exhibition will encourage everyone to contribute to the preservation of this area for the sake of future generations.

To coincide with the exhibition, Clearing House Publishing Ltd is launching a publication, entitled The Trees of Buskett – Agents of the Sublime, as a limited edition, hard cover.

Trees of Buskett is being sponsored by APS Bank and runs until January 6 at St James Cavalier, Valletta.