Middlesea Valletta Life is sponsoring an exhibition of ceramic works of art by Maltese artist Charlot Cassar at Galerie Sous-Terre in the Netherlands. The exhibition, which runs until March 8, marks an important milestone in Cassar's artistic development in what is his first major breakthrough internationally.

With over 1,000 square metres of gallery space, Galerie Sous-Terre is one of the biggest and most prominent art galleries in the Netherlands, representing some 150 artists worldwide.

Cassar's work developed from that of an emerging artist trying to carve a niche in the local art scene to that of a mature artist in his own right. There is no radical break from a style that is becoming uniquely his. Rather, one can perceive a journey that continues to explore possibilities infused with the artist's visual and personal experiences.

His work is an artistic statement that combines a deep-rooted fascination for landscape and rock formations, the love for the medium and a strong personal expression.

The slabs of high-fired clay that make up the works of art create a series of meandering lines and interlocking shapes forming balanced compositions heightened by the vitrified glaze colours.

Greens, blues and browns dominate, as does a sense of deep calm that permeates the collection. Also prominent in this collection are a series of dyptichs and some larger, bolder compositions.

The artist is enthusiastic about this latest venture: "Exhibiting abroad is, I think, a huge step for any Maltese artist and I am obviously very excited about the prospect. Galerie Sous-Terre is a leading gallery in the Netherlands with a high international profile and this opportunity has been invigorating, to say the least. I am also extremely thankful for the unfaltering support that Middlesea have provided since I started exhibiting in 2006," he said.

The artist's work can be viewed at www.charlotcassar.com.