The word minimalism nowadays brings to mind state-of-the-art and cutting-edge design.
But minimalism first hit Malta in the late 1960s, when British artist Victor Pasmore settled in the country and brought with him a new vein of modernist tendencies.
As homage to Pasmore's presence in Malta, an intimate exhibition of select works was inaugurated yesterday to commemorate 100 years from the birth and 10 years since the demise of the artist.
His distinct minimalist style, using large abstract forms, thin quivering lines and angular asymmetrical shapes left a strong impression on Maltese artists which is still detectable today. This unique style is evidenced in each of the works chosen for inclusion in this exhibition. Organised by Heritage Malta in collaboration with the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Pasmore's commemorative exhibition is being hosted in the Contemporary Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts in South Street, Valletta.
It features an exclusive number of works by Pasmore from the fine arts museum and Central Bank collections, ranging from etchings and aquatints to relief paintings together with a small wooden model for a sculpture.
A large number of Pasmore's works and paintings can be found in private collections yet few are found in public places in Malta. His public works are found at the Central Bank of Malta, St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, the fine arts museum and the Cathedral Museum in Mdina.
Although willing to loan their work for this exhibition, the painting housed at St James, titled Apollo V, was too large for the intimate hall at the museum.
Heritage Malta senior curator Alexander Debono announced the possibility of taking the exhibition up to Gozo, while the CEO of the culture and art council, Davinia Galea, pointed out that Pasmore's work would feature in an extensive exhibition on modern Maltese architecture taking place at St James Cavalier next January.
Pasmore was one of many artists who fell in love with Malta and settled here after buying a property during one of his many visits.
Living in Malta, Pasmore did not cut himself off from the rest of the art community and established a number of meaningful relationships with Maltese artists such as Antoine Camilleri, Anton Agius, Gabriel Caruana and Josef Kalleya, from whom he also purchased works for his private collection.
The exhibition is also accompanied by a catalogue which can be purchased against a small donation. The Victor Pasmore exhibition coincides with an open weekend which Heritage Malta is organising at the fine arts museum, during which the public will be able to view the permanent collection and the temporary displays. During the three-day event, visitors will be able to buy Melitensia publications on art and art history.
The open weekend is being held in collaboration with Midsea Books and will be open today, tomorrow and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.