Sitting in his studio in far-off Byron Bay, Australia, with a corrugated-iron roof, and canvases lined up behind him, Christian Palmer is quiet, and not easily drawn to speak about his work. It’s very early in the morning over there, while Malta is still easing into the evening, so maybe his reticence is understandable, but I get the feeling that painting comes more naturally to him than discussing why he paints.

We talk about all sorts of things in the end; from graffiti and music to animal rights and stencil techniques. And it becomes clear that painting and animals are two intertwined elements that play a central role in Christian’s life.

Christian will be showing a collection of his work in Valletta this Christmas. Some are oil paintings, textured and layered, while others are more graphic stencil works. Their common thread; the bull terrier that takes centre stage, looking at its audience with large, soulful eyes. What is it about this animal in particular that draws Christian to it?

“There is something in each animal that I paint that I can relate to,” he says, “and I can find my voice through them.” Christian has been painting animals for over eight years now, from elephants and tigers, to more domesticated donkeys and pigs. But he keeps returning to the bull terrier, as if determined to crack its harsh reputation, and bring out its genuine, often misunderstood nature. Animals, in their sincerity, shine a particular light on human activity; pets even more so, perhaps because they live so closely alongside us, without judgement or comment.

There is something in each animal that I paint that I can relate to

In his paintings, Christian gives them a voice, quite literally sometimes, through lyrics written alongside the animal. The words reflect something within the animal, and are added, as Christian says, “when it feels right”. The writing is messy, almost naïve, lending it a directness and a truth that brings us closer to the animal and its sentiments.

Not all of Christian’s works contain lyrics. Many speak for themselves, or carry their message in their symbolism. In the centrepiece of the show, Great Expectations, three images of a puppy speak through the oversized collar it’s wearing. The puppy, for now small and innocent, has some big shoes to fill, and will have to carry its bad reputation with it throughout its life.

In Byron Bay, where he’s lived for eight years now, Christian still sometimes works in public spaces and on exterior walls. Placed on the street, and in the community, his work takes on a different life; it demands a closer look. Christian’s lyrics placed alongside endow a narrative, and give a meaning to a public artwork. Christian tells me that it’s important to him to stay in contact with the community, and to maintain a local presence in his adopted hometown, despite shows last year in Portugal and New York, and a busy twelve months ahead in 2019.

Christian has lived in Malta – spending a few years at school when he was young – and still has close ties with the island. While it’s difficult to visit frequently, he’s happy to send his work here, keeping in touch as an artist does best. He might not be so loquacious, but he speaks eloquently through his animals, and his artist’s voice is clear.

The exhibition of paintings by Christian Palmer opens tomorrow, from 6.30 – 8.30pm at La Bottega Art Bistro, 201 Merchant Street, Valletta. For more information, contact Lily Agius Gallery on 9929 2488.

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