Artist Wallace Falzon’s fourth solo exhibition Insights will present a collection of sculptures and paintings that were mostly created from unusual and reclaimed materials after intense experimentation during the long months of isolation of the past two years. Over 40 works comprising of mixed media paintings and sculptures will be exhibited at the Malta Society of Arts’ (MSA) seat Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta from the 3 to 23 March 2022.
“The whole lockdown situation stirred up myriad emotions in me, and as an artist, I was compelled to express them,” recalls Falzon. “The works I created explore different current situations and, as the title Insights suggests, reflective thoughts, which are then expressed visually. Three main themes will be presented: personal life (self, family and friends), current news (society) and philosophical reflections related to existential questions. Some works are pretty straightforward, while others come with sublime messages. A number of other works are caricatures with a message that will bring a smile to the viewers’ faces.”
When asked to describe his process, Falzon expresses his love of experimentation and a desire to contribute towards the environment by using upcycled materials. “The process of recycling some material, especially in sculptures, is labour intensive, but there is more satisfaction to it once complete,” he explains. “Most of my paintings are acrylic, but I also apply other mediums such as ink and oil colour. The frames are made of recycled wood, and are patiently put together by my father, who is always there supporting my projects silently.
“My sculptures start off with an internal metal skeleton made from bits of construction waste that I collect from sites,” adds the artist. “The structure is welded, treated and painted with protective paint. The process continues by building layer upon layer of plastering mix over a span of several days and weeks. The final product after about four different paint layers is placed on a treated found object.”
Falzon enjoys engaging in discussions about his work with viewers as he considers this an opportunity to discover other people’s stories. “I feel free in what I do, and there is an honest narrative that will communicate with others and with their own life experiences. My narrative is not cast in stone, as art holds the magic that each viewer sees his/her personal connection and the message becomes personalised,” he concludes.
As curator of the exhibition, Roderick Camilleri helped the artist focus on the key concepts of the exhibition. “Insights will blend together different storylines that are joined together by one predominant personal trail of thought associated with the artist’s own life experiences,” says Camilleri. “It will disclose existential insights and ideas which the artist generated throughout these past two years.”
MSA President Arch. Adrian Mamo is eager to see Falzon’s works exhibited at the MSA. “Wallace expresses raw emotions through a unique visual language. His works will undoubtedly hit a nerve with visitors as they walk through our galleries and reflect upon their own existences.”
Insights by Wallace Falzon is on between the 3 and 23 March 2022 at Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, and Saturdays 9am to 1.30pm. Entrance is free subject to Covid-19 safety measures. For more information please visit www.artsmalta.org or www.facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts.
