Gozo’s ArtHall Kicks Off Year With Collective Exhibition ‘Reflections’ – Oh, My Malta

Link: https://ohmymalta.com.mt/2024/01/10/gozos-arthall-kicks-off-year-with-collective-exhibition-reflections/

LEFT TO RIGHT: ‘CATACLYSM II’ BY KRISTINA HUXLEY, CERAMIC BY JANE BIRCHALL, AND ‘DUENDE’ BY TOMAS HED

A collective exhibition titled ‘Reflections’ is currently on at Arthall Gozo in Victoria. The exhibition showcases the works of Tomas Hed, Kristina Huxley and Jane Birchall.

Having opened last Saturday on January 6, ‘Reflections’ is kicking off Arthall Gozo’s 2024 programme. The exhibition is a collaborative effort between three artists who each are displaying works from their individual collections, which all differ in terms of medium, but follow the overarching theme of ‘Reflections’. The pieces explore the boundaries between perception and reality, focusing on our place in society as well as reality as it is experienced through our senses.

Visitors can expect a new collection by resident artist Tomas Hed; Two paintings by Irish artist Kristina Huxley (whose work is in the permanent collection of the Rothko Museum) that reflect light and act as a mirror, allowing the viewer to become part of the artwork; as well as ceramic pieces by Jane Birchall, a Gozo ceramicist for whom this will be a debut gallery show.

While presenting (mis)conceptions of the chaos we encounter every day, Hed also explores the unknown that we all feel somehow resides within us. The use of black canvases is a refreshing divergence from the norm that gives the paintings space and depth. The elements in some of the works examine the limitations of a world composed of our senses and the surrounding darkness, influenced by Francisco Goya’s Black Paintings collection.

‘PRISON BREAK’ BY TOMAS HED AND CERAMIC BY JANE BIRCHALL

Huxley contributes her two paintings ‘Cataclysm I’ and ‘Cataclysm II’. Although her art appears serene and tranquil at first glance, closer inspection reveals that it reacts to its surroundings and interacts with the observer, perfectly fitting in with the theme of reflection. Despite their perceived stillness, the paintings are actually constantly changing or restless, providing different images for a short while depending on where the viewer is in the gallery.

Presenting her Lava Collection, Birchall’s ceramic creations include colours and textures reminiscent of Gozo’s charmingly rugged, intense, and all-encompassing natural beauty. Every piece is individually crafted from stoneware, glazed many times, and fired multiple times. Their names are each derived from places or occasions that are connected to them.

Reflections will remain open at ArtHall in Gozo until January 28. Visit the gallery’s official website https://arthallgozo.com/ if you’re interested in purchasing one of the pieces or simply wish to find more information about the artists or the exhibition.