Art Criticism Task 3.2 notes for task 4 about a contemporary artist and one of the artist works
These are notes that helped me to do the 1000 words essay and the presentation about a contemporary exhibition artist 's and one of his artworks.
Sebastian Tanti Burlò
The artist name is Sebastian Tanti Burló was born in 1987 and the education that he did in the University of Westminster London – BA Architecture and Urban Studies
The artist exhibition is in "Froġa / Farrago," at Sliema’s R Gallery, displays of oil paintings showing the artist surroundings in Siġġiewi, Florence, and London
The series of works that he made are "Growing Gardens," "Rajt Malta Tiħxien (I Saw Malta Grow Fat)," "Probable Headlines," and "Everything remains the same (The Beating of Yūḥannā)
His known for the political cartoons, Burló transitions to the brush, maintaining his bold social commentary
Throughout the paintings that the artist made show a rich hue and emphasizing that he is enduring tie to his beloved island
His work focus on the global concerns, addressing environmental threats and democratic regression
His work creates a tragicomedy, juxtaposing Burló’s romanticized memories of his birthplace with the stark realities of contemporary society
He focuses on dull-coloured themes, and the paintings show the beauty in the gardens and countryside where he grew up and spent most of his time in Siġġiewi, also celebrating friendships, childhood adventures and sharing good moments with his friends and family
Throughout the artist paintings made to represent as totems, symbolizing humanity’s progress and fragility
The exhibition has no donkeys because of his metaphorically expressing concerns about an uncertain future
In his political cartoons the artist used oil paint to infuse lightness and wit into his social commentary, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect on pertinent global and personal issues
"Rajt Malta Tiħxien"satirically explores Malta's over-construction and overconsumption, it's delicious and unsavoury characters offering a humorous take on traditional paintings showing artworks of still life, landscapes and portraiture
"Everything Remains the Same (The Beating of Yūḥannā)" reflects on Caravaggio's masterpiece, addressing racism and violence.
"Probable Headlines" draws on Burlò's background in journalism, tackling fake news and buried truths with fictional yet plausible headlines. The juxtaposition of stark newspaper headlines with mundane scenes emphasizes society's apathy toward critical issues
Burlò's upbringing, influenced by nature and his parents' commitment to a better Malta, shapes the ethos of his art
The exhibition intertwines personal reflections with a broader commentary on Malta's challenges and global crises, inviting viewers to engage with the changing world
By thanking his wife Lydia Cecil, collaborator Ann Dingli, and the R Gallery team, Burlò acknowledges the collaborative support behind “Froġa / Farrago.”
The exhibition serves as a visual and intellectual exploration, urging viewers to take notice of societal changes and fostering a deeper understanding of interconnected narratives. "Froġa / Farrago" runs until December 3, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on societal nuances and the artist's evolving conversation with his surroundings
Il Giardino sul Mezzomonte
Colour: tints lighter, shades darker and intensity of bright and rich colour
Value: highlights with brighter colours and blended light to dark
Form: biometric of nature and cylinders
Line: vertical and curved for the gate, trees in a vertical and vertical, diagonal and curved in the bushes, different thickness and thinness on the trees in a curved effect of overlapping
Shape: Organic
Space: size, details, colour, overlapping, placement that focus on the horizon line is farther away
Texture: Impasto of overlapping paint, matte surface that reflects soft light and nature texture
Balance: colour, value and asymmetrical balance
Repetition to create rhythm
Rhythm: progressive, random and flowing rhythm
Feeling of unity
My opinion about the work Il Giardino sul Mezzomonte
I feel that the artist wants to show a feeling that boosts self-esteem and inspires people to reach new levels of skills it also has a relaxing, open environment where people feel safe to explore their creativity
The artist chose a garden to show a great sense of well-being and a place where a person can relax their mind and help reduce their stress and improve their mood by making a person feel peaceful reduce negative emotions and give peace of mind.
I wish that I could go every day to enjoy nature because everyone needs a space where they can enjoy life with no technology.
After all, technology is taking over our lives and we are a creature that is supposed to work with nature not to destroy it.