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.”
