Outset – Exhibition by Steve Sciberras and Massimo Dimech

‘Outset’ – Exhibition by Steve Sciberras and Massimo Dimech

Curated by Marika Azzopardi

‘Outset’ is a joint art exhibition by two artists, taking place at the Malta Society of Arts. The exhibition introduces two new Maltese artists to the public, as they present an interesting selection of oil paintings depicting two common themes.

Both chose to concentrate on Maltese landscape and flora, uniquely utilising oils for their works. However Dimech’s and Sciberras’s approach to painting is distinctly different.

Massimo Dimech, who has been painting since his teenage years, trained at MCAST Art and Design, and at the Malta School of Art. His paintings have a high level of detail, reflecting intricacy and focus. His works exude calm and intimacy, a sense of quiet and serenity. This is further reflected by Dimech’s preferred colour palette which is muted yet fresh.

Steve Sciberras began painting during his school years, and has trained at the Malta School of Art. Relying on the versatility and texture of oils, he approaches painting in a spontaneous manner, with vivid brushstrokes and a vigorous hand. Sciberras’s colour scheme is lively, solar and bright, so that his works carry a nonchalance that distinguishes them significantly.

‘Outset’ which is being curated by Marika Azzopardi, will be showing at the MSA’s Art Galleries in Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta,  from 14 April – 4 May 2023. The exhibition will be open to the public Monday – Friday 09.00 – 19.00, Saturdays 09.00 – 13.00.

Massimo Dimech

Massimo Dimech, born 21 October 1981, is presenting his works to the public for the first time in this joint exhibition with fellow artist Steve Sciberras. He has been painting since his teenage years, eventually taking art more seriously in his 20s. Presently he dedicates some four hours to painting and drawing on a daily basis.

He attended MCAST Art and Design for a year of experimentation in varied genres and mediums, but oil painting prevailed as his favoured method of self-expression. Dimech also attended the Malta School of Art for a number of years, first under the tutorship of Noel Azzopardi, and presently with Dione Borg.

His inspiration derives from diverse sources – music, literature, architecture, nature, people. He admires the work of Rembrandt, Lopez Garcia, and Wyeth, the latter being preferred for the poetic feeling in his paintings.

Dimech focuses almost uniquely on landscape painting which challenges him to leave out the unimportant things from the landscape. He eventually intends to experiment with different genres, incorporating the human figure in his landscapes. “In my work, I’m trying to achieve a sense of calmness or intimacy, I try to be true to myself and my work, and paint what moves me and what speaks to me.”

Steve Sciberras

Steve Sciberras, born 21 February 1977, is presenting his works to the public for the first time in this joint exhibition with fellow artist Massimo Dimech. He began painting during his school years, sporadically experimenting with different mediums such as stained glass and wood carving. He eventually began focusing on painting and today dedicates a number of hours to his paintings every day. He attends lessons in figurative painting at the Malta School of Art, under the tutorship of  Dione Borg.

Sciberras has several favourite old Masters, but is strongly drawn to the rich palette of colours in Claude Monet’s work. From the contemporary pool of great artists, Sciberras prefers the impressionist artist Haidee-Jo Summers for her loose style of painting.

Sciberras describes his paintings as lustrous, a constant exploration of light and shadow. Although in his current oeuvre of works he is focusing strongly on landscapes, flora and fauna of Malta, Sciberras also likes to work in portraiture and figurative art. He prefers to work in oils, relying on the versatility and texture of this medium. “I like the process of the drying time required, because this allows me to contemplate on the what should come next, and move accordingly.”

14 April to 4 May 2023

Art Galleries of the Malta Society of Arts,
Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta

Mondays to Fridays: 9am to 7pm
Saturdays: 9am to 1pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

Free