The exhibition entitled 'Conflict?' displays original artwork by Mr Antonio Polidano Vella, a Research Support Officer at the Department of Anatomy (Faculty of Medicine and Surgery). This art exhibition aims to shatter a several-decade-long stigma that art and science are two antithetical disciplines. Each artwork in this collection reflects the coupling of years of scientific education, research, and creative practices.
The research and brainstorming behind every art-piece focuses on capturing 3 main elements:
- how to maintain an objective stance with regard to the science being portrayed
- how to link the theme to a practical and relatable scenario
- how to execute the artwork physically with the use of multiple materials
These artworks are primarily oil paintings on canvas with a size equal or greater than 100cm x 70cm. Some works have the exception of displaying 3D elements, but can still be hung vertically on a flat surface.
Polidano Vella's portfolio has sampled many forms of media; from oils to aquarelles and acrylics, and many works are expressed on a generous variety of surfaces; from wood, to canvas, and paper. A number of his artworks push artistic boundaries through the amalgamation of unorthodox materials such as glow-in-the-dark pigment, stainless steel, and PLA 3D-printed shapes. These materials help to embellish the theme of the painting, while also giving it an unusual tangible 3D component. Hence, his portfolio required insight, not only regarding the use of paints, but also wood and steel-working, and the use of a 3D printer.
The works of art being exhibited will help to set a necessary example, through practice, that both creativity and objectivity are tools which are equally relevant when it comes to interpreting life. Fragile and Iron foregrounds the conflict between our desire to stay connected with nature but, on an equal measure, the temptation to connect and advance with technology. Lost discusses the conflict between the abstract nature of dreams and the logical attributes which they expose about our personality and thoughts. Furthermore, other works express the conflict between our desires for the future and our eventual acceptance that we have no control over our fate [Next Place]. Cancer also reflects on the conflict between how small our enemies look, and how large of an impact they truly have on us.
This exhibition is open for the public until 10 July 2022 and is situated at DATE (Art Café) at 134, Triq Dom Mintoff, Bormla, BML 1921. No entry or booking fees are required.