Spectrum, Paul Cassar’s current exhibition, brings together two different art forms in a celebration of colour and nature. Johnathan Cilia finds out more.

Following on the heels of his recent exhibition Collage, Paul Cassar is continuing his exploration of abstract art. Through compounding two different genres together, Paul integrates two, separate styles and unites them as a single motif. For Spectrum, he will be using an array of vivid abstracts in a variety of coloured paintings and collages and adding a range of poetry in the Maltese language.

“In a nutshell, Spectrum is the culmination of various experiences I have encountered through art. The integration of the two different genres forms a whole spectrum of what I achieved in my experience through art,” says Paul. “In my paintings, I transformed the various spaces, forms and colours into an abstract composition, while in my poetry I express my observational thoughts about art. Both are coupled into a single thought throughout my art odyssey.”

Not able to stick to one form of expressing himself, Paul regularly found himself using different ways to interpret the world, depending on the stimulus and on his mood, of course.

“I believe that art is a way of communicating your feelings and emotions with your audience,” he says. “In a way, art portrays the swings of sensations according to the present state of mind of the artist. In other words, it is like a treasure hunt, embarking on a mystery of surprises, not only for the audience but also for the artist, as surprises always emerge during my compositions. I must admit that I feel fortunate to set out into this journey in art.”

In a way, art portrays the swings of sensations according to the present state of mind of the artist

Spectrum features a collection of mixed media paintings, including collage on wood compiled in bold shapes and vibrant shades of greens, blues, pinks and yellows, and some feature trim stripes of brass to enhance the luminosity of the composition. As for the poetry part, that is something he has found himself returning to throughout his whole life, especially after he slowed down on art to focus on his family.

Let Me Spin and Sway

“After my solo exhibition, Compositions, at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta in 2009, I had to give more of my time to focus on my two daughters, Gabriella and Roberta, who were reaching their teens and needed my attention. However, the drive for art would often demonstrate itself in various manners. However, during this period I found myself expressing my feelings and emotions through poetry. In retrospect, this was not a new passion, but a returning one. I can very well remember myself writing poetry in secret when I was in my teens and always in my native language, Maltese.”

His work has references to the world around him and times in his life, or moments that capture him. Through his abstract pieces Paul transforms elements found in the natural world and in his vision of the world into visual – and sometimes poetic – pieces that reflect his understanding of life around him as he sees it.

“I am mostly inspired by nature, land, sea and sky. All that the great master left for us, things that we should learn from. I am constantly researching artists like Paul Cezanne, Henry Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, Kaszimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian and Jackson Pollok, which are among my favourites. Music also affects my mood through art. Contemporary musicians such as Sting and Peter Gabriel, with their splendid compositions, are also a trigger to my muse, both in painting and poetry.”

Even though his inspiration is international and earthly, this artist still expresses his poetry in Maltese and has been doing so ever since he started writing, since he found it came more natural to do so.

Cosmos No. 1

“I feel that in regards to poetry, the inspiration comes out effortlessly. I still have vivid memories from back when I was a teenager, and I would write rhymes during family occasions. Ever since then, I have been secretly writing poetry about love, the divine and nature. But it was only about two years ago that I contemplated the idea of combining painting and poetry. I had discussed my intent with a friend of mine, Stephen Craus, a teacher of the Maltese language. Stephen immediately referred me to Oliver Friggieri and Raymond Mahoney, who were both intrigued by my idea.”

Mixing poetry with prose is one thing, but poetry and painting is another. However, also thanks to the support from his family and others, Paul was able to transfer his love for creating poetry over to the visual arts world, determined to carry out his project even knowing that some people might not like it.

“Although poetry is not perceived as being so fascinating in today’s dynamic environment, I still believe that there are people who appreciate such art. Still, I have to say that I have had a considerable demand for my publication Spectrum - Pittura u Poezija (1987-2015). I’m happy I didn’t allow the lack of popularity of the medium deter me. After all, whichever course of action individuals embark on, there is always an element of risk. That is where the challenge comes into play,” he says.

Undeterred by what others may think, Paul’s optimism and determination has finally been embodied in Spectrum. Paul’s positivity and excitement about it easily shows. “Art is an amazing endless voyage. The curiosity to explore new ways of expressing oneself is a vital trait in art. I hope to give enjoyment as depicted in my joyful and colourful compositions, as well as harmony in people’s mind and soul. Through my work of art, I hope to communicate and share my discoveries to others and together we stroll in this amazing journey.”

Spectrum runs at The Fortress Builders until August 27.