‘This is not a pipe.’ 

René Magritte

Modern art replaces a proportional, harmonious, perfect conception of nature and the world as a whole. 

But the world is not all right, and contemporary art shows that there are problems in and around the community. It’s an unpleasant conversation that pushes the viewer out rather than engaging the conversation. And you just have to be prepared for that.

How do you start to understand contemporary art?

Behind many piece of art, there is a phantasmagorical story. You have to know it. Otherwise, you won’t understand the meaning of the work. You have to talk to artists.

Awareness is the key: follow awards, exhibitions, biennales, art fairs, read books, listen to lectures. The secret is simply to watch more.

Ask yourself questions, study history, look for answers, assume, look for metaphors; this will develop your intuitive perception of art. 

In addition to the hidden meaning of the contemporary artworks, attention must also be paid to the materials and form.

Malevich argued that art evolves like science and technology. 

“If a traditional painter depicted a tree and tried to make a perfect copy of it, a technician would cut it down and make a chair or a bench or build a house out of it. The art of representation should have followed the technique, then we would have avoided imitation, and there would have been no art of reproduction, but an art of creation”.

A good example of the use of modern technology and materials is the work of Jeff Koons, who creates art objects out of polished stainless steel, weighing several tons to look like inflatable balloon toys.

But as with everything, the theory is good, but it’s probably best to start moving on to practice. 

You have to start buying art. And when you start buying, you start taking risks. And because of that risk, you have to figure out what the artist has done. And a collector who invests his time and money has to understand art. The desire to buy is linked to understanding; collectors have this intuition.

Whether you would like to frequent exhibitions of contemporary art around the world, are thinking of purchasing a truly unique piece for your home, or are already a connoisseur and collector looking to acquire a particular artist, we can accommodate requests of all types and budgets. Our partner portfolio also includes talented artists with Maltese roots. Their unique techniques as well as the depth of philosophy reflected in their work will not leave you indifferent. 

Local artist

Malta holds mysterious aesthetics that embrace the culture and traditions of a myriad of nations, originating from the prehistoric times when the Megalithic Temples were built. Those which are already in the purest form, objects of modern art.

In this unique environment, a challenging artist is currently working and residing: John Paul Azzopardi. 

This artist works in a variety of techniques. His works of art are painstakingly crafted from handpicked materials. The author treats everything with great seriousness. In many ways, there is not only original meaning but also the authenticity of origin. 

At the Venice Biennale, it was his work, made from the bones of small animals joined together in a lace pattern, that attracted the most attention.  John Paul plays with context ranging from ancient to contemporary philosophical notions, mythological, and social critique, aiming to deliver hidden psychological structures and phenomenological tensions. 

These pieces are so intricately crafted, one can sit and look at them for hours, slowly analysing the psychological intent each section at a time.