Kenneth Żammit Tabona’s latest exhibition showing at the Phoenicia all month
Throughout the entire month of December, renowned local artist Keith Żammit Tabona’s most recent exhibition, ‘Mediterranean Gardens’, will be displayed at the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta. The collection of works is being showcased in the Palm Court Lounge, as part of the hotel’s Artist in Residence programme.
Since 2012, Żammit Tabona has been the Valletta International Baroque Festival’s founder and creative director. He became the Manoel Theatre’s first artistic director in 2015, overseeing all events ranging from solo recitals to chamber music to opera. In addition to exhibiting Malta’s distinct creative and architectural legacy, the festival has since continued to grow and put on notable performances by elite international ensembles from most European nations in top baroque settings.
Żammit Tabona established The Monteverdi Project and The Valletta Baroque Ensemble with the intention of bringing works by Italian and Maltese composers from the 17th and 18th centuries to the attention of the Order of Malta and the Episcopate of Malta. Several of these collaborated and trained under renowned composers like Porpora, Durante, and Pergolesi at the Bourbon Court in Naples. All this to say, he is deeply involved in the local arts scene
As an artist, he is primarily recognised as a Maltese watercolourist and book illustrator with many exhibitions in his resume. His paintings can be found in notable collections in both Malta and abroad, such as Berlaymont in Bruxelles. Strong hues and unique shapes are sort of his signature style, and they always capture the beauty of his native country, whether it be in its interiors or its exteriors.
This exhibition will present Żammit Tabona’s conception of the ideal Mediterranean garden, which is based on lush gardens he has envisaged, as well as those he is familiar with. The lily and palm tree are among the many carefully chosen yet recently photographed plants, together with urns, carved busts, flower pots, ponds, and fountains. Every painting has a vivid colour scheme with a strong pink and purple undertone that implores the observer to explore the rich detail in these charming gardens. In addition to being expertly done, this collection of gardenscapes reflects Żammit Tabona’s passion for the natural world.
Mediterranean Garden will be open at The Phoenicia in Valletta everyday from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm until January 1, after which Carmel Serracino’s watercolour exhibition ‘Across the Harbour’ will replace it for the month of January. Then, it will be followed by Lena Maria Ludes’ series of oil paintings ‘Beyond the flawless: Embracing the imperfect beauty of humanity.’ Dr Charlene Vella is the curator for all three of these exhibitions.
Those who visit the exhibition this Friday, December 8, at 12:30 pm will get to speak with the artist, Keith Żammit Tabona himself!
