Uncovering the Intricate Works of Artist Maxine Attard
Valletta Contemporary proudly presents “Before the Work, There’s ‘I,'” a compelling solo exhibition by the talented visual artist Maxine Attard. The exhibition invites art enthusiasts to delve into Attard’s world of carefully constructed geometrical compositions, subtle lines, and the harmonious combination of materials.
Running until 24 February 2024, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on the artist’s struggle against the challenges imposed by market forces and contrived art players.
The Struggle of the Artist
In “Before the Work, There’s ‘I,'” Maxine Attard employs a ritual of repetitive gestures, exploring the sublime and the unattainable. However, the exhibition is not just a showcase of artistic endeavours but a powerful reaction and introspection into the conditions that shape the artist’s creative process. Attard boldly addresses the impediments posed by market forces and artificial constraints on artists, asserting that the artist is indeed dangerous and that the gallery, at times, almost kills the artist.
Art and the Artist’s Existence
The title of the exhibition, drawn from Attard’s personal diary, emphasises the significance of the artist’s existence before the creation of art. It serves as a poignant reminder that the artist’s identity is chronically estranged by the challenging conditions they face. Attard, living within the paradigm she seeks to exit, explores the divine in the mundane – in the room, the gallery, the home, and the chaotic outer world.
Meditative Works and Diaristic Texts
Attard’s works, both meditative and mathematical, create a captivating dichotomy with the unsparing diaristic texts that adorn the gallery walls. These texts, though destined to be painted over, serve as invisible markers of the artist’s journey and the conditions under which the works were conceived. The exhibition becomes a dialogue between the artist’s internal struggles and the external pressures that shape her art.
A Personal, Political, Cathartic Journey
Maxine Attard’s works emerge as the art world’s bad conscience, a rejection of the stifling climate that further distances the artist. The exhibition is curated as a journey, with not all works displayed at the opening but gradually entering the gallery space. This deliberate approach transforms the exhibition into a personal, political, cathartic, and experimental experience for both the artist and the viewer.
Who is Maxine Attard?
Born in 1986 in Malta, Maxine Attard is a visual artist and a graduate of the University of Brighton (MA Fine Arts, 2011) and the University of Malta (History of Art, 2008). Her diverse body of work includes works on paper, wood, and site-specific installations. Attard has previously exhibited in Malta and internationally, with her work held in private collections. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Attard has contributed to the art community as an assistant lecturer at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts in Malta (2012-2014).
“Before the Work, There’s ‘I'” by Maxine Attard at Valletta Contemporary is a testament to the artist’s resilience against external forces. Through carefully crafted compositions and introspective texts, Attard invites viewers to contemplate the artist’s role in a world that sometimes seems at odds with their creative process. This exhibition is a must-see for those seeking a profound exploration of art as a personal, political, and cathartic expression. Entrance is free, and the exhibition promises an engaging journey through the mind and works of Maxine Attard.
Check out the opening times here.
