Peter Seychell tackles environmental themes with exhibition ‘Room for Speculation’
peter seychell's work at heir & loom, december 2023
On Friday, February 9, a solo exhibition with strong environmental themes by Peter Seychell is coming to Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq, Mqabba. Curated by Melanie Erixon, ‘Room for Speculations’ launches at 7.30 pm, after which it will remain open until March 3.
In ‘Room for Speculation’, Peter Seychell cleverly integrates the exhibition space into his conceptual framework. Seychell offers a selection of artworks that are all about nature—a pure, unspoiled environment that knows no human influence. Thus, title is a play on words, as the artist transforms the exhibition space into art that encourages speculation.
Peter Seychell is well known for his elaborate paintings that depict bucolic landscapes and utopian scenes, all of which have a sombre sense of isolation. This new collection sticks to this theme by encouraging viewers to think critically about the ways in which humans are abusing and destroying their natural environment, and themselves as a result.
By creatively making use of the venue for the exhibition, Seychell allows visitors to not only enter a room filled with his creations, but also feel immersed in and further appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. Moreover, Seychell’s art also serves as a subtle testament to the harsh reality, which is a notable divergence from the lovely surroundings shown.
The featured artworks make clever references to the consequences of “speculation, excessive development, exploitation, and the degradation of pristine lands, in a never-ending quest for fossil fuels”, as well as lithium mining in this rapidly developing world. It all adds to the sad reality that humans are knowingly damaging their own planet.
Furthermore, 10% of sales will go to Shawn Mifsud, who lost both of his arms and legs and is currently working to earn enough money for a bionic prosthetic. The artist is collaborating with the company Ecovis for this initiative, who will match the amount raised, thereby doubling the donation. Opening hours are updated on a weekly basis and can be found on Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq’s official Facebook page here
