Carmel Serracino’s debut exhibition ‘Across the Harbour’ showing at the Phoenicia throughout January
Following the closure of Kenneth Tabona Żammit’s ‘Mediterranean Gardens’ at the end of December, a new exhibition will be taking its place, as part of the Phoenicia Hotel’s Artist in Residence programme. For the month of January, artist and academic Carmel Serracino presents his debut solo exhibition, ‘Across the Harbour’.
Serracino was borned and raised in Bormla, where he currently resides, and he has a particular place in his heart for the Harbour region. Actually, the Grand Harbour, Bormla and the surrounding towns in particular are the focus of the exhibition. The artist has only just found time to devote to painting, and he has fallen back in love with watercolour painting—the medium that best enables him to effectively convey the intended mood in his works.
After much work, he has developed a technique that lets him express himself while being true to nature. His experimentation with water, colour, and various paper types has forced him to take chances with the watercolour medium. This creative investigation is set against the backdrop of the Grand Harbour, a subject that Serracino inarguably has a deep affinity for, whether it’s walls, roofs, boats, or a crowd of people. From the towering outlines of mediaeval fortifications, to the play of light and shadow on the water’s surface.
Through ‘Across the Harbour’, the artist portrays the Cottonera area as one of Malta’s best-kept secrets, highlighting famous sites, narrow winding streets, and churches that have been witness to centuries of history. In doing so, he aims to adequately convey the beauty of Cottonera’s streets, buildings, and Grand Harbour, as well as his affection for the town.
Dr. Charlene Vella serves as the curator for the exhibition, which will be on display at The Phoenicia Malta’s Palm Court Lounge from January 2 to January 31, 2024.
