The Phoenicia Malta Hosts Ivan Grixti’s Exhibition ‘Jestem’
The iconic Palm Court Lounge at The Phoenicia Malta is currently hosting Jestem, a captivating exhibition of landscape paintings by acclaimed Maltese artist Ivan Grixti. Running from 3 to 29 January 2025, this exhibition marks Grixti’s much-anticipated return to the local art scene after years of artistic exploration abroad.
Curated by renowned art historian Prof. Charlene Vella, Jestem invites viewers on a journey through Grixti’s evolving relationship with nature and place. The title, Jestem—which means “I am” in Polish—reflects the artist’s philosophy of presence: fully experiencing and interpreting the world around him.
The exhibition is divided into three sections:
- Polish Landscapes – Highlighting verticality and the rhythm of seasonal change.
- Maltese Scenes – Bursting with vibrant Mediterranean light and textured ruggedness.
- Semi-Abstract Works – Dynamic compositions that distill nature’s essence through bold brushstrokes and vivid, emotive color.
“My work is a declaration of presence and interpretation,” says Grixti. “Every painting represents a personal journey, capturing what I see, feel, and experience in a specific time and place.”
Grixti’s artistic practice is deeply influenced by his time in Poland, where he mastered the art of en plein air painting—working outdoors to capture the immediacy of natural light and atmosphere. This exhibition celebrates his return to Malta and offers audiences an opportunity to witness his artistic growth and transformation.
As Grixti describes himself, “I am… an ever-changing artist, and this is my ever-changing project.”
View of Bidnija from Victoria Lines
About Ivan Grixti
Born in 1982, Ivan Grixti displayed a passion for art from a young age, studying under Maltese masters Philip Agius, Paul Vella Critien, and Anthony Calleja. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Malta in 2005, specialising in Technical Drawing and Design & Technology.
In 2013, Grixti completed a postgraduate degree in Pedagogy with Art Education at the University of Arts in Poznań, Poland. Between 2021 and 2022, he pursued further postgraduate studies at the Institute of Fine Arts, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, in Lublin, Poland.
An educator in Graphic Communications, Grixti is also a keen observer of nature, channeling his quiet observations into his evocative paintings. Working en plein air, he immerses himself in the landscapes around him, translating their beauty and energy onto canvas.
Grixti has exhibited his work internationally, with showcases in Poland, France, and Malta. He is represented by Vinci Art Gallery in Poznań, Poland.
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