Form and meaning in the lines of Antoine Camilleri

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to dissect the diverse typologies of lines present in Antoine Camilleri's (1922-2005) creations, juxtaposed with those of artists who may have influenced him. The concept of lines impacts many aspects of life, including how artists express themselves. A line can be voiced in several ways, reflecting the artist's style and thinking method. The notion of lines holds significant sway over various facets of artistic expression, permeating diverse media and surfaces as exemplified in Camilleri's repertoire. Serving as one of the fundamental formal elements in art, the line possesses the inherent capacity to convey communication, mood, and expression, often manifesting through a multitude of mediums and surfaces, as exemplified in Camilleri's oeuvre. The intrinsic importance of the line has endured the test of time, emerging as an indispensable facet within artistic discourse. While this investigation aims to contribute to a nuanced comprehension of the artistic abundance within the local art scene, it concurrently seeks to illuminate Antoine Camilleri's work from a previously unexplored vantage point. This dissertation undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the profound significance of line within the oeuvre of Antoine Camilleri, shedding light on its multifaceted expressions through both formalistic and metaphorical perspectives. Delving into the historical genesis of line and its impact on Camilleri's body of work, this study seeks to elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of his artistic oeuvre. Expanding this inquiry, interviews with notable individuals including Antoine Paul Camilleri, son of the artist, Profesor Paul Sant Cassia from the Anthropology department at the University of Malta, and Dr. Simona Esposito, a respected member of the Association of Professional Graphologists, provide invaluable insights that enrich the discourse surrounding Camilleri's artistic journey. The concept of lines holds profound implications not only for artistic expression but also for broader facets of human experience. A line serves as a vehicle for an artist's individuality, encapsulating their stylistic preferences and cognitive processes. By adopting an interdisciplinary framework that encompasses anthropology, art history, and graphology, this dissertation aims to explore previously unexplored domains within the context of local art history, offering novel insights into the oeuvre of Antoine Camilleri. The central aim of this study is to scrutinise the diverse manifestations of lines in the artistic collection of Antoine Camilleri and to elucidate potential influences from other artists that may have shaped his artistic trajectory. When seeking literature on Camilleri, there exists a substantial collection that articulates his biography and body of works. However, few sources analyse his works from perspectives beyond the conventional. The most comprehensive publication, Antoine Camilleri: A World Within, includes numerous works and essays exploring Camilleri's art from various angles. Despite its scope, this publication does not delve into the fundamental role of line in the artist's works. Consequently, additional literature was sought to discuss and initiate dialogue on the significance of line. This search was challenging, but it was facilitated by examining line as a formal element and recognising its importance across various fields, leading to research in anthropology and graphology.