The relationship between spirituality and melancholy depicted within the works of Frank Portelli

Abstract

The subject The relationship between spirituality and melancholy depicted within the works of Frank Portelli was chosen because the two themes of spirituality and melancholy are beautifully highlighted in his various works, often featured isolated but when Portelli combines the two he is surely at his finest. This dissertation aims on proving that as skilled and talented as others were with dealing with these themes it is important to note that arguably, no other Modern Maltese artist was able to deal with these themes as often and in as many various artistic styles as Portelli . It aims to show how due to Portelli being a well read and studious individual who was well aware that these two themes when juxtaposed highlight one another beautifully and create a symbiotic relationship. How he chose to highlight Melancholy as it came from a place of genuine personal pain and sadness , which is an integral part of the human condition. Yet he chose the Spiritual as a method of dealing with and giving reason to the profoundly melancholic or troubling times, in general, throughout an individual’s life. When these themes are both highlighted in the same work a strong sense of honesty is projected .With that unique honesty a profound and distinct beauty emerges from the scene .The themes of Spirituality and Melancholy are complex and multi-layered due to a socio political impact as well as due to the personal nature of the works. Yet it also aims on developing how when these two themes can be found within the same work a deep sense of humanity can be sensed by the viewer , which in turn makes the works captivating on a universal level.