Abstract painting in Malta in the 1980's : its character and development within an international context

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to provide a proper description of Abstract Painting in Malta in the 1980s within an international context. A comprehensive research on Abstract painting in Malta had never really been tackled although overseas this is considered a movement in its own right, which expresses itself in different styles and techniques. The development of Abstract painting in an international context, especially in Europe and Northern America, was gauged through the reading ofa number of books and articles which underline the beginning and the development of Abstraction. This reading was helpful because it led me to the first developments of Abstract Painting which occurred in the first half of the twentieth century and the changes in style till the present day. These could be compared with the local situation especially when considering how modem art was established locally, with abstract painting being an essential feature of this introductory process. This study will discuss the pioneers who developed the Maltese Abstract language in painting, starting from the late fifties till the end of the eighties. An outline of the works and lives of these first abstract painters provides an introduction to the context and the problems faced by the painters in the second half of the 20th century, and which continued throughout the decades. A short introduction then describes how modem art was developing locally, bringing together the different abstract styles used by the local painters. The local reaction vis-a-vis abstraction is an essential element and it will be noted that abstract painting was not really appreciated by the local audience.