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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 FEBRUARY 2020 7 CULTURE ART THE Malta Society of Arts' upcoming exhibition 'STILL STILLS' by Anna Galea is opened this Thursday at its Art Galleries in Valletta. More than 20 extra-large watercolour paint- ings will be exhibited throughout the month of February. With the exception of two medi- um-sized works, the exhibition will feature what the artist calls "XXL" paintings. Such a large size is highly unusu- al for the medium of watercolours where the more commonly availa- ble paper sizes tend to lead to much smaller-sized works than the ones be- ing exhibited. The acquiring of the large papers involved researching papermakers in Europe and a process of stretching the paper to obtain the desired texture. Asked why she chose this specific medium, Anna Galea explained her process: "As artists working in this medium know well, large sized wa- tercolour paintings present a tougher challenge, however I wanted to invite the viewer to immerse themselves into my larger-than-life subjects. Zooming in, I stylise and dramatise still life - sometimes with subtle and not-so-subtle connotations." Galea's fascination with watercolour started when she began to take paint- ing more seriously. "With little toddlers running around me, watercolour was the safest medi- um to use. As my children grew older, I went back to acrylics and oils, but I found these mediums did not give me the transparency, immediacy, fluidi- ty and vibrancy that the watercolour medium presents. Furthermore, I find that watercolour can spark a certain magic into compositions with 'happy accidents' and broad, daring washes." Some of the paintings in STILL STILLS have been previously exhibit- ed in New York and in Washington, while others are being shown here for the first time. While she has exhibited collective- ly at MSA on several occasions, this is Galea's first solo show at the ven- ue. University lecturer Charlene Vel- la has helped curate the exhibition, while Professor Joe Friggieri will be delivering a short speech as part of the inauguration on Thursday. STILL STILLS by Anna Galea will remain open until the 28 February 2020 at the Art Galleries of the Malta Society of Arts in Valletta. Entrance is free. For more info please visit www. artsmalta.org/events/still-stills-exhibi- tion-anna-galea Opening of Anna Galea exhibition at MSA More than 20 extra-large watercolour paintings by renowned artist Anna Galea to be exhibited at the Malta Society of Arts until the end of February