Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532146
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2025 CULTURE Peter Seychell unveils 'Wastelands' exhibition at The Phoenicia Malta Exploring humanity's impact on nature through surreal landscapes THE Phoenicia Malta is hosting 'Wastelands', a solo exhibition by Maltese artist Peter Seychell, that will be open to the public until March 2, 2025. Curated by Prof. Charlene Vella, this exhibition delves into the intricate relation- ship between humanity and the natural environment. Peter Seychell, a self-taught artist who transitioned from a successful career in the pharmaceutical in- dustry to the art world, has rapidly become a forceful presence on the local art scene. Since his official de- but in 2022, he has demonstrated an evolving style and a deepening engagement with themes of envi- ronmental degradation. In 'Wastelands', Seychell con- tinues this exploration with a vast collection of paintings with a winter theme that reflects na- ture's fragility and resilience. His somewhat surreal landscapes are dreamt up in his mind's eye and an exercise of expressing through art an untamed emotion. The landscapes are devoid of any human presence. These scenes therefore emphasize humanity's impact on the environment while evoking a haunting beauty. This theme is one that Seychell holds close to his heart, serving as his silent protest and his way of par- taking in the conversation to raise public awareness. The exhibition showcases Sey- chell's versatility across various media, including inks, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, and techniques such as ink and fire on paper. From these vast scenes of forests, we are made to focus on twigs, trees, and shrubs, often executed in monochrome or a limited pal- ette. These provide the backdrop to these mysterious scenes. Nota- ble works include 'Powder Dump', where Seychell reveals his ability to find splendour in desolation. Trees, both bare and intricate, often dominate his composi- tions, offering a nuanced depic- tion of nature's vulnerability and strength. His signature style — featuring intertwined twigs play- fully set against the foreground — provides a unifying motif throughout the collection. Even in terms of execution, Sey- chell uses a variety of techniques for the viewer to perceive. From the more detailed artworkto loos- er and freer paintings that may appear abstract, his versatility is once again made manifest. 'Wastelands' invites visitors to experience a visual and emotion- al journey through Seychell's dis- tinctive vision of the natural world and humanity's place within it. From stark wintry hues to hopeful bursts of light, the exhibition un- derscores the delicate balance be- tween despair and hope in today's environmental landscape. Peter Seychell's artistic evolution and dedication to environmental themes serve as both a warning and an inspiration, reminding people of what they stand to lose and the resilience they must culti- vate to preserve it. He would also like the public to rethink the need to build every available land and instead consid- er creating more open spaces that can be enjoyed by many,