Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544087
10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 MARCH 2026 CULTURE The Essence of Gozo – Land and Sea THIS exhibition is a reflection on the spiritual and elemental nature of Gozo, exploring the dialogue between its rugged coastline, rural village life, and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Through sculptural ceram- ics and acrylic paintings. Layered textures echo erosion and time, while references to tradition speak to heritage and resilience. A statement instal- lation highlights the growing impact of global and industrial debris on Gozo's fragile natu- ral beauty, inviting reflection on preservation, responsibility, and the changing landscape. About the artist Jane Birchall (b. London 1960) is a multidisciplinary art- ist whose practice centres on sculptural ceramics and acrylic works on canvas. After a long spanning career in fashion, interiors and design, she now dedicates herself fully to her practice and divides her time between Malta and her home land. She has a deep and enduring connection to the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese ar- chipelago, which she first vis- ited in 1984 and continues to draw inspiration from. Influ- enced by Gozo's rugged coast- line, and its rural inland land- scape, Birchall's work evokes a powerful sense of Place Work- ing primarily in clay, Birchalls attention is on surface textures and fluidity, typically the rug- ged textures of local Maltese stone and rocks with the fragile local lace, often intentionally leaving traces of the making process visible. These imprints together with intense carving and smoothing create a fluid dialogue between fragility and resilience, land and sea. Her work often reflects a con- cern for the environmental fra- gility of this small island, and its development over the years, prompting discussion as to just how concerned we should be with its impact. Her work has been shown in both solo and group exhibitions in the UK and Europe and is held in sev- eral private collections. The Essence of Gozo – Land and Sea Artist: Jane Birchall Opening Night: 9 May, 7:30 pm Dates: 9 May to 31 May 2026 Venue: Arthall, 8, triq Agius de Soldanis, Victoria, Gozo. Opening hours: Wednesday/ Thursday/ Friday/Saturday: 10:00 -13:00 and 17:00-19:00 Sunday: 10:00-12:00; Monday/Tuesday: closed Website and Email: arthallgozo.com