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holy week specialtwo sides of one coindetailed simplicity

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08The JP2 Memorial FestivalA special article on this year’s edition of the JP2 Memorial Festival - the annual cultural event of the JP2 Foundation, aimed at commemorating the Late Pope John Paul II, whilst enriching the local cultural scene.

Two sides of one coinIn this interesting article, the Fejn se Mmur team tries to discover and present the work and life of local artist Paul Cassar, whose life is com-pletely intertwined with his passion for all that is art.

The Fejn se Mmur Holy Week SpecialDiscover what’s on this Holy Week, in a special edition of the Fejn se Mmur Cultural Calendar - your ultimate guide!

Detailed SimplicityDiscovering the work of local graphic designer Philip Sultana, whose work focuses on presenting simplicity in a whole new manner.

THE “FEJN SE MMUR MAGAZINE”RADJU KATIDRALTHE GOZO CATHEDRALTHE CITADELVICTORIA, GOZO, MALTA

cover imageDetail taken during the Ca-

thedral’s Good Friday Proces-sion. Taken by Anthony Grech.

25 Nothing without Rippa!The Wobis Duo talk about their best friend and an unmatched element in their “Full Moon Promo” - Rippa! Check it out in this short, but extremely informative interview!

twosidesof one coin

Born in Victoria, in April 1989 on the small island of Gozo, Paul Cassar is an artist, designer, art- scholar and an art critique of his generation.

Cassar’s artistic quest officially initiated in 2006, when he exhibited his first public work consisting of a portrait of the beloved Pope John Paul II, in the Ministry of Gozo Hall, Victoria. Since then, he has embarked himself on a journey of academic research, explora-tion, challenges and discernment.

Currently listing as M.A candidate in the De-partment of History of Art at the University of Malta, Cassar deems the study and practise of art as his animate. From a very young age he was exposed to art at his father’s workshop, actually he was born amidst the various deal-ings and preparations which entail the art of flag manufacturing. His first pencil doodlings and brush strokes were here, prevailed by his perceptive yet conscientious father. Attest-ed with this artistic scenario, he received his first academic tutorship with the artist Mark Sagona (b. 1976). After three years, he moved to Sir M.A Refalo Center for further Studies where he received further artistic knowledge from his mentor and friend Mario Cassar (b. 1975). The latter was capable to set the protag-onist in the world-wide artistic spectrum by communicating its challenging essence, tem-perament, compromises and impregnability. Broad-minded, in 2008 he embarked in much concrete academic dealings and enrolled as a Bachelor of Art (Hons) candidate at the De-partment of History of Art at the University of Malta.

Baring in mind what once he had read from the writings of Francis Bacon “natural abili-ties are like natural plants that need pruning by study” Cassar’s approach with the word art/artists has more inkling than mere stating. As a student at the University of Malta he sat for classes and public lectures of leading local art

scholars naming Prof. Mario Buhagiar, Dr. Keith Sciberras and Dr. Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci. At this stage the concept of art started reshaping, its insular fondness was gradually fine tuned and consequently his talent start-ed being nurtured by academic consistence. While in Malta, he followed Life Classes at the Malta Government School of Art, under the tutorship of Anthony Calleja (b. 1955).

His Bachelor of Art dissertation presented in May 2010 discussed the historical, architec-tural and artistic spheres of the three friaries and churches of the Augustinians, The Fran-ciscan Minor Conventuals and the Capuchins in Victoria, Gozo. This study left an undeni-able mark on Cassar’s credit in the field of art-historical research and marked his name for unearthing an important document about a seventeenth century painting hanging in one of the Gozitan churches. Following this ex-citing outcome, Cassar launched his public career on the 18th of May 2011 when partici-pating in an evening dedicated to music and literature held at the Augustinian Church in Victoria, Gozo.

Warren Criswell once said that “Learning to paint is probably the worst thing that can hap-pen to an artist”. Cassar beliefs that painting is a gift of God. Hence, not an exercise to learn by heart, but a quality to strengthen by time. As a young fellow, he started showing inter-est in the artistic idiom practised by his father Giovann (b.1957) since 1986. He spent long hours observing and memorizing techniques, abet never being constrained to do so. When time was ripe, he started engaging his father in related projects and proving himself as sound backbone for his thoughts. His first tangible performance was in Summer of 2006, when he designed the first private banner for the feast of St. Bartholomew in Gharghur, Malta.

Cassar’s creations apprehend the concepts of

”Cassar cannot but help living without art and its intellectual comprehension. “

aesthetical beauty in clarity and fusion of the whole. His designs and works are composed on knowledge which came along from the concepts of great masters. This was equipped through travelling, entering the realm and ar-tistic fascination of museums found in Flor-ence, Venice, Rome , Lyon and others. Cas-sar’s concern lies far than producing works but of creating art which embodies concrete concepts. Being oils, acrylic, pencil, charcoal or clack he tries to capture the essence of the subject and record its beauty on surfaces. Due to the nature of his family business, the major-ity of his working themes are sacred. However, when entrusted with other themes he attempts satisfyingly, at times even more spontaneously. Consequently, Cassar yearns that time in the near future when his artistic maturity reaches a theoretical level, a circumstance which defi-nitely would be a decisive notion in his career. Prior reaching this, he believes that his artis-tic baggage must be sustained with academic thoughtfulness and comprehension.

Summer months are busy for Cassar, as the majority of feasts are celebrated in this sea-son and the manufacturing of feast decora-tions entail long hours of preparation. His satisfaction attends when finishing a work and seeing its patron and/or dilettantes admiring it. Works by him are found displayed during feast in Rabat (Gozo and Malta), Nadur, San Lawrenz, Munxar, Sannat, Xaghra, Xewkija, Ghajnsielem, Gharghur, Zurrieq, Dingli and others.

Currently he is in the course of writing his M.A dissertation. Thus, ample of his time is devoted to archival research and study. Con-sidering a practising talent like oxygen to a breathing existence, he always finds time to practise his artistic verve. Bringing also in mind what once Vincent Van Gogh (b. 1853) stated that “the only time I feel alive is when I am painting. Cassar treats art as his intimate

companion, sharing with it his daily thoughts and contentment. It is amusing how painting drives his mind away from his worries and chaotic lifestyle, ending up transcending this living sense to his works.

Cassar is also engaged in several publica-tions. He is often entrusted with preparing papers on various subjects especially dealing with works of art which embellish ecclesiasti-cal, public and private residences. Last year’s edition Il-Ghid tal-Assunta, published annu-ally from the Cathedral church of Gozo in the occasion of the national feast of the Assump-tion of Our Lady, he contributed with three interesting papers. He was entrusted by the leading Gozitan-historian Rev. Joseph Bezzina with studying the well-kept authentic register of the building of the Matrice church span-ning from 1697 to 1711. He produced a de-tailed list of the master-masons, builders and works involved in the Baroque church.

Cassar cannot but help living without art and its intellectual comprehension. His concern is to abide with its academic principles and to delve deeply on the great master’s concerns. In this frame of mind, he believes that proper artistic reputation is not the product of reclu-siveness but of open-minded individuals. An artist must embark on a life-time journey of erudition as Bente Borsum once stated that “Art knows no limit, and the artists will never achieve perfection”.

”

T he JP2 Foundation is pleased to announce that for the seventh con-secutive time, it shall be

organizing the JP2 Memorial Festival, its’ annual cultural event consisting of a variety of activities, including concerts and exhibitions.

On Monday, 2nd April, the JP2 Foun-dation kicked off the seventh edition of the JP2 Memorial Festival, with a Musi-co-Literary Evening held at the Church of Our Lady of Loreto in Għajnsielem. During this event, organised in collab-oration with the Chorus Urbanus Pro-ductions and the Għajnsielem Parish, soloists from the same choir performed renowned pieces of sacred music, amongst which How Beautiful are the Feet (“Messiah”), Lord God of Abraham (“Elijah”), Dostojno Jisty, Panis Angeli-cus, Pie Iesu, Vidit Suum, and Vexilla Re-gis, as well as two compositions by Mro Dr John Galea: Attende Domine, and Domine non sum Dignus.

Apart from this, poems were also read throughout the evening, penned by both well-established, as well as emerging Gozitan authors, such as Joe M. Attard, Joe Psaila, Joseph Cauchi, and Raymond Caruana. Another poem was recited, written by a young Karol Wojtyła him-self.

The JP2 Foundation is planning a to-tal of fourteen different events around Malta and Gozo. Information on the JP2

Memorial Festival can be achieved by referring to its’ official Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/jp2memorialfestival, or by sending an email to jp2foundation@gmail.com.

The general public is invited to attend.

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What:

Where:When:

Meditative pageantry with the participation of biblical characters.Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Xlendi10.00

What:

Where:When:

Votive procession with passion statues, accompanied by the La Stella and Konti Ruggieru Philharmonic Bands.St. George’s Basilica, Victoria17.30

What:

Where:When:

Procession with passion statues and biblical characters, accompanied by the Mnarja Philharmonic Band.St. Peter and St. Paul’s Basilica, Nadur18.00

What:

Where:When:

Procession with passion statues and biblical characters, accompanied by the Victory Philharmonic Band. Nativity of Our Lady Basilica, Xaghra18.00

What:

Where:When:

Procession with passion statues and biblical characters, accompanied by the Sta. Marija Philharmonic Band.Assumption of Our Lady Church, Zebbug18.00

what’s on : good friday

What’s the craziest situation you have ever been in?

Believe me, it’s better not to be mentioned!

what’s on : good fridayP

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what’s on : easter day

what’s on : easter dayWhat:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the Prekursur Philharmonic Band.St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Xewkija08.30

What:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the Mnarja Band. Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur09.30

What:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the La Stella Philharmonic Band.St. George’s Basilica, Victoria09.30

What:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the Victory Philharmonic Band.Nativity of Our Lady Basilica, Xaghra09.30

What:

Where:When:

Manifestation with the statue of the Risen Christ, ac-companied by the Leone Philharmonic Band. Cathedral of the Assumption, Victoria.10.30

What:

Where:When:

Manifestation with the statue of the Risen Christ, ac-companied by the Sta. Marija Philharmonic Band. Assumption of Our Lady Parish Church, Zebbug. 17.00

What:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the La Stella Philharmonic Band.Sacred Heart Parish Church, Fontana17.30

What:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the Ite ad Josef Philharmonic Band.St. Joseph Parish Church, Qala17.45

What:

Where:When:

Procession with the statue of the Risen Christ, accom-panied by the Visitation Philharmonic Band.Visitation of Our Lady Basilica, Gharb18.00

exhibitionsWhat:Where:When:

Christ’s Passion in Art - Collective Art ExhibitionVictoria Art Gallery, 21 Vajringa Street, Victoria17 March - 21 April

What:

Where:When:

Passion Statuettes - An exhibition of miniature Good Friday statues by Josephine TaboneLibrary Street, Victoria24 March - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Golgotha - Tableaux of statuettes representing the scene of the crucifixion presented by the Xaghra Voca-tions Group. Annex behind the Xaghra Basilica24 March - 8 April

What:

Where:

When:

Holy Week Exhibition - An artistic tableaux scene rep-resenting the Last Supper of Christ and his Apostles.Museum (Male Section), St. George Preca Street, Na-dur24 March - 8 April

What:

Where:

When:

Passion Statuettes and Church Models - An exhibition of Good Friday miniature statues.Ghaqda Armar Triq Dicembru 13, December 13 Street, Nadur24 March - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Afflictio - An exhibition of Sacred Art from various churches and convents.Banca Giuratale Foyer, Independence Square, Victoria26 March - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Passion Statuettes - An exhibition of Good Friday min-iature statues, presented by the Victory Philharmonic Band.Victory Philharmonic Band Club, Xaghra26 March - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Passion Statuettes - An exhibition of Good Friday min-iature statues made by Joe Cutajar Zahra and presented by Salvinu Cremona.Dar Ommi, Pjazzetta fuq it-Tomba, Victoria30 March - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

The Last Supper - An artistic tableaux scene of Christ’s Last Supper.Hall beneath the parvis of St. John’s Church, Xewkija30 March - 8 April

What:

Where:

When:

Golgotha - A tableaux of statuettes representing the scene of the crucifiction and other passion statuettes.Annex of St. Francis Church, St. Francis Square, Vic-toria30 March - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Christ’s Last Supper - Artistic tableaux scene of Christ’s Last Supper and exhibition of sacred memorabilia.Sta. Marija Band Club, Church Street, Zebbug1 April - 7 April

What:

Where:When:

The Last Supper - An artistic tableaux scene of Christ’s Last Supper, presented by the Sta. Lucija Youths.Triq Klula, Santa Lucija1 April - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Golgotha - A tableaux of statuettes representing the scene of the crucifixion and other passion statuetes.Vocations Centre, behind the Parish Church of San Lawrenz1 April - 8 April

What:

Where:When:

Lux - An exhibition of Sacred Art by Gozitan Artist Manuel Farrugia.Sacred Heart Seminary Hall, Enrico Mizzi Str., Victoria1 April - 13 April

INFORMATION COURTESY OF:

DETAILEDSIMPLICITY

AN INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHILIP SULTANA

Tell us a bit about your relationship with artwork and design? How did it all start?

It all started when I used the infamous Micro-soft paint. I remember mocking movie post-ers, cropping faces and attaching them onto other people’s bodies. Later on, I discovered Adobe’s Photoshop and I felt quite ashamed for still using paint. I also remember, my first time on a Mac and the great feeling it was tonally use a perfectly designed product. Initially I was so amazed that all the inspira-tion came by just simply looking at the user interface of the operating system, which at that time, I believe, was OS X Panther (2004). Everything was accurately designed, every button had all detail one could ever hope for, and above all, the design really worked. This was the !rst time I realised that design isn’t just an aesthetic thing, it’s much more. It’s how a product is designed to work, look and feel. Later on, I was asked to design the T-Shirt gear for my local village feast. Work-ing on feast-related projects gave me two positive aspects; exposure and a portfolio.

What do you seek in your work? What are those elements which are always there in your work?

I try not to forget the “textbook” basics be-hind a good design. For instance, if you google search “good design” you should end up with a list of positive terms like “balance, proportion, contrast, economy, direction, emphasis, space” and so on.

However, I ,for some unknown reason, tend to prevail for economy, which mainly is “less is more”. On average, simplicity tends to em-phasise a design’s intent more powerfully than complexity. Good design conveys in-formation and communicates ideas, which is

the reason the client hired my services after all. Poor design impairs this communication by getting in the way. Whether you’re de-signing a poster, brochure, logo or website, the design should emphasise the message.

Also, I give an awful lot of importance to ty-pography, commonly known as fonts.Lately I’m even trying to modify existing ones and even trying to create new ones. Believe me, it’s a lot harder than its sounds. Last but not least, I’m a bit of a pain when it comes to details. I can spend 30 minutes or more star-ing at the screen and walking in the room to view it from different angles just to find those misplaced details. Obv ously, when not working under tight deadlines.

Some criticise computer design, arguing that it is not a form of art. What do you comment about this?

To be honest I can’t say whether graphic de-sign is art or not. It’s hard enough to even define art. All I know is that once Picasso was asked by a garage owner to paint him a sign for the shop. He produced a full-blown cubist extravaganza. There’s also a Toulouse Lautrec poster in the art museum which originally was meant to be slapped on a wall. Having said that, I believe graphic design falls into the realm of the commer-cial art, which has a lesser sense of pres-tige. However, outside of commercial works, many designers have other creative “artistic” projects using the same techniques used in the aforementioned commercial realm. There is no sense of commercialism about them, they only provoke thought and ques-tion a nature of society. Also, people seems to forget that a computer is a tool, just like a brush, a pen and paper.

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What projects do you have for your future? How big do you dream?

Apart from continuing my freelance graphic design work, I would like to collaborate more with local and foreign artists on different projects, be it a music album cover, short !lm production or music video.Lately I started trying out some 3D motion graphics too, and I must admit I’m enjoying this medium very much. I also have a side project named “Oxygen Bandit”, however don’t ask me more

about as I still haven’t !gured out where its heading. All I can say is that its not solely re-lated to graphic design. If anyonewould like to know more about it, they should head to my website.

As for dreams, I don’t have a speci!c one, but I would love to see my work featured on a prominent graphic design magazine or blog. As for now, an interview for “Fejn se Mmur?” will do I guess!

NOTHING WITHOUT

RIPPA!Wobis, tell us a bit more about your promotion:

Full Moon would be nothing without Rippa ! You gotta find him on Face-book an Soundcloud and listen to what he’s got!

He’s the only member to have start-ed production, and has found quite rewarding success. He has released two EPs: “Thanks for being my friend” (Battered records) and “Am-sterdam” (Hypnotic Room Records), which was released in November 2011. He has also collaborated with numerous successful artists such as Chuckle, with “What is it” (Rippa Re-mix) (Battered Records) and Guy Gerbert (remix of “Timing”).

On the local scene he has worked on track with Mark Magro (Gozo) and also Claytonsane (Malta). His style differs from dark inductive techno to charming tech – house, such as his hit “1938”. He is known for his signature tracks; “Flying Fck-lings” and “Thanks for being my Friend”. He is also the group’s han-dler of design and video promotion, always dedicating precious time to fetch the best outcome.

Check us out on Facebook, Full Moon Promos !! And for an even closer look, join us in our next events, such as next Sunday!

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visit www.facebook.com/fejnsemmur for more info

01.05.2012