JAMES VELLA CLARK

 

Born: 1975

Nationality: Maltese

 

Self-Taught Artist

 

Vella Clark is one of Malta’s main exponents of Expressionism.  He  pursues abstract landscapes as his preferred subject matter.  The omni-present church dome and its steeple that dominate Vella Clark’s townscapes are representative of the ongoing tension between female and male, as well as society’s dominating character on the individual’s personal life story.

 

Comment on the Selfie Challenge:

An opportunity for insight into self

 

 

THE SELFIE

 

THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF FORGIVENESS

Pencil on Paper

W53 cm x H63 cm

 

 

I chose to show a self-portrait in pencil, which is the medium with which I entered the world of art. It’s like going back to my artistic roots. Those who know me from very young know that I never painted but I only drew in pencil. Therefore, to many who are familiar with my abstract and colorful landscapes, this will come as a surprise. Also, when one works on a self-portrait,
one finds himself looking deeper and this involves facing your past, your experiences and of course the least pleasant sides of one’s personality. When I look at my inner self, I always find myself having to face my demons and they’re not pleasant. I feel I have managed to channel my inner anger at myself through this self-portrait, contrary to selfies which people use to seek and portray their ‘perfect’ existence.