|
|
 |
|
|
AIR MALTA'S "MALTA THIS MONTH " ARTICLE
May 2003
Tragic Drama and Dynamic Movement
By E. V. Borg
|
|
|
|
|
|
23-year-old yearning for change, dreaming of adventure, dynamic and resourceful, is conscious of his tremendous potential. Christopher Ebejer of Qrendi is prodigiously talented and creative.
In less than eight years he has left his indelible mark in the way he moulds and models clay. His Italian terracotta (earthenware) figurines are highly elaborate, sophisticated and polished.
The Musical Society of St Andrew in Luqa has commissioned him a set of ten Stations of the Cross, which are exhibited annually during Passion Week at its premises near the parish church. Perhaps this has been Christopher's most challenging commission so far.
The concept is essentially dynamic, theatrical and expressionistic. He is inspired by Rubens, Bernini and Rodin and stimulated by the music of Handel and Hans Zimmer. His Baroque stance, exuberant and ostentatious, can be felt in gesture and movement, in the dynamic, tragic, monumental qualities of his expression.
|
|
|
|
|
Doubting Thomas is characteristic. The different reactions of surprise, astonishment and bewilderment are dramatically conveyed with verve. The fluttering of garments and multiple folds, as if wind were rushing through the group, is reminiscent of the work of Bernini and Rubens. The three figures in The Crucifixion, representing the Scriptural women with the common appellative of Mary, are solidly grounded and faintly resemble, in their draperies and grouping, the female Greek statues in the Parthenon pediment. The sense of power, strength, solidity and weight of the figures is essentially Baroque.
In the Descent from the Cross the composition reminds me of Daniele da Voltera's painting, with figures clinging to ladders with gestures of despair and utter disbelief. Tragedy strikes and emotions flow freely. Sublimation of feelings is surely not the order of the day. Rubens' concepts are explicitly tangible as a point of reference.
But Christopher's actual disposition surfaces in the Annunciation and in the Allegory of Spring. In the Annunciation (preserved in a private collection in Siggiewi), the artist's inhibitions melt and his individuality strives bright and clear. It is almost a profane work, with both figures performing a ballet virtuoso. The movements are delicate, soft, gentle and subtle as if they were flying in space, in levitation, in ecstasy. The duo reminds me of the Annunciation by Lorenzo Lotto, if one omits from the latter the scurrying cat.
|
|
|
|
Allegory of Spring rises from the earth as Venus born out of the waters, and moves forward in slow motion. With articulated fingers and head thrown back, this femne fatale really breathes. It is the warm breath of spring, the kiss of life. Anguish and hedonism are so mingled that the joyful and wistful become one.
Christopher Ebejer was born in Qrendi in 1979 to Emanuel and Maria Assunta nee Magro. Almost self-taught except for the training he received in Tarcisio Montebello's studio, he is poised and ready to embrace success. Nothing can bar this way. His talents are considerable.
A statue of Our Saviour hewn in local stone decorates a niche in Tower Street, Qrendi, while another of Our Lady of Mt Carmel embellishes the front garden of a private villa in Angevin Street, also in Qrendi. Both are youthful works, but it is quite apparent that Christopher is not yet content with his own success.
He is a freelancer and works as modeller, sculptor and conceptual designer for the cinema. He has been commissioned by the Americans and Italians in the popular cinematic productions.
"Julius Caesar", "Helen of Troy" and "Trojan Wars". His favourite works are the statues of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, and Horse of Troy is intended for computer graphics and enhancement.
This experience in the world of the cinema, coupled with the enthusiasm and involvement, will carry Christopher far. He feels hemmed in, living in the quaint picturesque village of Qrendi. He has already travelled to Rome and Cinecitta, Vienna, Denmark and Tunis.
His sense of grandeur, dynamic power and adventure will transform his village of Qrendi into a platform for take off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
A set of small statues were made for St. Mary's Musical Society, by a young artist member Christopher Ebejerwhich are on show on Good Friday. They depict the road to the Cross of Our Saviour Jesus.
|
|
