Lara Vella presents fourth solo exhibition ‘Dari’ encapsulating Malta’s soul

Lara Vella, a relatively new talent in the world of fine arts, is presenting her fourth solo exhibition. Titled ‘Dari’, the evocative collection of paintings captures the idyllic essence of Malta.

The exhibition holds dual significance in Maltese, meaning both “my home” and “once upon a time” denoting with a sense of nostalgia, encapsulating the sentiment woven into each piece.

This notion has become more eloquent for Ms Vella while living abroad. Despite the nearness of Florence to Malta, being away from home has instilled in her a sense of belonging and nostalgia for her home country.

Her exhibition, which is being held at The Phoenicia Malta, consists of paintings that are finely and delicately executed in acrylic with a bright palette, that is very much a reflection of the colours present on these islands.

However, Ms Vella’s colour palette is accentuated and creates a dreamlike quality. In fact, she claims that her choice of colours is due to her portraying her subjects through a child-like lens.

Her journey into the arts began with her formal education in fine arts, where she honed her skills and developed a unique artistic voice.

She has, in fact, just completed a Master Course in Visual Arts in Florence, leaving Malta soon after she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and History of Art from the Department of Art and Art History at University of Malta.

Her connection to Maltese heritage is a profound influence on her work, guiding her brushstrokes and colour choices. There is an omnipresent and distinct ‘Malteseness’ to these works, some of which are idyllic while others are tongue-in-cheek.

“Dari” is therefore a visual homage to Malta. The collection features a variety of landscapes, from sun-drenched coastal vistas to serene rural countryside, each painting a testament to Malta’s natural beauty and rich culture.

The paintings reflect her personal connection to Malta, embodying the warmth and familiarity of home. The use of light and colour imbues each scene with a dreamlike quality, inviting viewers to reminisce about their own cherished memories of the island and its food and customs.

The exhibition also highlights elements of Maltese culture, from traditional architecture to everyday life. These cultural references ground the idyllic and tranquil scenes in the rich heritage of Malta, offering a glimpse into the island’s soul: a man sitting outside his home enjoying the evening breeze, and pastizzi, qagħaq tal-għasel, tomatoes, and ġbejniet also featuring, a no entry sign on the gate of a field, and more. Tangible elements.

The attention dedicated to the production of each painting has resulted in highly detailed artworks that adequately capturing the textures with striking realism and are at times hyper realistic, with Ħobż ta’ Kuljum being particularly remarkable.

Born and raised in Mġarr, Malta, the young artist is bright, with a sunny disposition. All of these attributes are directly reflected in her paintings. She states that through ‘Dari’, she aims to share her love for Malta and its beauty with the general public, locals and tourists alike.

“Each painting is a piece of my heart, a reflection of the places and moments that define what home means to me. I hope visitors can feel the same sense of peace and nostalgia that I experience when I paint these scenes,” she continued.

Lara Vella’s “Dari” is an invitation to explore Malta through the eyes of an artist deeply in love with her homeland.

The exhibition is open at the Palm Court Lounge, The Phoenicia Malta, throughout August and is curated by Dr Charlene Vella.