Books | Sunday, 07 December 2008

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Life and work of Ebba Von Fersen Balzan celebrated

The retrospective on the life and works of Ebba von Fersen Balzan was launched earlier this week. The book is a study of the artist who passed away in March of this year. The launch of the book 'Ebba Von Fersen Balzan' took place at the Chamber of Commerce, Valletta on December 3. The book, a tribute to the painter, is published by Choppy Books the book publishing arm of MediaToday named after the late Julian Manduca. The book was compiled and written by Saviour Balzan, husband to the late artist, including personal accounts by friends, artists and art critics.
The launch was officiated by President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, who had opened three previous exhibitions by the artist. The President Emeritus, having known Ebba, traced some personal anecdotes about the artist in a short but emotional address. He also recited one of Ebba's poems (also included in the book). He described what inspired Ebba as an artist and opined that while an artist may pass away, an imprint is always left by their work. He paid homage to the German artist who made Malta her home.
The hardcover book features 300 selected colour paintings which encompass a total of 25 years of work. There is small section dedicated to her ink and gouache sketches.
This is a small representation of over 3,000 works and other unaccounted works in private collections. The book attests to the artist's prolific output and especially her unique use of lino print, which reappears in most of her works. It also underlines her strong roots in graphic representations of nudes, landscapes and still lives.
At the launch Saviour Balzan, said he hoped that the book would lead others to delve deeper into Ebba's artistic contribution.
The evening was attended by over 250 people, despite inclement weather. 24 of the artist's paintings were on display, carefully selected to represent significant phases of Ebba's life.
The hardcover book - available from all stationeries - is printed by PEG and kindly sponsored by Bank of Valletta, Malta International Airport, Atlas, Evolve and World Express Limited.
The numerous guests included artists, ambassadors, politicians, journalists and family friends. Chilean wine (35 South) was kindly provided by Attard & Co. and James Caterers provided the evening's finger food. The paintings on display were propped on easels kindly provided by Attard & Co.

Ebba von Fersen Balzan, Choppy books, 256pp, available in all stationeries, €42.

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