2B Gallery & Joanna Delia are proud to present John Paul Azzopardi’s highly anticipated solo exhibition – his first one in 5 years in fact.
Opening on Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 4-11pm, this landmark event marks the first time Azzopardi will exhibit his evocative bone sculptures as a collection, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with his most profound works to date.
An Artist of Philosophical Depth: John Paul Azzopardi’s career spans nearly two decades, marked by exhibitions that explore the intricate relationship between transience and permanence, life and death.
Known for his participation in the 2017 Venice Biennale (Homo Melitensis: An Incomplete Inventory in 19 Chapters), with works featured in esteemed collections such as MUŻA (The National Museum of Fine Arts, Malta), Azzopardi’s sculptures are both visually captivating and intellectually provocative.
Artist’s Words
“I have been creating these bone works for several years, and one of the main reasons is that as an artistic practice it serves as meditation, a practice that makes me slow down physically and mentally, requiring me to be extremely patient with every action during the construction of the work.” says John Paul.
“Every bone that is glued to another requires me to be very still and patient until the bones are bonded, but not only that, since during the first stages the structures are extremely delicate and the sculpture can easily fall apart, so even my movements have to be soft and slow. The structure starts to strengthen when it starts to become more and more 3 dimensional, because all sides start to support each other. It then becomes solid once the artwork is then covered in resin.
Although I start with a basic outline in mind the internal patterns are not pre-planned but simply unfold during the process.”
Crafted from bone and imbued with existential themes, his works invite viewers to confront the spectre of mortality while celebrating the resilience of life.
“I try not to have my mind lean too much on other thoughts but automatically the mind wanders at times. Since as mentioned the process of creation is extremely delicate, I feel that my attention and movement have to be akin to a surgeon. The work hopefully portrays the stillness and attention I give each and every one of the sculptures. This is one of the reasons I still create these works. But I also create them to allow its stillness, silence and its fragility to serve as a feedback loop to the observer, hoping that the person can resonate with the work or that the work itself serves as an instrument to allow the observer’s mind to quieten down.
I believe certain forms of beauty do generate this form of feeling. The bones as a reminder to temporarily allow your judgemental mind to die, and become just mere presence. If the work doesn’t make you feel that way then at least it can serve as a reminder to experience it in other moments during that day.
When I’m cleaning the bones on many occasions I am constantly reminded that we/ our bodies/ our time in the world is little more than nothing; it’s very sad, a memento mori that can give us an opportunity to embrace life. The cleaning part is not only messy, and smelly, but can at times be very sad.
It honestly feels like a prayer, a mantra in action. I learn to observe my automatic fleeting thoughts and allow them to pass by, quickly acknowledging that they are there, only to then let them fade whilst simultaneously keeping my eye on the work
I spend long hours every day working on these sculptures because I believe in discipline.
When one work is done I usually know what I’ll be doing next, but there are periods when I’m not productive or decide to work with a completely different medium/subject etc. And yes, I do enjoy looking at my works, but not only to enjoy their beauty but also to analyse them… to hopefully discover how to improve the smoothness of the patterns and outlines.”
John Paul’s Notable Exhibitions
This solo exhibition continues a remarkable trajectory that includes notable solo exhibitions such as Silver River (2019, Lily Agius Gallery, Malta), What One Sees Is What One Is (2016, National Museum of Natural History, Mdina), and Curved Silence (2011, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta).
Azzopardi’s collective exhibition history is equally impressive, with recent highlights including But I See Beauty and Wonder (2024, Spazju Kreattiv, Malta) and Liquid Key (2024, The Splendid, Valletta).
A Special Moment at 2B Gallery
This exhibition is a pivotal moment for 2B Gallery, celebrating not only Azzopardi’s return to the solo spotlight but also the culmination of his unique approach to art. By presenting his first-ever complete collection of bone sculptures, “John Paul Azzopardi” showcases the depth of his craftsmanship and his ability to articulate universal truths through intricate, haunting forms.
Joanna Delia’s Visionary Collaboration
This exhibition highlights Joanna Delia’s unwavering dedication to supporting local artists and bringing their work to the forefront of the global art stage. By partnering with 2B Gallery, Joanna continues to champion innovative talents like John Paul Azzopardi, creating a platform for boundary-pushing art that challenges and inspires. This collaboration embodies a shared mission to celebrate artists and ensure their stories and creative expressions reach audiences far and wide.
About John Paul Azzopardi
John Paul Azzopardi is a Maltese artist renowned for his deeply philosophical approach to art and his intricate bone sculptures. Through his work, Azzopardi explores profound themes of existence, decay, and the interplay between life and death. With a career spanning nearly two decades, including participation in the Venice Biennale and exhibitions across Malta and beyond, his art continues to provoke thought and evoke emotion on a profound level.
About 2B Gallery
Situated in the vibrant district of St. Julians, 2B Gallery is Malta’s premier destination for contemporary art. Known for its commitment to showcasing cutting-edge and thought-provoking works, the gallery serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists to share their unique visions with local and international audiences.
Opening Show Details
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 15 December 2024
⌚️ Time: 4-11 pm
📍 Location: 2B Gallery
✅ RSVP: www.2B.mt/rsvp
An exclusive preview event will offer a select group of collectors and art enthusiasts an exclusive first look at Azzopardi’s works on a secret date. With only 24 invitations available, anyone interested in being invited, please contact our Commercial Art Advisor, Michelle, to secure your invite.