Alfred Camilleri, Artist

Alfred Camilleri is artist, with a 40-year teaching career behind him, and he is now a pensioner.
How did you get started?
As far as I can remember I have always been drawn to art, so I would say it is a natural aptitude.

What genre do you consider your work to be?

Since the late 1980s, my work has been mainly abstract, the result of a gradual development of ideas over a good number of years.

Describe your work in less than 10 words.

Colourful with a 2-D and 3-D combination of contrasts.

Where was your first exhibition held?

I first exhibited a collection of my works in 1980, at what was once the Gallerija Feniċi, part of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

How long have you been painting?

Since I was a child. As for a mature approach to art, I would say since the early 1960s.

Which is your favourite from among your own artworks?

I really cannot pinpoint a favourite. They all hold their own meaning within the spectrum of my work.

Whose artist’s work are you most inspired by?
I feel that all significant artists and their periods in history offer something to my creativity. An example of this was my work in the 80s, in relation to the   metaphysical work of the Italian artist Giorgio De Chirico.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

I think I would have been an architect or an archaeologist… or both.

What is the epitome of happiness for you?

Being surrounded by the people I love, being myself, and living art.

Are you a morning person or do you come alive at night?
My day is for working. At night I may be browsing ideas for my work and making plans for their realisation.

How many coffees a day? Don’t embellish.
I prefer tea, at least 3 times a day.

Sundays can be very productive for some and very unproductive for others. How do you spend yours?
If I had to stay home, it’s the usual working day.

Wine and cheese. Yes or no?

Well, yes, but occasionally.

If you were given a million euros, what would you indulge yourself with?

A new house, adequately designed for my aging future; a gallery in my beloved city, Valletta; and more travelling.

Favourite place to holiday?

I think my soft spot remains Italy.

See more artists and artisans work in our book for just 35 euro including delivery to Malta (at cost to other destinations)

Paula Fleri-Soler

Paula has a pedigree in TV and stage production (children's and family entertainment) and a passion for the arts. She's taken the reins on The Artists' Directory - Malta and the relevant content for the site.