“Art, a curse that you can’t live without”
A conversation with CO-MA in the lead up to his exhibition.
What’s the idea behind your upcoming solo and how is it developing?
The idea for this upcoming collection started from the want to make large scale works. I began researching old Maltese paintings and those in places of worship and it developed into a fascination with how I would interpret the themes and compositions in a contemporary way. The process will be documented from start to finish.
Has the subject that you will be depicting been developing for some time?
Yes, it’s been a while. I’ve had a lot of time to explore some ideas since building my home studio for the last 4 years. The high stone arch ceilings have also been part of the process of forming the general idea. My previous studio was a garage, now I can step back and see 8-metre-wide walls which has helped me visualise what I have in mind.
The way I will approach the idea is constantly changing in my head, but I think that’s always been my way of making something – it always adds up in the end. I like to change ideas as it keeps me interested in the creation of the work – not following a set procedure or plan. I just prefer having an idea and trying to get to it but still allowing myself to drift away to then go back on track and, maybe, find new unplanned ways of getting there. All I can say about the theme now, is that it will be touching on the topic of the 7 deadly sins.
How would you characterise your studio environment and how has it influence your work?
It’s organised chaos. My workshop/production area is the ground floor. The middle space is for thinking, generating ideas and making music. And the top floor is my relaxing space. It allows me to work in my way – constantly shifting from one thing to another whilst simultaneously working on different things.
What materials and mediums are you employing in this collection?
A very vast rage of materials. My main medium is charcoal, but there will be use of inks, oil paint, acrylic, anything and everything…
Do you ever engage in creating art digitally?
I have sometimes used digital tools to create a rough reference for a composition. It’s easier than sketching the whole thing and having to move something slightly – you can get a good idea of the placement of things. But I wouldn’t trust a robot to do my drawings.
What are your views on AI and digital artwork?
I think the use of digital and AI is being abused by some artists, to be quick and make things easy, skipping the process of sketching and getting the final drawing before its painted. I feel that it is taking away the beauty of art and appreciation of the skill.
In your opinion, should artists be trained in traditional drawing techniques?
I don’t believe that all artists should be trained. It depends on what you are after as an artist. It’s just a pity when some artists try to emulate the skill by using digital tools – such as with 3D printing and digital drawings… you can’t call yourself a sculptor if you use a 3D printer!
Where did you hone your drawing skills?
I had a couple years at a trade school. I didn’t really draw much after that apart from some illustration work for record labels and small drawings. I fully focused on my own drawings when I got bored from producing music and my music studio gradually turned into an art studio.
What instigated this need to get back into art?
Even though it was going well, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in the music industry and I needed another creative outlet. I watched Lord of the Rings on a plane flight back home from a gig in Japan and was fascinated by the costumes and scenery that I then watched 12 hours of behind-the-scenes and bought a ton of materials of anything I could find to try some works in clay, and paints. I just wanted to make things!
Why is charcoal your main medium of choice?
I started using charcoal a year before my first show which was in 2021. Charcoal has given me the results I’m after. You can go into detail as much as you want, and it offers an unlimited range of values that you can play around with.
How would you narrate your journey as an artist so far?
A curse that you can’t live without.
The exhibition (yet to be titled) will take place from the 9th of May until 29th of June at Spazzju Kreattiv (Space C), Valletta. Follow the artist via his Instagram page @Comacomaart. If you wish to visit the artist’s studio, contact Lily Agius Gallery for an appointment by email on info@lilyagiusgallery.com or call +35699292488. Sign up for updates via the website www.lilyagiusgallery.com & follow the gallery via Instagram and Facebook.
