![[Artist Self Photo]](images/self.jpg "The Artist") Photo by Margaret Balzan |
"An eclectic predisposition that reflects character, an obsessive love for speed and therefore spontaneity and improvisation, a talent for rendering with pen and pencil ; a strange and almost bizarre vision, a predilection for dark and obscure places lit by brilliant flashes of light are the elements that invigorate the expressive quality of the art of Keith Balzan." |
E V Borg - Keith Balzan: Psychic Strength, Malta This Month, December 03
Born in 1975, Maltese artist Keith Balzan offers a varied artistic palette of styles, yet specialises in Cubist and Expressionistic Art. He attended the Malta School of Art at the tender age of 7 and studied Advanced level Art under the skillful guidance of the late Frans Galea, E V Borg and for a short stint received lessons from Pawlu Grech. But most of all, Balzan is self taught, experimenting with various media and textures. His art is a far cry from commercial paintings and forcefully reflects his mood, spontaneity and burning passion for the creative interpretation of everyday life. His paintings bizarrely embark on journeys and change drastically until they reach completion. There is a struggling and vigorous process in every work executed by the artist making each and every one unique, powerful and special. Soul-searching hatching and cross hatching are trademarks that invigorate his art. Keith graduated in Art after having studied at the University of Malta in 1997. He has taught art to secondary school students ever since, conveying his zest and love for the subject that he carries within. Keith is married to Margaret nee Brincat.
"Keith's deep psychic analysis and reflection of life and the physical world around him surface in his highly particular and peculiar art. His art of moods is quite intellectual."
E V Borg - Keith Balzan: Psychic Strength, Malta This Month, December 03
Personal Exhibitions
- April-May 2007 Moods held at Heritage Malta, Head Office premises.
- July-August 2006 Genesis held at St James Cavalier, Centre for Creativity.
- September 2006 till present - Artist-in-residence at Palazzo Santa Rosa.
Joint Exhibitions
- June 2008 Unita' annual exhibition, Marsascala.
- Februray 2008 Core Green collective exhibition, Melita Restaurant, Balzan.
- October 2007 Notte Bianca portraits section, MCC Valletta.
- October 2007 Filfla and Toteninsel collective exhibition, German Maltese Circle.
- September 2007 Rotta ta' l-Arti collective exhibition, Mdina.
- June 2007 Unita' annual exhibition, Marsascala.
- December 2006 5th National Art Exhibition organised by the Malta Society of Arts.
- September 2006 Rotta ta' l-Arti collective exhibition, Mdina.
- July 2003 The Bugibba Arts Festival, Sol Suncrest Hotel Qawra.
- Easter 2000 Getsemani collective exhibition, Vittoriosa Band Club.
- February 1996 held at the Institute of Tourism Studies.
Credits
July 2008 - Awarded 2 special mentions in the International Fiat Grande Punto sticker design competition.
July 2006 - Wine Fest is chosen as winning entry for a wine label competition organised by Delicata Winery. The label adorns Kastilja - a limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon commemorating the 5th Annual Classic Wine Festival.
June 2006 - Clouds and Waves is chosen as cover illustration of Assessment Guidelines, a University of Malta publication.
December 2005 - Offered web space/links by various national and international websites.
October 2005 - Invited to join Artissa and given web space in their site.
October 2005 - Launching of Official Website www.keithbalzan.com
Summer 2004 - Prepared drawings for school based Maltese Language text book - Senduq Kuluri in conjunction with Merlin Library and Mr. Trevor Zahra.
Summer 1999 - Designed and painted the "Mini & Minor" set and props for a TV programme for Public Broadcasting Services.