Rudy Buhler On ‘The Colour Project’
ARTZ ID speaks with gallerist Rudy Buhler about moving to Malta, opening The Colour Project art space, and the plans that are currently on hold for the time being (but ready to happen at the first chance).
You are originally from Switzerland. What enticed you to move to Malta?
My reasons to move to malta are threefold. Firstly, as a father, Malta, as opposed to warmer places further away, is not too far away. It is very convenient for me to go and see my daughters back in Switzerland, and for them to visit me here. On a more individual level, I was looking for an English speaking island after retirement from my professional career. I was drawn to Malta because of its rich history and the warmth of its people. Finally, as a painter and art lover, because of the quality of the light, the sea, the vibrant art scene, and broadly speaking the high standing of the arts in the country’s history and culture.
You run the gallery The Colour Project located in Marsaskala. Can you tell us about what led you to open this space, your journey as a gallerist so far and how you choose the artists you work with.
Having always loved art in its many forms (visual art, music, performance etc.) I wanted to be active in this sector and to do something worthwhile. I wanted to offer art to the general public and to provide a platform for artists in the form of an art gallery. I remember being introduced to a prominent Maltese artist, a native of Marsaskala, and talking to her about, and receiving encouragement for the planned ‘Colour Project’. I won’t forget about the congratulatory letters and motivating feedback I received about the gallery from visitors and members of the public after the very first exhibition.
Having said that, finding the space for the gallery and planning and finishing the refurbishment of the premises was not always the easiest of projects. It’s also quite challenging to be the first and only art gallery in Marsaskala. Sometimes it’s hard to motivate the public at large to enjoy art for art’s sake and to overcome the notion that you have to “know art” before visiting an art gallery. March 2020 was particularly difficult as it was not possible to hold an opening night.
With regards to artists I work with, it’s really a matter of extensive research in the art scene, networking, going to exhibitions. I review websites and social media from Arts Council Malta and Malta Society of Arts, and personal websites of artists. Most importantly, by meeting an artist personally to find common ground, to see how the artist works and to find out through discussions if our ideas and expectations match.
In your ARTZ ID bio you mention that around 8 years ago you discovered acrylics as “the medium that suited you best.” Can you tell us more about your own artistic practice and whether you see a relationship between the work that you make yourself and that shown at The Colour Project?
There is definitively a close relationship between The Colour Project and my own art. Both are based on the concept of abstract, or non-figurative art. My own art evolved from ink and pencil to figurative watercolours to abstracts when I started using acrylics. The whole concept of my gallery is based on abstract non-representational art, with very few exceptions, perhaps to accommodate a special project or workshop.
Are you currently working on or planning any exciting projects that you would like to tell the network about?
I do have loads of plans, projects and ideas, but some may have to wait a while due to current circumstances. At the time of writing in September 2020, I am in the final stages of setting up a sculpture exhibition with a local Maltese artist, Censu Fenech. I am extremely excited about it. I am also planning to exhibit artists from other European countries to give visitors to my gallery a broader range of choice of art. I am working on an art project in the public space to raise art awareness in Marsaskala and in the south of Malta in general. Finally, I also have plans for various art events at the gallery, but due to COVID-19 and the restrictions on the number of attendees, these plans have been shelved for the time being.
Follow Rudy Buhler and The Colour Project on ARTZ ID or follow the gallery’s activities on Facebook to stay updated about the latest exhibitions and events taking place at the gallery.
Responses