SIMPLE EXPRESSIONS OF COMPLEX THOUGHTS

“We favour the simple expression of the complex thought. We are for the large shape because it has the impact of the unequivocal. We wish to reassert the picture plane. We are for flat forms because they destroy illusion and reveal truth.”
Mark Rothko and Adolph Gottlieb (joint manifesto, New York Times, 1943)

Simple Expressions of Complex Thoughts is an exhibition curated by Hannah Dowling which forms part of the Strada Stretta programme, produced by the Valletta Cultural Agency on the occasion of maltabiennale.art 2024. This exhibition stems from Rothko and Gottlieb’s manifesto, and acts as a contemporary understanding of their thoughts and concerns on the relationship between artists, artworks, and the audience.

In a society that is drowned in complexity, triggered by the over-searching of meaning, Simple Expressions of Complex Thoughts is a transnational collective exhibition of 8 artists, which encourages reflection. The painterly works and live performance by Lihong Bai (CHN), the mixed-
media works by Alex Dalli (MT) and Noel Attard (MT), sculptures by Antoine Farrugia (MT) and Aaron Bezzina (MT), photographs by Luke Azzopardi (MT), and video works by Jeremy Chih- Hao Chuang (TW) and Polo Farrera Cuevas (MX) come together as the respective artist’s personal reflections of contemporary understandings. However, their meaning is ultimately received by the viewer.

In today’s world, the shock value in art is being questioned further, especially in relation to the
notions of provocation and controversy. Do we need to shout to make ourselves heard? Do we need to spark controversy to challenge the times? Do we need to succumb to trends to remain relevant? Such questions merit reflection, especially in an age when there seems to be no further boundaries to push, or rules to break. Perhaps it is through the subtle nuances, the simple expressions of complex thoughts, that one may find meaning. Meaning is no more than a connection, and that connection is fostered by the marriage between the picture and the onlooker, the artist and the audience, which ultimately does not necessarily have to be imposed. The simple expressions of complex thoughts are ultimately no more than a reflection of ourselves, our state of
being, and our frame of mind.

Why do we want, need, wait and pray for our feelings to be justified?
To depend our emotions on the permission of another?
To conform, to fall in line, with a society that dismisses the personal?

You do not need to justify your reasoning, nor your feelings. Your explanations are your truth, and they are valid for as long as you fuel them with self-belief. This is a message to both artists and audience alike. Do not negate the power that personal feelings hold.