Artist Critique

Like the work of his predecessors -Piranesi, Hubert Robert, Mario Ricci, Giovanni Paolo panini and Francois de Nome come to mind- Glenn displays immense mastery when depicting architectural landscapes. However, unlike these masters, Glenn challenges himself to go further beyond technically robust and visually stupefying capricci, instead, he withdraws into his mind’s eye and emerges with his intriguing Mind Palaces drawing upon a diverse wealth of architectural styles combined with a futuristic flair. Classical, Baroque, Deco, Brutalist architecture along with Chinoiserie-style ornament are subjected to elegant gothic principles which convert even the bulkiest of building styles into ethereal follies, beautifully laid out for us to explore. Perhaps, it is for this reason his works remain unnamed; they might be waiting for the next viewer to immerse themselves and choose a title to match whatever their eye focuses upon.  

Personally, this group of works evokes the bravura and sheer talent observed in Asian geometric ivory puzzle balls which not only served to subject the beholder to intrigue and marvel but also showed-off its maker’s devilish skill. As with these puzzles, one can easily compare the latticework to Glenn’s immense control over the medium, which in effect allows for an unbelievable level of minutiae to be presented. Like their makers, Glenn displays an envious level of meticulousness, clever use of negative space, a daring mind and spirit, a dizzying love for ornament and unbridled, nay, sublime creativity. The imagination found in this exhibition would serve many a developer and architect in contemporary Malta!

Authored by Mrs. Christina Thompson