“WATER THROUGH WHICH THE DREAM FLOWS” KENNETH ZAMMIT TABONA’S EXHIBITION THE GALLERY – LIJA - 29th MARCH 2009  It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this latest exhibition of Kenneth Zammit Tabona’s  works.  Kenneth and I have known each other for more years than either of us would care to remember or admit, and I felt very honoured and privileged when Kenneth asked me if I would open this exhibition. I tell Mary Rose and my family that being Chairman of BOV has many obligations and responsibilities – but also a few privileges.  These privileges include a box at the Manoel (where we often meet Kenneth), being driven to work, and occasionally, very occasionally, being invited to open an exhibition such as this one. The privilege of being driven to work means that I can read the newspapers early, before I get to the office, including, of course, our favourite Tuesday column by Kenneth.  I often think that there are parallels between Kenneth’s literary and artistic accomplishments – and, as we all know, he is prolific in both fields His literary work clearly demonstrates his intellectual curiosity and agility, and the eclectic or very wide nature of his interests.  One week he will be demanding that our political leaders treat the electorate with respect, or rebuking them for not doing enough to protect the natural and inherited beauty of the island that he loves so much;  another week he will be writing about Nestorius or early Christian movements, or waxing lyrical about his most recent trip to Rome, and how another visit to Villa Borghese and seeing the works of Canova and Bernini once again brought him great transports of delight – and served to reignite his interest in Greek mythology – before rounding once again on relevant social issues in Malta. His writing is both knowledgeable and profound - but is also laced with a mischievous sense of humour, a barbed wit – and constant references to his other great love and delight – music – whether it be the structured beauty of a Bach cantata, the indulgent extravagance of Rachmaninoff, or the pathos of a late Mozart adagio.  His writings always demonstrate his love of Malta and its heritage – and his open, fearless and transparent intellectual integrity. When I visited the gallery yesterday for a preview, I asked Kenneth whether he was planning to say anything this morning.  He said NO – he would let his paintings speak for themselves – and, of course, they do.  Look at them; this new generation of works in Kenneth’s “in nature” or en plein air style.  These works speak eloquently of his love for Malta – for its natural beauty, its light and colour;  they speak of his love of plain, simple, unspoiled nature – but also of the joy he finds in the baroque beauty of Valletta or Birgu – a baroque beauty that is our heritage – bestowed on us by others – a heritage that Kenneth feels duty bound to protect.  Many paintings contain a hint of humour – and the occasional rebuke, whether it be the cranes on the edge of the work of Marsamxett, or the illegal boat houses of Gnejna.  His paintings of the unadulterated open beauty of Fawwara or Fomm ir Rih, dare, just dare, anybody to spoil what little there is left of our God-given natural heritage.  The music in his paintings is in his palette – just look at the bold extravagant colours in some – and the more subdued tones of others. So in Kenneth’s art – like in his writings - we find common elements - eclectic tastes and styles, curiosity and constant change – and an unashamed demonstration – and defence – of his love for the beauty of our tiny island.  His art, I submit, does indeed speak for itself – and no less eloquently than his writings. I am sure that I speak for all in wishing Kenneth every success with this exhibition, and in thanking Philip and Carmen for assembling and curating this wonderful display.  Roderick Chalmers 29th March 2008