For his first personal exhibition Mario Agius is showing a series of sculptures inspired by various themes. 'Nature Exalted' is a showcase of both wood and stone sculpture in which Agius is expressing his love for capturing figurative and semi abstracted forms.

Besides exploiting a variety of materials, Mario makes use of their particular features to enhance his expressionist renderings. Many of his sculptures are inspired from mother and child, family and lovers themes. His expressionistic approach to the media is visible especially in his wood and weathered limestone sculptures.

Mario Agius, who was born in 1956, has manifested a fond inclination to sculpture and design from his early years. He began his artistic studies under the late Mons. Michelangelo Apap and furthered his studies in wood sculpture under the famous Maltese artist Anton Agius. The artist has a number of sculptures in private collections both locally and abroad including in London and Switzerland.

His finest wood sculptures adorn churches all around the Maltese Islands. In 1985 he followed a course of studies in Cheltenham, England at the White Knight Gallery under the tuition of the international artist Ian Norbury. Mario has been actively taking part in various collective exhibitions both locally and away from Malta including those organized by the Members of the British Woodcarvers Association.

This solo exhibition illustrates works created by the artist to amalgamate together his past studies, past experiences and his inner feeling towards art. Thus this exhibition serves as a manifesto of the artist's inner soul.

'Nature Exalted' which will be open for public viewing as from the 31st of May till the 20th of June, at the Banca Giuratale, Independence Square Victoria, Gozo. Opening Hours are from 8.00 - 16.00 during the week and from 8.00 - 12.00 during the weekends. The artist can be contacted on 99472831 or by visiting his website at www.marioagius.com.