"A Day on the Beach" by Malva, Giclee

Malva’s “A Day on the Beach”, giclee print

This masterfully printed giclee, entitled “A Day on the Beach”, is a charming beach scene depicting Victorian fashioned women taking in the sun. This piece exhibits all the techniques that define the artist’s impressionistic style. Utilizing his characteristic quick and numerous brushstrokes to build up different layers and colors, this work positively glows with natural beauty. The brightness of the sunlight hitting the sand is effectively contrasted with the coolness of the dark dresses of the ladies and the lovely sky. It is exquisitely framed in a very unique gold and silver wood frame that has a wavy motif, which is reminiscent of ridges in the sand. It certainly adds a richness and elegance to the picture, as does the double mat, which consists of a top cream mat and a dusty blue bottom mat. The entire piece measures 22 ^3/4” x 18 ^5/8”, and is the fifth giclee out of five printer’s proofs. It is clearly numbered, titled, and signed in pencil below the picture. This is a delightful scene that portrays a wonderful sense of nostalgia, and at such an outstanding price as to make it an exceptional investment.

Omar Hamdi Malva, who just signs paintings as Malva, was born in Syria in 1951. The artist pursued their talents at the University of Fine Arts in Beirut, finishing the studies in 1972. Malva continued seeking knowledge, later studying at various universities in Europe. Like any artist trying to make a name for themselves, Malva found teaching positions to substitute the artist’s income. Malva taught for two years at the University of Fine Arts located in Damascus, as well as other higher education facilities. Malva was also a graphic designer, a painter at the Ministry of Education, as well as an art critic and art director for the magazine Al Fursan. Malva became an Austrian citizen in 1978, adopting the more Westernized name of George Severios Malva. This allowed Malva to reach a whole new audience; however, the artist was not well received. It wasn’t until 1979, when Herbert Arnot sponsored Malva in the art world, allowing the work to be shown throughout Europe and the United States, did Malva gain international acceptance and acclaim. Malva is known for a wonderful impressionistic style, although the artist’s work has also been classified as being expressionistic since the artwork bears Malva’s soul and emotions, making them true extensions of the artist’s being. Later in the artist’s career, Malva moved in a more abstract direction, but still with the same bright colors and broad brushstrokes.

Malva has had about 23 one-person shows in Syria, Lebanon, Austria, and the United States. The artist has also participated in group shows in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Moscow, Romania, Spain, and Syria. The Association of Fine Arts in Syria has published a book about his work, and more recently Galerie Otto in Austria has published a catalogue of his work. Additionally, Malva has been featured in a number of journals, including Alsyad, Almassas and Alshark in Beirut and Albaeth; Alfursan, & Altala in Syria; Alraie in Jordan; and Al Anbas in Israel. Malva has also sold at auction, making this work much more valuable.