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Kevin Drake writes about his uncle, Antoine Camilleri who passed away last Wednesday
Antoine’s gone now, and for many of us, the lives we live will be greatly poorer for it. Less colourful. Less bubbly. Less purple. My uncle, my idol, a man who, in my eyes, was a paragon of all things that I consider virtuous and worthy of emulation… he shall be missed by many. Greatly missed.
Nonetheless, although he’s shrugged off his proverbial mortal coil, Antoine is destined to live on for far, far longer than all of us. For generations to come, at the very least. His life’s work has been discussed, dissected and studied in minute detail by dozens of art critics, students, scholars and Joe and Jane Public for nigh on seven decades. All are in accord, and will undoubtedly continue to agree, that this was no mere talented painter.
Antoine Camilleri was, is and will remain a name synonymous with artistic genius, with creativity in its purest form, with an undiluted and unadulterated love of art, whatever definition you may care to give it. Antoine was also the artist’s artist… a man who lived and breathed art. He was never happier than when discussing concepts and ideas and thoughts with like-minded souls, especially students of all ages. Antoine embodied the notion of Art for Art’s sake. And it is precisely his commitment to art, his immense talent and his vision that will guarantee his living on for aeons.
Although Antoine cannot be separated from his art, there was so much more to him than just the amazing works he created. Much more. There was Antoine the man, the Shaman-like master of ceremonies, the centre of attraction. And, in quieter moments, the thinker, the philosopher. Many memories of Antoine somehow all seem focused on his unique brand of laughter and sense of humour, his obvious love of life, his willingness to talk and discuss anything with anyone until the wee, small hours. Antoine was the life and soul of any gathering he was in. And that sums him up perfectly: All life. All soul.
I could use any number of nouns and adjectives to reflect how most people saw Antoine: An unassuming nature, extreme generosity, unquestioned loyalty, huge talent, fun-loving, deeply spiritual. All this and much more. The thing is that anyone who was fortunate enough to have come into contact with Antoine needs none of that. The memories are enough to always inspire a surge of admiration and a huge, enormous smile.
Antoine was also a shining example of generosity. My late mother, one of the earliest and staunchest admirers of her elder brother’s work, always loved to tell the story about how, one day in the late forties or early fifties, when Antoine had just left Malta to study at the Beaux Arts in Paris, her father, my grandfather, received an urgent telegram from Antoine. The telegram was basically a polite request from Antoine to his father, asking for a warm coat to be sent over, or the equivalent funds, since it was bitterly cold and he was freezing in that particularly harsh winter weather. His father replied with a bemused query, asking Antoine what precisely had happened to the brand new and very expensive Ascot House coat he’d bought him just prior to his departure. Antoine’s sheepish answer must have sounded something like this: “Er… So here’s the thing… There was this poor, homeless old man who was literally freezing to death… and I couldn’t bear seeing him shivering like that… so I gave him my coat!” My grandfather, or so my mother recalled, smiled proudly and promptly sent him another one. Each time I would hear that story I’d recall other words I’d also heard time again: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me”. A spiritual man in ever respect, in word and more importantly, in deed.
We have been truly blessed to have had a man like Antoine Camilleri amongst us. I also feel that the highest accolade we could pay Antoine and his memory is not to be found in the written or spoken word either. Emulation, inspiration… that is the highest honour we may bestow. I guess that the message Antoine was always putting across is to live life fully and in all respects. Don’t waste your life. Live it all, no holds barred. Lap it up till the last drop. Think. Question. Use your mind as well as your heart and your soul. We certainly have a role-model to look up to, and one of no small stature. An inspiration. An example. Antoine’s not really gone. Not by a long shot.
When I heard the sad news of Antoine's death, on the morning of Wednesday 23rd November, I was struck by the cold agreement of the weather. For one who in his life had so loved the Sun's splendour, it seemed fitting that his dear friend should hide that lovely face, too. So many of his beautiful, directly realised pieces of art - drawings, paintings, ceramics, were warmed by the Sun's inclusion - as was the company of his many friends, who will miss his solar presence.
Antoine Camilleri was a warm, kind, and generous man - a true artist with a huge wealth of love for his family, friends and students - a dedicated teacher who passed on the passion for his creativity to all who knew him. Always open to new ideas yet constant in his glow; his studio in Valletta was a source of energy to all who visited - and all were welcome! He used to say that the daily walk from Floriana to his studio kept him going, and his work gave him strength. The contact of the Sun's rays made him happy. We who were enriched and gladdened by his dear contact wish to thank him, and thank his family for looking after him in the last part of his time. Antoine had great courage to bear his pain, which is reflected in his later work. This Sun sets on a cold winter, as he is already missed - but remembered with real love.
by Isabelle Borg
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