The Resonance of Presence

by Olaug Vethal

• Intaglio print on paper with gold leaf
• 1/20 from Limited edition print/ 20
• 39.5cm by 53.55cm
• 50cm by 64.05cm framed
• 1984

In The Resonance of Presence, Olaug Vethal transforms a gathering of jazz musicians into an exploration of human connection and shared consciousness. The fluid, overlapping lines of the intaglio process capture musicians absorbed in performance, their individual bodies appearing to merge through rhythm, gesture and sound.

The addition of gold leaf shifts the scene beyond simple observation. Gold becomes almost immaterial, a field of energy or illumination surrounding the figures. Against the restrained monochrome line, it suggests something that cannot be physically seen: the resonance created between musician, instrument and listener. Within Vethal’s metaphysical world, jazz becomes a threshold between the material and intangible. The musicians are physically present, yet the music they create exists only in time, vibration and memory.

The Resonance of Presence captures this paradox: the invisible made perceptible through the presence of the body.

This work is currently hung at Spazju A, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta until 25th October 2026 as part of the exhibition ‘Beyond The Visible | The Metaphysical Worlds of Olaug Vethal, curated by Christine Xuereb and in collaboration with Christine X Art Gallery