In the scorching heart of August, Valletta presents itself as a city frozen in time, carved in golden stone that challenges the gaze and heats the air. A few steps echo through its streets emptied by the sun, where the eye seeks refuge in the shade of a balcony, behind the corner of a door.
The facades, sand and honey colored, shine with bright light, but they are enlivened by the “gallariji” – wooden balconies painted in bold shades, emerald green and cobalt blue – that look out like silent observers above the pavement.
Above our heads, strings stretched between the houses hold colored paper lanterns, light as cheerful thoughts, ready for the celebration of the Assumption. Red, yellow, indigo and emerald, they dance in the breeze of the nearby sea, between shadow and sun, waiting for the evening when the city will wake up in a bright explosion of faith and joy.
In this suspended moment, my painting captures the warm breath of the city and its hidden heart, which beats slowly, waiting for the party.
TITLE:
The suspended quiet of Valletta
SUPPORT:
Cotton canvas on frame
SIZE:
65 x 80
TECHNIQUE:
Oil on canvas
DATE:
June 2025
SERIAL N.:
20250602
NOTES:
Subject taken from one of my photos and made entirely with a spatula
