Ever felt like you could reach out and touch time? Like it was a tangible thing, slipping through your fingers like sand? That’s the feeling that greets you at Sliema’s latest pop-up exhibition, ‘Chronos: A Moment’s Respite’. Nestled in the heart of Malta’s bustling promenade, this artistic exploration of time’s relentless march is a must-see.

Local artist and Sliema resident, Mark Attard, is the mastermind behind this temporal treasure trove. His photographs, displayed in the old Café La Vitta building, freeze moments that would otherwise be lost to the river of time. From the ephemeral dance of sunlight on the Grand Harbour to the transient joy of children playing at Sliema’s Tower Road, each image is a stolen second, preserved on canvas.

“Time is our most precious commodity,” says Mark, “Yet it’s the one thing we can’t control. I wanted to capture its fleeting nature, to give people a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty in the everyday.”

The exhibition is more than just a collection of photographs; it’s a love letter to Sliema. Each piece tells a story about the town, from its vibrant present to its historic past. There’s the iconic Tigné Point, a symbol of Sliema’s modern rebirth, standing tall against the setting sun. And the humble Ferry to Valletta, a humble vessel carrying passengers through time, from the old to the new.

But it’s not all about big scenes. Mark has also captured the intimate moments that make Sliema truly special. Like the elderly couple sharing a quiet moment on a bench at Sliema Creek, or the laughter of friends enjoying a gelato at Spinola Bay. These are the moments that make Sliema more than just a town; they make it a community.

But look closer. Each photograph is more than just a snapshot. Mark has manipulated the images, layering them with other times, other places. A clock face here, a hourglass there. It’s a visual representation of time’s relentless flow, of the past and present coexisting in every moment.

“It’s not just about capturing a moment,” Mark explains, “It’s about understanding that every moment is a blend of past and present. We’re always moving forward, but we’re also carrying our history with us.”

Chronos: A Moment’s Respite is more than an exhibition; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to pause, to reflect, to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. So, if you’re in Sliema, do yourself a favour and pop in. It’s free, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s a testament to the power of art to capture the intangible.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll see a piece of your own Sliema in the exhibition. Or maybe you’ll just see time a little differently. Either way, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

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