Malta’s ‘Seeing Through Walls’ Project Reveals Village Histories

Picture this: you’re strolling down Triq San Ġorġ in Żejtun, the sun casting a warm glow on the traditional Maltese houses. Suddenly, you notice something you’ve never seen before. A window has been transformed into a canvas, revealing a story of the village’s past. This isn’t a mirage; it’s the magic of ‘Seeing Through Walls’, an innovative arts project inviting you to see Malta’s villages in a whole new light.

‘Seeing Through Walls’ is the brainchild of Valletta 2018, the European Capital of Culture, and the Malta Council for Culture. It’s a public art project that’s turning the walls of our villages into windows into the past. Each installation is a collaboration between local artists and historians, blending art and history to tell the tales of our towns and villages.

In Żejtun, the window tells the story of the Knights of St. John, who once ruled Malta. In Rabat, another installation reveals the ancient Roman history hidden beneath the modern streets. Each village has its own story to tell, and ‘Seeing Through Walls’ is the key unlocking these hidden histories.

But this project isn’t just about the art. It’s about community too. Each installation is a collaboration between local artists and the community. Residents are invited to share their stories, their memories, their village’s secrets. The artists then weave these tales into their art, creating something truly unique and personal to each village.

Take the installation in Żabbar, for instance. The window there tells the story of the village’s traditional pottery industry. The artist, Glen Cassar, worked closely with the Żabbar Local Council and the Żabbar Pottery Museum to ensure the artwork was authentic and meaningful to the community.

‘Seeing Through Walls’ is more than just a collection of art installations. It’s a movement, a way of seeing our villages, our history, our community. It’s a reminder that our past is all around us, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered.

So, the next time you’re walking down Triq San Ġorġ in Żejtun, or any of Malta’s other charming streets, look a little closer. You never know what story you might uncover. And who knows, you might just see your village in a whole new light.

As the project’s coordinator, Dr. Simone Spiteri, puts it, “This project is about more than just art. It’s about community, it’s about history, it’s about seeing our villages in a new way. And we hope it will inspire others to do the same.”