Watch: The colour of antiquity (ARTE)

Imagine strolling through the ancient streets of Mdina, the sun dipping low, casting a warm, golden glow on the honey-coloured stone buildings. Now, imagine that scene, but with a twist. The buildings aren’t just golden, they’re alive with vibrant hues – reds, blues, greens – as if the very soul of the city is bleeding out in a kaleidoscope of colour. This isn’t a dream or a fevered imagination, but the work of local artist, Alexia Cassar.

ARTE: Breathing life into history

ARTE, a project by Cassar, is a unique blend of art, history, and technology. Using projection mapping, Cassar transforms historical sites into a canvas for her digital art. From the silent, ancient streets of Mdina to the bustling, modern streets of Valletta, ARTE is bringing colour and life to Malta’s rich history.

“I wanted to challenge the way we perceive our historical sites,” Cassar explains. “They’re not just static monuments, but living, breathing parts of our culture. ARTE is my way of bringing that to life.”

From Mdina to Valletta: A journey through time

ARTE’s journey began in Mdina, the silent city. Cassar’s projections transformed the ancient streets, turning the historic buildings into a vibrant, ever-changing art installation. The project then moved to Valletta, the capital city, where it was a part of the Valletta Green Festival. Here, Cassar’s art brought a new dimension to the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Grandmaster’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

“Seeing ARTE in Valletta was incredible,” says Joseph, a local resident. “It’s like our history came alive right before our eyes.”

ARTE goes global

ARTE’s success in Malta has caught the attention of international organizations. Cassar has been invited to participate in projection mapping festivals in Europe and beyond. But despite the global recognition, Cassar remains committed to her local roots.

“Malta is my inspiration,” she says. “Every street, every building, every story – it’s all here. I want to share that with the world through ARTE.”

ARTE’s next local project is set to transform the historic streets of Rabat. Keep an eye out for updates on the Hot Malta Facebook page.