Revisit Malta’s Childhood Memories at ‘Stories Revisited’
Under the Sun-Kissed Windows of Our Childhoods
Remember the scent of jasmine that used to waft through the open windows of our childhood homes? It’s a fragrance that’s as much a part of growing up in Malta as the clanging of church bells and the hum of scooters. This summer, local artist and storyteller, Mark Attard, is inviting us to revisit those halcyon days with his latest exhibition, ‘Stories Revisited’ – a nostalgic portrait of our island’s youth.
Mark, a familiar figure at the Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, has been collecting and retelling stories from Malta’s past for years. But this time, he’s turned his lens onto our shared childhoods. ‘Stories Revisited’ is a multimedia exhibition that weaves together memories, photographs, and artifacts from across the decades.
From the Streets of Żejtun to the Rooftops of Rabat
Mark’s exhibition is a journey through the streets and alleyways of our youth. There’s the old cinema in Żejtun where we’d sneak in to watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters, and the rooftops of Rabat where we’d escape to, away from the watchful eyes of our parents. Each exhibit is a trigger for a flood of memories – the taste of hobż biż-Żejt on a Sunday afternoon, the sound of the ice cream truck’s jingle, the feel of the hot sand under our feet at Golden Bay.
But ‘Stories Revisited’ isn’t just about the good times. It’s also about the challenges we faced growing up in Malta – the long, hot summers spent working in the fields, the strict rules enforced by our elders, the political tensions that sometimes simmered just below the surface. Mark doesn’t shy away from these realities. Instead, he uses them to paint a more complex, more honest picture of our island’s past.
Revisiting Our Past, Shaping Our Future
‘Stories Revisited’ isn’t just an exhibition, it’s a conversation starter. Mark wants us to think about how our shared history has shaped us, and how we can use that understanding to shape our future. He’s inviting us to share our own stories, to add our voices to the chorus of memories that fill the gallery.
So, if you find yourself wandering through the streets of Valletta this summer, do pop into Spazju Kreattiv. Let ‘Stories Revisited’ take you back to a time when life was simpler, when the world was smaller, and when the scent of jasmine filled the air. And who knows, you might just find a piece of yourself in the exhibits.
Mark Attard’s ‘Stories Revisited’ is on display at Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta, until September 30th. Entry is free.
