Valletta’s ‘Unblinking’ Lights: Seeing History in a New Light
Blinking Lights in the Heart of Valletta
Ever walked through the bustling streets of Valletta, Malta’s capital city, and wondered about the seemingly random blinking lights in the windows of the historic buildings? You’re not alone. These aren’t just your average light fixtures; they’re part of an innovative art installation called ‘Unblinking’, a project that’s seeing beyond the visible and redefining the way we perceive our city.
Seeing Beyond the Visible
‘Unblinking’ is the brainchild of local artist and architect, Alexia Pace. It’s a public art project that uses light to create a new narrative for the historic city. The installation, which spans across several buildings in Valletta, uses LED lights to mimic the blinking of human eyes. It’s a simple yet powerful concept that transforms the cityscape into a living, breathing entity.
But why eyes? Pace explains, “Eyes are the windows to our souls, and in this case, to our history. By giving these historic buildings human-like qualities, we’re inviting people to see them in a new light, to engage with them in a different way.”
From Concept to Reality
The project, which started as a concept in 2018, became a reality in 2021 with the support of the Valletta 2018 Foundation and the Malta Arts Council. It’s a testament to how local initiatives can transform public spaces and engage communities. The installation is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about community involvement and education.
Pace, along with a team of volunteers, worked tirelessly to install the lights. They conducted workshops with local schools and community groups to explain the project and its significance. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Locals and tourists alike have been captivated by the blinking lights, sharing their experiences on social media with the hashtag #UnblinkingValletta.
But ‘Unblinking’ is more than just a pretty light show. It’s a commentary on our relationship with our history and our cities. Pace hopes that the project will inspire people to look at their surroundings with fresh eyes, to question, to engage, and to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.
