Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1508940
NEWS 14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 OCTOBER 2023 IN the second quarter of 2023, house prices, as measured by the House Price Index, fell by 1.7% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU compared with the same quarter of the previous year. In the first quarter of 2023, house prices rose by 0.4% and 0.8% in the euro area and EU, respec- tively. This is the first annual decrease since the first quarter of 2014.These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Compared with the first quarter of 2023, house prices rose by 0.1% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU in the second quar- ter of 2023. House price developments in the EU Member States Among the Member States for which data are available, nine showed an annu- al decrease in house prices in the second quarter of 2023, and seventeen showed an annual increase. The largest falls were registered in Ger- many (-9.9%), Denmark (-7.6%) and Swe- den (-6.8%), while the highest increases were recorded in Croatia (+13.7%), Bul- garia (+10.7%) and Lithuania (+9.4%). Compared with the previous quarter, prices decreased in eleven Member States and increased in fifteen Member States. The largest falls were registered in Slo- vakia (-3.9%), Luxembourg (-2.7%), and Hungary (-1.7%), while the highest in- creases were recorded in Latvia (+5.1%), Bulgaria (+4.3%) and Estonia (+3.8%). House prices down by 1.7% in the euro area FINE art photographer Johan Siggesson has seen his latest na- ture-themed photograph achieves a tremendous sale price, setting a possible new local record for its genre. This extraordinary achieve- ment is a testament to Siggesson's talent and demonstrates the en- during appeal of his captivating work. Siggesson, while acknowledging the possibility of being mistaken, holds a strong belief that no other photo sold by a local photogra- pher in the same genre surpasses the price tag of his recently sold piece. However, he expresses a genuine enthusiasm about being proven wrong. Siggesson would see it as an op- portunity to push himself further and at the same time it would demonstrate that the work of lo- cal photographers is increasingly gaining the recognition it truly deserves. Titled "Overwatch", Siggesson's monochrome creation captures the awe-inspiring beauty of a cheetah on the African savannah. Photographed in Kenya, the cat, confident and regal, gazes directly at the photographer, creating an intimate connection between the viewer and the magnificent crea- ture. The absence of colour accen- tuates the cheetah's graceful form and intricate patterns, emphasis- ing its sleek physique and agility. The photograph not only show- cases the cheetah's physical prow- ess but also conveys its spirit and vitality. It invites viewers to ap- preciate the remarkable beauty of these magnificent creatures and serves as a reminder of the impor- tance of preserving their natural habitat. The sale of "Overwatch" high- lights the value collectors and art enthusiasts place on Siggesson's work and photography in gener- al. This photograph's balanced composition and ability to evoke a sense of tranquility make it an exceptional piece that resonates with viewers. Siggesson does not want to disclose the final price tag on the sale but it is listed at a local art gallery at €1700. Johan Siggesson's career as a fine art photographer has been marked by numerous accolades, with his work celebrated for its originality and ability to capture the essence of the natural world. "Overwatch" is a testament to Sig- gesson's unwavering dedication to his craft, showcasing his ability to transform fleeting moments into timeless works of art. Siggesson said hew honoured for the enthusiasm and appreciation shown towards "Overwatch". "This photograph embodies my deep admiration for the beauty of nature and especially the icon- ic animals of Africa, and I am thrilled that it resonates with col- lectors and art enthusiasts in such a profound way," he said. Nature photo sets possible new record in Malta 'Overwatch' by Johan Siggesson