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3 ART maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 OCTOBER 2026 Reflections Through Time exhibition to open at the Malta Society of Arts REFLECTIONS Through Time is designed as an immersive ex- hibition, which brings togeth- er a curated collection of more than 40 paintings, prints and mixed-media works by three ex- hibiting artists, alongside a series of interactive installations that invite visitors to become active participants. All three artists ap- proach art using different media and drawing upon their different personal stories, yet they share a belief that creativity has the pow- er to help us understand ourselves and the world around us: "Reflec- tions Through Time grew from conversations about memory, the passing of time, mental wellbeing, and how easily meaningful mo- ments disappear when life moves too quickly." The artists see collaboration as foundational to their vision and process, and as a response to ac- tively address "something we felt was missing in our own creative journeys": they note that rather than waiting for a supportive en- vironment to appear, "we decided to create it ourselves." The artists believe that this exhibition proves that "opportunities can be creat- ed, that knowledge becomes more valuable when it is shared, and that creativity flourishes in com- munities built on integrity, cour- age, mutual respect and genuine support." The exhibition unfolds in three interconnected parts: the first be- ing the artists' individual explora- tion of the theme of time through their own distinct visual language. The second introduces interactive stations incorporating mirrors, encouraging visitors to engage with the works from different per- spectives and become part of the experience themselves. The third section features a collective in- stallation of moving mixed-media artworks powered by clock mech- anisms, which mark the passage of time as a presence in the space. The exhibition urges the need to slow down and become aware of what is happening within and around us. The artists' creative practices draw upon different sources. In- ese's art draws inspiration from personal stories; Zelitte finds in- spiration in astrological views of nature; and Francesca's work emerges from close engagement with nature. The artists do not attempt to unify their interpreta- tions or response, but rather seek to create a shared space. Inese Refalo, who also curat- ed the exhibition, reflects on her curatorial role: "My focus was to bring three very different artistic practices together, finding con- nections through our shared val- ues while preserving each artist's individuality, so the exhibition feels like one conversation rather than three separate collections. What connects us runs much deeper." Refalo identifies experi- ences of struggle and strong values as shared, with the latter including "respect for nature, belief in per- sonal growth, integrity, and an un- derstanding of how important it is to have people around you who genuinely believe in you." It was important to the artists that the exhibition take place in October, when World Mental Health Day is celebrated. Refalo says that Reflec- tions Through Time will take vis- itors on a journey, where visitors move between the works with no one course being the 'correct' one: "Ultimately, there is no prescribed way to move through or interpret the exhibition. Our hope is that people enter with curiosity, slow their pace and leave having no- ticed something—within an art- work, within the space, or perhaps within themselves." Refalo notes that the MSA's Basement Vault space has a "raw, natural look that complements the exhibition. It is rather intimate setting which is a perfect peaceful atmosphere to re- ceive our artistic message." Refalo says that the exhibition requires no prior familiarity with contemporary art; indeed, all are welcome: "Just come with an open mind and take your time. If some- thing makes you stop, think, feel or even start a conversation, then we have achieved what we hoped for. At the heart of the exhibition are very human things—time, memories, relationships, and the importance of having people around us who support us and help us grow." Reflections Through Time, a collaborative exhibition by In- ese Refalo, Zeltite Upeniece, and Francesca Puglisi. The exhibi- tion will be on view from 9 to 23 October 2026 in the Basement Vaults of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Admission is free. For further in- formation visit www.artsmalta. org or www.facebook.com/mal- tasocietyofarts.