Fid-Dell tal-Ħitan (In the Shadow of the Walls) is an exhibition of 40 drawings and paintings at the House of Representatives, Valletta, until May 27.

The House of Representatives last week opened its doors to an exhibition that seeks to promote historic buildings and ruins in the Maltese countryside.

Fid-Dell tal-Ħitan (In the Shadow of the Walls) is an exhibition of 40 paintings by two artists, the dominant theme being architecture – specifically walls.

Showcasing a combination of pen-and-ink drawings by Stephen Spiteri and watercolour paintings by Raymond Agius, Fid-Dell tal-Ħitan drew inspiration from the idea that society must  nurture what we have and keep it safe for future generations.

“Hopefully, we have managed to capture and present a side of Malta which is often forgotten or taken for granted,” Dr Spiteri said.

The theme of the exhibition was also inspired by the poetry of John Spiteri Gingell, whose words Dr Spiteri described as “breathing life into the paintings”. It took Dr Spiteri over four years to complete his pen-and-ink drawings. The monochromatic drawings were inspired by the spirit of Malta’s rural landscapes and rustic buildings, he said.

This is the second time the two artists have exhibited their work together. 

Their first artistic collaboration was held in Senglea two years ago, in a project entitled Lest We Forget, which commemorated World War II.

“Our need was not driven by profit – rather it ­­­was to retell a story, rarely spoken, of subjects hidden in plain sight,” Mr Agius explained.

Mr Agius, who retired in Malta in 2007, said he needed to relive his heritage after three decades overseas.

His art sees architecture as vying with nature for prominence, he said.

Fid-Dell tal-Ħitan hangs in the Parliament’s foyer and is open to the public to May 27. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm.