A new exhibition by Maltese artist Madeleine Gera offers a contemplative look at the capital as it transitions from the bustle of day to the calm of evening. Titled "After Hours", the collection will be on display at Casino Maltese from 23 April to 22 May 2026.

The exhibition centres on the fleeting moment when the city begins to slow. Gera's subdued palette reflects the cooling air and lengthening shadows of twilight, capturing a quieter side of Valletta. Her works depict commuters heading home beneath soft streetlights, alongside still alleyways and parked cars poised for the next day's activity.

Beyond its atmospheric quality, "After Hours" also explores the evolving social fabric of Malta. Among the highlights is "Portrait of a Somali Woman", a piece that underscores the island's growing cultural diversity and shifting identity.

Gera extends her focus beyond the city's streets to its surrounding green spaces. Scenes from Upper Barrakka Gardens portray solitary figures moving through historic arches, while broader landscapes of Argotti Gardens and St Philip's Garden provide a lush counterpoint to Valletta's limestone architecture. In a notable departure, the artist also offers glimpses into traditional Maltese interiors, revealing the domestic life hidden behind the city's façades.

Complementing these scenes are a series of refined still-life compositions. Works such as "Still Life with Kangxi Blue and White Vase" explore texture and historical influence, while "Hummingbird with Nautilus Shell" draws on the mathematical harmony of the Golden Ratio, echoing themes of balance and proportion found throughout the exhibition.

With "After Hours", Gera presents Valletta not only as a centre of commerce but as a living city in need of pause and reflection. Through her careful attention to light, space and human presence, she elevates the quiet moments of everyday life into subjects of lasting significance.