Ajma dak il-Wiċċ is a Maltese expression used to emphasise the cuteness of a face. It is also the title of a new collaboration between visual artist Etienne Farrell and author John-Peter Portelli, who give the phrase a deeper meaning.

The pair have joined forces to create a small book that brings together poetry and art, which invites readers to look beyond the apparent innocence of its visuals.

At first sight, Ajma dak il-Wiċċ might look like a charming, light-hearted little book. Its small format and seemingly innocent aesthetic give little indication of the depth contained within its pages. As the poems unfold, however, they reveal layers that are far more complex. The poems do more than accompany the images; they invite the reader to look at them again, this time a little more closely. Faces that may initially seem familiar, innocent, or endearing begin to suggest something more. Through the interplay of words and images, emotions, contradictions, and hidden truths gradually emerge, with some feeling unexpectedly familiar, particularly those aspects of ourselves that we do not always choose to show.

The project will be launched at the National Library of Malta this Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at 6.30 pm with contributions from Trevor Zahra, Sam Alekksandra and Charlene Vella.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

The project is supported by APS Bank.