Qattus iswed
Surreal street photography wall art from Valletta, still and unsettled
The cat was there, and then it wasn't. I was working with multiple exposures in Valletta's streets, feeling the weight of seconds passing between frames. That gap, that breathing space between clicks, lets me layer a scene with intention. This time the subject had other plans.
I captured one frame before the cat registered my presence and bolted, leaving me with an unplanned, but not unwanted sequence. What I love about this piece is how that interruption became the image. The animal exists in a state of flux against those golden Maltese walls, caught between materiality and memory.
The beiges and oranges of old limestone seem to absorb the cat's form. The title, Qattus iswed, means black cat in Maltese. But here, blackness disperses into amber light, into architecture, into the act of vanishing itself.
Print Details & Interior Styling Guide
Visual Palette
Golden Maltese limestone tones, beige through amber, absorbing the black of the vanishing cat. Warm, sunlit, and slightly unreal.
Atmosphere & Placement
There's a story in this one, which makes it a natural piece for an entryway or any wall guests face. It reads as warm abstraction right up until someone finds the cat.
Process
The cat appears to dissolve into the golden limestone walls, its form blurred and layered against the architecture. This ghostly effect comes from multiple exposures, where separate frames captured seconds apart merge into one image of movement and disappearance.
Print Details
Fine art paper prints are produced as Giclée prints, usually on Hahnemühle Photo Rag or Baryta. Works can also be produced mounted to aluminium dibond or face-mounted behind acrylic glass. Sizes run from 20 × 30 cm to 100 × 150 cm. Full pricing is on the Prints & Pricing page.
Order this print
I prefer handling every inquiry myself. Choose a size and presentation, send me a message with the pieces you're interested in, and I'll get back to you with a delivery time and payment details.
Shipping is included on fine art paper prints. Dibond and acrylic are quoted for your address. Custom sizes, framing and multi-piece arrangements on request. Sizes, materials and shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material are the prints?
All prints are produced in close conversation with the collector. The standard option is a gallery-quality fine art photographic print on archival paper (for example Hahnemühle Photo Rag).
Depending on the image and the intended space, alternative formats such as aluminium dibond, prints mounted behind acrylic glass, or framed works are also possible. These choices are best discussed individually to find the presentation that fits both the photograph and its future home.
What sizes are available?
Standard formats run from 20 × 30 cm up to 100 × 150 cm, including large-format options suited to statement walls. Custom sizing and multi-piece installations can also be discussed.
Are the prints limited edition?
At the moment, prints are offered as open editions rather than limited runs. Each print is produced individually and made to order, with close attention to materials, scale, and presentation.
The goal is a work that feels right for the image and the space it lives in, not artificial scarcity. If you're looking for something exclusive, we can have a conversation about individual solutions.
Are the prints signed?
Prints are generally not signed. Signing is possible on request and can be discussed individually. Please note that this may affect production time and, in some cases, the overall cost.
How much do the prints cost?
Prices depend on size and presentation. Fine art paper prints start at €95 for a 20 × 30 cm and go up to €980 for a 100 × 150 cm. Dibond-mounted and acrylic face-mounted works are priced higher. The full table is on the prints and pricing page, and the selector above shows the price for each combination.
Can I request a custom order?
Yes. Custom requests are welcome and can be discussed individually. If you're looking for something specific or don't see your question answered here, feel free to get in touch.
How long does it take to receive a print?
Prints are made to order through reliable print partners in different regions. Production and delivery usually take two to four weeks, depending on the format and your location. If timing matters for a specific situation, get in touch and I'll do my best to help.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Prints are available worldwide through a network of trusted print and fulfillment partners.
What is your return policy?
Since prints are produced individually and made to order, returns are not usually possible. However, if there is a production issue or damage during shipping, I will make sure it's resolved. If something doesn't feel right, please reach out and we'll take it from there.
Is your work suitable for collectors and interior designers?
Yes. The work is collected by private buyers and is equally well suited for professional environments such as offices, hospitality spaces, hotels, or cruise ships. The photographs span a wide range of tones and moods, allowing them to support different atmospheres and contexts.
I'm happy to collaborate on finding the right image, scale, and presentation for a specific space. If you're looking for a particular theme or mood that isn't visible on the website, feel free to reach out and we can explore suitable options together.
