Nathan Portelli's debut solo exhibition revolves around childhood disappointment. Id-Diżappunt (The Disappointment) reflects these memories onto the present — echoing the letdowns of adulthood, with a particular focus on heavy urbanization. Portelli, who hails from Gozo, is witnessing firsthand the rapid transformation of his island due to excessive overdevelopment, the destruction of the countryside, and even the loss of village identity.

At stake is not just the landscape but also Malta’s architectural heritage. The artist highlights this by using cement as his primary medium — a material that, whether we like it or not, has become an integral part of our built environment.

The works include a series of melting ice creams, some even depicting the moment an ice cream cone crashes to the ground — an early childhood ‘tragedy.’ Portelli also incorporates objects that are distinctly Maltese, such as the ġbejna, while also alluding to fireworks and traditional patterned tiles. Some cheeselets sit neatly on a tray, fresh and intact, while others have fallen and shattered — slowly disintegrating, much like our cultural identity. Meanwhile, others form a large wall-hanging piece, splattered against the surface in a playful yet poignant manner, each bursting with color — reminiscent of Malta’s beloved fireworks. 

With a tongue-in-cheek approach, Portelli prompts us to reflect on how our priorities shift over time and to focus on what truly matters, especially for the future — before it is too late.