Mark Mallia, the local artist known for his nonconformist nature and work, passed away yesterday at the age of 59. From the moment the news was announced by his daughter, social media outlets have been inundated with posts paying tribute to the late artist and his memorable outlook on life.

These posts come from politicians, fellow artists, local personalities and members of the general public whose lives were somehow touched by Mark Mallia’s work, which has played an important role in the local abstract art scene for the past few decades.

Both leaders of Malta’s main political parties paid homage to the artist, with Prime Minister Robert Abela saying that Malta has lost a “unique artist” while Opposition Leader Bernard Grech claimed that Mark Mallia’s art will live on and inspire other artists.

This morning, well-known local TV personality Peppi Azzopardi shared a touching poem he composed about this loss of artistic talent and charismatic personality.

The philanthropist Keith Marshall expressed his shock at the loss of his friend, and thanked him for his “words of wisdom, endless kindness, that outgoing nature that brought controversy to many a table conversation”.

Mark Mallia helped to raise money for Dar Bjorn, a pioneering neurological home founded by Bjorn Formosa, who joined the tributes saying: “Goodbye maestro! I love you!” 

Condolences to Mark Mallia’s loved ones