Some emotions are difficult to express, even to those closest to us. In (UN)EXPRESSED, her debut solo exhibition, Maltese artist Shanice Farrugia explores the feelings we learn to conceal, the strength we feel expected to maintain and the private struggles that often remain unseen. Curated by Melanie Erixon, the exhibition brings together a series of self-portraits developed over the past two years.

Rather than simply capturing her own likeness, Farrugia uses self-portraiture to look beneath the composed exterior many of us learn to present to the world. Her work considers how upbringing and social expectations shape our relationship with difficult emotions. While some grow up feeling able to speak openly about their feelings, others learn to keep their struggles to themselves and carry on regardless.

Working with graphite, coloured pencil, acrylics and oils, Farrugia conveys these internal states through tired eyes, subtle tension, stillness and partially concealed faces. Each portrait balances vulnerability with restraint, revealing glimpses of the artist’s inner world while preserving a sense of privacy.