A transformative art exhibition delving into love and trauma, and the pervasive impact of physical and sexual abuse on individuals’ lives and futures.

Titled Ruccya and Shalice: Into the Shadows, A Visual Exploration of Trauma and the Search for Love, it opened this weekend at Valletta’s The Splendid, running from 6th to 15th December.

The exhibition features a number of compelling pieces by artists Olha Ruccya and Shalise, including photography, video installations, paintings, graphic works, and poetry.

This exhibition delves into the profound effects of physical and sexual abuse on individuals’ lives, relationships, and futures, offering an emotive exploration through the power of visual and poetic art.

Through their works, the artists aim to highlight the pervasive impact of trauma while exploring resilience and the human longing for connection.

While admission to the exhibition is free, all proceeds from art sales will partially benefit local and international organisations supporting survivors of violence.

Ruccya presents 15 photographic pieces and a video installation, capturing the silent struggles of those impacted by abuse, with her Baroque-inspired style evoking a haunting and poignant atmosphere.

Shalise contributes 30 dynamic pieces from her Love Hotel series, using bold visuals and poetry to examine how trauma distorts love and perpetuates cycles of pain.

Ruccya & Shalise, Into the Shadows is more than an art exhibition—it is a call to action. By raising awareness about the prevalence and lasting effects of abuse, the artists hope to inspire healing, resilience, and meaningful change.

Together, they envision a future where these cycles of pain are broken, and new patterns of love and connection emerge.