Art Scene

February 27, 2025 – Published in Design & Decor Autumn-Winter 2024 issue

Immortalising the beauty of Malta one painting at a time – Nikki Diacono

Words Shirley Jobson

Photography Matthew Mirabelli

Juggling life as a wife and mother of four young adults while creating outstanding art pieces is no mean feat, but artist Nikki Diacono is certainly living her dream quite happily and fruitfully. In between hectic schedules and household duties, the charming 55-year-old puts her artistic talents to good use every day.

Back in her school days, young Nikki was always doodling in her diaries, and she took up art lessons as part of her education, eventually receiving her ‘O’ Level in the subject. In her teens, she attended the School of Art in Valletta, exploring the history of art while practising drawing and painting. 

Along the years, Nikki pursued her passion on and off, while also working in travel and, later, as an LSA in a local school. When her children came along—first, her son and, then, her triplet daughters—her free time was more limited, but she never gave up. As her kids grew older, she took up painting classes again; this time, at the Malta Society of Arts. 

A few years later, Nikki stopped working and became a full-time—and extremely successful—artist.

“I’ve been going to art classes every Friday for over ten years now,” she told us at her lovely Mosta home. “I love walking into Valletta, attending classes, and participating in various workshops. It helps to be introduced to other artists and try out different techniques. There is always something new to learn and discover—besides being in great company, of course.”

Nevertheless, Nikki picked up her preferred technique mainly through watching online videos and experimenting in her art studio, which she set up inside her home. She loves working with a palette knife, adding an interesting, textured feel to many of her paintings.

“When I turned 50, I decided to take the plunge and get my work out there, but I was worried at first. How would people receive it? Would I make a fool of myself? So, I started small, created a few watercolours, and displayed them at an artisan market. And it went really well, so I tried another market, and then another—and I haven’t looked back since!”

Nikki’s next big step was her first solo exhibition at a prominent 5-star hotel.

“I never thought I would actually reach that level, but since I was approached by them, I took up the challenge,” she smiled demurely. “I called this exhibition ‘A Painter’s Diary’, because my art is rarely limited to just one style or theme, and the idea was to present my assorted series of works.”

In fact, Nikki loves the freedom of being able to express herself by painting multiple collections simultaneously, mainly using acrylics and oils. Much of her art is inspired by what she sees around her—Malta’s iconic architecture, its landscapes and streetscapes, and of course, the sea.

“One of the collections at this first exhibition was Is-Sbuħija Tal-Bini L-Antik (The Beauty of Old Architecture). These portray authentic doors and balconies found on actual buildings in Valletta or The Three Cities. I take photos and then work on the paintings at home, trying to make each piece different from the other. The more I see these unique old buildings get knocked down, the more I want to paint them.”

Nikki also presented a series named Il-Ħabbata (The Door Knocker), using the palette knife to imitate the uneven appearance of the wooden doors these traditional Maltese features are typically attached to. A third collection was aptly named ‘The Gift of Life’. The first painting in this series originated from her own story, a poignant representation of her pregnancy with the triplets, as her older son looks over them protectively.

“It was such a special experience that I wanted to share it,” she reflected, “and the series continued developing from there as a reminder not to take this amazing gift of life for granted. The people are depicted without features, because I wanted to focus more on the emotions derived from the paintings—connections between people, as well as life’s challenges and wonderful moments.”

A proposal from a local law firm ensued, focusing more on showcasing Nikki’s stunning seascapes.

Named ‘Coastal Waters’, this second solo exhibition included portrayals of yachts at sea, local bays and harbours, as well as several marine landmarks. At an international maritime conference in another renowned hotel, more of Nikki’s seascapes were exhibited. The hotel then kept her work permanently displayed within its premises, as well as asking her to provide six large paintings for its suites. An ongoing project with yet another hotel undergoing refurbishment involves producing prints from 12 original paintings, which will, eventually, adorn each of the bedrooms and common areas.

“I still participate in several artisan markets practically every month, and sometimes, I draw in corporate clients, creating staff Christmas gifts or media content. If I may humbly add, my streetscapes and seascapes, in particular, attract many foreign visitors, and today, a lot of my artworks have found new homes overseas, as far as America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It’s so rewarding, especially when they send photos of where my art is hanging—it gives me goosebumps!”

“Five years down the line, and thank God, I’m still at it—with no intention of stopping any time soon,” said Nikki with her endearing chuckle. “My family supported me at every step, and I’ve become more confident in my work. I genuinely enjoy it, and there’s still so much more to learn and advance further—I’m always thinking about what I will do next!” 

Nikki Diacono

Original Art by Nikki

https://www.facebook.com/artbynikki.d 

nikkidiacono@hotmail.com

+356 7970 6355