Roots in Exile
June 2025
Part of Refugee Week Malta, 2025
As Kurds, Sima Hosseini and her family were forced to leave their home in Iran. They have found a new life in Malta and have been welcomed by the community in Marsaskala, but still miss the culture, language, and landscape of their home. Sima, her husband and her two children now live in Marsaskala, where Sima – a trained artist and architect – has become a valued member of community life.
Now, while she explores the beauty of Malta, Sima is reminded of her home; something in the Maltese landscape reminds her of Iran, and something in Maltese patterns reminds her of her own Kurdish culture. Memories of life and family strengthen our communities and remind us that people all over the world need love and beauty in their lives. We are all reminded of home in the little things we see around us.
As a trained architect, Sima has been particularly drawn to Maltese architectural language and landscapes; on long walks she catches sight of a gallerija, a church dome, an empty farmhouse, or a flowering tree. Over these, she lays imagery from her native Kurdish culture; poetry and crafts, with fragments of dance and pattern.
She is particularly drawn to the drama of Valletta and its architecture. During RWM 2025, and in collaboration with Unfinished Art Space, Sima’s work will be showcased in the city against a background of trees and Maltese stone. Roots in Exile is a collection of works that speak of separation, memory, beauty and acceptance.
Join us in Hastings Gardens in valletta
An installation of work by Kurdish artist Sima Hosseini in collaboration with Unfinished Art Space. Join us for a guided walk with Sima Hosseini, and hear her story and the inspirations behind her work.
Date tbc
Join us as part of Sparkfest 2025, Ġnien Il-Kunsill Ta' L-Ewropa, Gzira
21 June 2025
An installation of work by Kurdish artist Sima Hosseini in collaboration with Unfinished Art Space. A conversation between Sima and Margerita Pulè tracing the journey of the project, and the joy of bringing cultures together.
