See the beauty in the “ugly” was my personal mission when I was solo traveling malta. I wanted to capture hidden aesthetics and find uncommon design perspectives on usually overseen objects.
The Experiment
The aim of this design research experiment was simple: To train my eye to recognize beauty in the mundane and challenge conventional ideas of what is considered “aesthetic” or “good design.” Rather than seeking balance, symmetry, or sleek minimalism, I was hunting for texture, irregularity, contradiction—qualities that told a story, or better yet, sparked curiosity.
My tools were: a phone camera, a sketchbook, my Canon R6MII equipped with a 24-105mm f4.0 lens, a Canon G7Xii and open time to walk (a lot) and observe.
Here are the results and learnings of my photo trip, I hope you enjoy:
Learnings of my Solo Photo Trip
1. Beauty Exists in Layers
Peeling posters, exposed bricks, and weathered doors taught me how time becomes a visual designer. These surfaces held traces of multiple eras, multiple hands, all blending into one layered narrative. Beauty, I realized, often lives in the tension between decay and resilience.
2. Function Over Form Can Still Be Beautiful
I became strangely obsessed with utility poles, air conditioning units, and construction scaffolding. These objects prioritize purpose, not polish—yet many had sculptural qualities and unexpected harmonies in proportion or rhythm. Design without trying to be “designed” can be deeply inspiring.
3. Contrast Is a Powerful Communicator
Some of the most compelling images I captured juxtaposed old with new, chaos with control, or bright with dull. These visual contrasts created a kind of friction that demanded attention—and that friction became the focal point of the composition.
4. Context Is Everything
What’s considered ugly in one setting might be beautiful in another. A crumbling wall in an abandoned village felt poetic and romantic; the same wall in a luxury resort might be considered an eyesore. The environment shifts how we perceive design.
5. Slowing Down Sharpens the Eye
Solo travel gave me the gift of stillness. Without distractions, I could truly see what was around me. I learned that “ugly” is often just “unseen.” When you take time to notice, even the most banal surfaces become visually rich.
To be honest, I found it hard to concentrate on the “ugly” when there was so much beauty that surrounded me in Gozo and Malta. I hope my observations spark something in you, too. Whether you’re a designer, photographer, or simply someone curious about the world—try taking a walk with different eyes. You might just fall in love with the “ugly,” too.
More inspiration:
