At the Tirana Castle, the exhibition “The Space That Surrounds Us” has opened for art lovers, a project curated by artist Artan Shabani.
In an interview with the Albanian Telegraphic Agency, Shabani shared the unique aspects of these creations, how they were made, and the messages they convey to the public.
“These works are created by various contemporary artists who, after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, bring messages of openness, renewal of life, and human and artistic activity through their creations,” Shabani explained to ATSH.
“This exhibition brings together 10 contemporary Albanian artists, including Entela Ahmetiaj, Ardit Boriçi, Erolda Cela, Devis Gorgota, Joan Kapo, Bernard Lekgegaj, Ajes Halili, Albi Yzo, Edjola Mavriqi, and Ersa Kana. Each artist contributes in their own genre, including installations, sculptures, paintings, and ceramics,” Shabani said.
“We went through a period of isolation, and through this exhibition, these artists call for openness, emphasizing their need to connect with spectators and critics alike,” he said.
He further highlighted various themes addressed by the artists, such as a piece tackling violence against women, which speaks to recent events and calls for social awareness. Another work depicts an interior devoid of human presence but filled with human energy, suggesting activity despite the absence. A cold-toned nude piece represents the longing for freedom and springtime space. There’s also an abstract urban landscape where the boundaries between reality and absurdity blur, a concept reflected in Tirana’s central area. Moreover, there are impressionistic landscapes reminiscent of Manet’s style and metaphysical landscapes from Tirana that echo Giorgio de Chirico’s surrealism, portraying the isolation experienced during the pandemic.
“This exhibition is an invitation to embrace life, bringing back enthusiasm,” Shabani noted. “It explores themes linked to the recent back-to-back experiences of the earthquake and pandemic—the earthquake that drove us out of our homes and the pandemic that confined us within them. Also tackled is the issue of violence against women and the global undervaluation of women. A significant element relates to cultural anthropology, where textiles symbolize strong impacts, showing reality and desires in contrasting forms and conditions.”
The exhibition opened on Monday, June 7, and will run until June 13, 2021. Entry is free, and it can be visited from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
This exhibition has attracted numerous citizens, reflecting their interest in the country’s cultural and artistic life. Now, as Tirana returns to normalcy after a challenging pandemic year, the revival of cultural life has brought new vibrancy to the city.
