In the Center for Opening and Dialogue premises, a part of the jewel of works created over the decades by the painter Naxhi Bakalli is being displayed in the exhibition titled “Perheresi- Permanence”, curated by Jetona Koçibelli.

“There is an asceticism and a romanticism in the figure of Naxhi Bakalli that makes him a personality, a character, and an extraordinary person.” – said Prime Minister Edi Rama at the opening of this exhibition, which will remain open to the public until 🗓 December 31, 2024.

The exhibition brings 74 works by the painter, a selection from the artist’s creativity over several decades, including the painting “When the Stars Fill the Sky,” one of his essential works. The exhibition contains works created in a symbolic pictorial style based on traditional and folk art. Because of the painting “When the Stars Fill the Sky” in 1969 when churches and mosques were destroyed in Albania, the painter Naxhi Bakalli was left in the shadows. Considered unacceptable by official criticism, the artist accepted this in silence. For 33 years, none of his works have been shown in exhibitions.

The artist’s drawings have a folk base and include Albanian dances, such as those of Tirana, Dropulli, Kukës, etc., the embroideries of our women, the motifs of the xhublete to the ornaments and centuries-old undergarments. Women are also a frequent motif in his paintings. The drawings about our legends and traditions are also quite interesting. “Like those that represent “Gjergj Elez Alina,” “Rozafa Castle,” “Tomorri and Shpiragu,” “Sopot,” and others.”

About the Artist

Naxhi Bakalli was born in Tirana, in 1937. He received his first lessons in art at the artistic high school, Jordan Misja, and graduated from it in 1957.

In 1961, he was granted the right to study at the Higher Institute of Art, where, as an excellent student, he graduated in painting and began working as a teacher at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic High School in Tirana.

His first exhibition was in 1991 at the National Gallery of Arts of Tirana, where he had 170 paintings in graphic technique and sculpture. Since 1971, he has been an illustrator of many books, including “The General of the Dead Army” by Ismail Kadare. In 1980, Bakalli won the First Prize of the Republic with the mural “Confrontation” in the National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” in Krujë.

The painter Naxhi Bakalli has also designed postage stamps. He has successfully enriched the Albanian philately fund and made a significant contribution to the science of postage stamps.

Open  at COD, from Monday to Friday 09:30-14:00 / 17:30-20:30

Saturday  09:30-12:00.