“SPRING ART” The banned exhibition brings nudes and Masonic symbols (2013)
Once banned because of ideologies, today it has many elements that would irritate that ideology. “Spring Art” returns to the tradition with well-known and new names in painting and sculpture. Another spirit was noticed from that dogmatism with which we were accustomed, but this was temporary. In this period the influences of what are called modern were introduced in painting, the influence of Impressionism, Cubism, and beyond. Among the names of Albanian painters who followed this spirit were Edison Gjergo, Llambi Blido, etc. Maksim Gjinaj, one of the participating artists and organizers tells us what it offers. He confesses that the catalog was realized with funds from
“Spring Art” restores the old tradition. What does it offer this year?
It is the second year that we restore the missing tradition. This exhibition was annual in the years before the 90s until it was banned because it was seen self-participatory- as very modern. Last year she was revived by a group of artists. This group will continue its work back to tradition only that it can enrich younger ones. Who participates in it? The names are different of all generations. There are well-known names such as: Bujar Zajmi, Kujtim Buza, Hysen Devolli, Qazim Arifi, Anastas Kostandini, Vilson Kilica, Llazar Taçi, Lekë Tasi, as well as young people like Redi Greva, Julian Hyso etc. There is a mix of artistic, thematic and gender styles and temperaments.
What are the topics covered?
The theme is different and is free. The selection of the participating works is made according to the wishes of the painters and sculptors, who are present in the exhibition. The organizing committee selects works in collaboration with the authors including gender, style, etc. However, there is a harmony between techniques and perception. There are abstract, real, calm natures and instillations, compositions, traditional portraits, messages about globalism, nude. There are social problems as there are and there are phenomena. It is the only exhibition where there are both painters and sculptors. How are nudes seen today? There were also last year and they were well received. There are no prejudices. But, these are in the exhibition that opens in 2011. Years ago it was very limited and you cannot show nude, today we have this opportunity, because we are no longer in socialist realism or in the totalitarian state. Then the artists were commissioned and with careful themes, while today it is quite the opposite, it is free in thematic and conception. What is its message? To create a loving and friendly atmosphere, where everyone has their own corner of exposure.
Why exhibit at the National Historical Museum and not at the Art Gallery?
It has ample environment and we like lighting. To be honest, we did not fall in love with those of the Art Gallery. It is a good hall; it gives due importance to the works. We felt good here and we do not have to change.