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Dec 29, 2013

PERfACT | A 2013 Retrospe(k)tive

Dear Readers,

I want to thank you for an amazing 2013. All of you that regularly follow, invisible lurk or have occasionally stumbled onto this blog. Your curiosity and feedback has mentally and physically encouraged me to push forward and write. Thank you for the immense support. I feel really blessed.

I think the best way to serve you, the reader, is by (continuously) attempting to speculate and challenge the role of media, culture, and politics in understanding, interpreting and producing social structures and spatial forms, to approach and engage a more liberating process for critical thought. With this in mind, I look forward to the new year. 

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Dec 21, 2013

Featured Artist & Exhibit | Ledia Konstandini @MIZA


For its last show of the year and to mark its first anniversary, MIZA Gallery is recognizing the work of Ledia Kostandini, an emerging young Albanian artist with a tremendous body of work
Her solo exhibit ÇENTRO ESTETIKE (AESTHETIC DOILY) is curated by Eriola Pira and will be in view at MIZA from December 23, 2013 - January 23, 2014. The opening is Monday @7:00pm so don't miss the chance to meet the artist and curator. 

End 2013 with an artistic blast!


Curated by Eriola Pira.

 Ledia Kostandini closed the year 2012 with a studio visit. Everyone was invited. The artist’s studio (which she still shares with her colleague, Matilda Odobashi) was transformed into a Salon full of art and life. Previously exposed work, work in progress, discussions, gaiety, coffee and wine, all was served to art-lovers for four days. The artist and her art presented themselves generously, straightforwardly, without the framing of an exhibition or the contextualization of the next curator. It’s rare that we, the public, have such direct access to an artist, let alone her studio, which we imagine as a mysterious place where the artistic process and the work of art are conceptualized and realized before we encounter it in the gallery or elsewhere. Last year’s invitation for a studio visit was a sort of demystification of the artist and a re-introduction to her, by bringing the artist, as well as her labor and artwork closer to the public, who has lost links with the artist as much as contact with art.
Ledia Kostandini will close out the year 2013 at MIZA Gallery. Not in her studio, but there she will be welcoming you this holiday season. What was conceptualized over this past year has taken form, personality, and demands attention and value. The invitation to this exhibition -- the last of their first year -- comes from Miza. The end of the year occasion comes as an offer to reformat, redefine, and re-present the self, our appearance, vision, thought, and approach to the everyday and that which surrounds us. Ledia treats things full of energy and intensity, sometimes with sincere and sometimes with grotesque humor, by changing their function, meaning, and value, by adding elements and other object-parts, not very differently to what happens in beauty salons, gyms, and under the plastic surgeons knife. The objects and installations at Miza follow in the trail of the Surrealists of the early 20th Century and the legacy of Duchamp in the 21st, in a post-industrial context of global production and consumption, where criticism and the celebration of this political, economic and cultural order don’t much differ from one another, if they aren’t the same altogether.
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[alb]  Ledia Kostandini e mbylli vitin 2012 me një vizitë në studio. Të gjithë ishin të ftuar. Studioja e artistes (të cilën e ndan akoma me miken e saj Matilda Odobashi) u shndërrua në një sallon plot art e jete. Vepra të ekspozuara, pune në zhvillim e sipër, diskutime, hare, kafe e verë servirur art-dashësve për plot katër ditë. Artistja dhe arti i saj u paraqitën bujarë, të drejtpërdrejtë, pa kornizën e ndonjë ekpozite apo kontekstualizimin e ndonjë kuratori të rradhës. Pak herë kemi rastin, si publik, të kemi akses kaq direkt me një artiste, dhe aq më pak në studion e saj, të cilën e imagjinojmë si një vend misterioz, ku procesi artistik dhe vepra ngjizen e përfundohet para se ne ta shohim në galeri a gjetkë. Ftesa e vjetshme për vizitë në studio ishte një lloj çmitizimi i artistit dhe një ri-prezantim ndryshe me të, duke e sjellë vetë atë, si dhe përpjekjen dhe punën e saj më afër publikut, i cili në mos ka humbur lidhjet me artistin, ka humbur kontakt dhe me artin.
Ledia Kostandini do ta mbyllë 2013-ën në MIZA Galeri. Jo në studio, por atje ju pret këtë fundvit. Ç'u ngjiz gjatë këtij viti ka marrë formë, personalitet, dhe kërkon vëmendje dhe vlerësim. Ftesën për këtë ekspozitë të fundit të vitit tyre të parë e dërgon Miza. Okazioni i këtij fundviti vjen si një ofertë për të ri-dimensionuar, ri-përkufizuar dhe ri-prezantuar veten, pamjen, shikimin, mendimin dhe qasjen tonë ndaj së përditshmes dhe çka na rrethon. Plot energji dhe intensitet, me një humor herë të çiltër dhe herë-herë grotesk, Ledia i trajton sendet duke iu shndërruar funksionin, kuptimin dhe vlerën, duke iu shtuar elemente e objekte të tjera përbërëse, jo shumë ndryshe nga çka rëndom ndodh nëpër sallone bukurie, nëpër palestra, apo nën thikën e kirurgut plastik. Objektet dhe instalacionet tek Miza janë në vazhdën e Surrealistëve të fillim shekullit XX, trashëgimia e Duchamp në shekullin XXI, në një kontekst post-industrial të prodhimtarisë dhe konsumit global, ku kritika nga lëvdata për këtë rend politik, ekonomik e kulturor, nuk dallojnë shumë nga njëra tjetra, në mos, janë e njëjta gjë.

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Dec 20, 2013

Featured Artist | Lui Shtini

Lui Shtini is an Albanian artist living in New York. Born in 1978 in Kavajë, he got his BFA at the Academy of Arts in Tirana shortly before leaving for US in 2000. He attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2007 and received a NYFA Painting Fellowship in 2010. To learn more about the artist and his work, make sure to read this interview he did for coolhunting

"Cotton Fro", Oil on board, 20 1/2" x16 1/2", 2013
via Kate Werble

His third solo exhibit “Face Paintings” is currently showing at Kate Werble Gallery. A review of his work can be found in the NYTimes.
"Homer", Pencil on paper, 14"x11", 2011
via luishtini.com

His previous two shows were at the Van de Weghe Fine Art Gallery, “The Matter of an Uncertain Future” (2013) and New Paintings (2009).

"Untitled (burned bed)", oil on canvas, 50"x60", 2009
via luishtini.com

So, if you're in New York City this holiday season, make sure to check it out (until January 4, 2014).

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Dec 18, 2013

Open Invitation | SIMA 2014

FYI!!

Now in its second year, SOCIAL IMPACT MEDIA AWARDS or SIMA, a global documentary and educational impact media competition and showcase honoring members of the independent film and global humanitarian industries.

Dedicated to advancing global awareness, social justice, human rights, and humanitarian development, SIMA champions the works of independent FILMMAKERS, ACTIVISTS, and CHANGE-MAKERS, amplifying creative media that exemplifies excellence in its potential to inspire change.

Invited are all international DOCUMENTARY FEATURES and SHORTS that provide deeper insight into the realities of global development, global activism, and the human condition, as well as EDUCATIONAL IMPACT VIDEOS that illuminate "How Aid Works", i.e. the process behind innovative development programs.


For more information about Awards, Jury Prizes, Eligibility Requirements, and to


visit the SIMA website or find them on Facebook / Twitter.

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Dec 13, 2013

Otherness | Misc. Projects of the Week

Otherness this week: 

INVISIBLE WIRELESS NETWORKS
theoretically visualizing the invisible electromagnetic radiation from cellphone signals

photo by nickolay lamm
via
an installation of 13 glass piano sculptures suspended off an apartment building, 
inspired by the italian tenor enrico caruso

photos by Michael Short/The Chronicle
via
SMARTPHONES INTO 3D SCANNERS
instead of taking photographs, you can just move the phone around the object and a three dimensional model appears on the screen

via
a centuries-old salt mine in romania, converted into an underground tourist attraction complete with rides, a museum, and health spa


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Dec 12, 2013

Otherness | NHDK

With his latest project NHDK, Barcelona-based photographer Víctor Enrich has digitally altered a building in Munich, Germany 88 ways. You can find more awesome reconfigurations on his website.   #Otherness







(via colossal)

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Dec 10, 2013

Open Invitation | DEAR ALBANIA Video/Photo Contest!



Remember last year's film project by Eliza Dushku on Albania
Well, she has announced an official video/photo contest with a December 15, 2013 11:59pm PST deadline. 
One of the film's major themes is that Albanians remain proud of their country, even when they do not live within the country's borders. We want to show Albanians bringing Albanian pride to their own homes and communities around the world. We need your help. We are looking for video or photos that will help tell this story. 
No matter the corner of the world you live in, you're more than welcome to participate by showing how you keep the Albanian spirit alive.
Do you teach an Albanian Language course? Or take one? Show us your Albanian class.
Have you taught your grandchildren your favorite Albanian dances? Show us a clip of their performance. 
Do you make Berek for your family dinners-- even if it's paired with local wine? Show us what your dinner table looks like. 
Do you have pictures in your home of your parents or grandparents? Show us! 
Where do you exhibit the Albanian double-headed eagle? Do you hang your Albanian flag on your brick faced Boston walk-up-- or inside the shop your parents have run for decades?
If you are interested in being in the movie, follow the official instructions for HD Video submissions (preferably) or old photos that depict the Albanian pride of previous generations throughout the world. The chosen entries will be featured in the film, receive credit in the end credits, and also be awarded a free copy of the final feature “Dear Albania.”

For official rules, forms, and further submission check the links below:

Rules: http://www.dearalbania.com/Contest/OfficialRules.pdf

Entry Form: http://woobox.com/hrs94w

INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE GO HERE.

Also, check out the contest's Facebook page.

Here's a sneak peek:


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Don't forget the deadline
December 15, 2013 11:59pm PST (Pacific Standard Time)


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Dec 9, 2013

Featured Presentation | Why Tirana Needs An Art Library?




The Future Library Unconference is underway in Athens, Greece with a two-day event gathering over 400 library aficionados to interact, network and exchange ideas.  If interested, check it out live, here. I would recommend listening to Adela Dementja's talk on Why Tirana needs an art library, and what she's doing to make it happen.


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Why Tirana needs an art library?
Tirana Art Lab is currently creating and establishing an open library of artists’ catalogues, publications on art theory, as well as a selection of international art magazines. The art library will be situated in the underground anti atomic Bunker building, placed in the very center of the city, built during the communist regime. The presentation will point out why for Tirana Art Lab having an art library is even more important than having a permanent exhibition space in the city.

Curator's info:

Adela Demetja, Curator/Director
Tirana Art Lab – Center For Contemporary Art

Adela Demetja is a curator born in Tirana, Albania. She holds a Master in Curatorial and Critical Studies from Städelschule and Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She is one of the founders and director of Tirana Art LabCentre for Contemporary Art based in Tirana. She curated a number of international exhibitions and events in different European countries. Among the artists Demetja has featured in solo exhibitions are: Damir Ocko and Armando Lulaj. Recent thematic exhibitions she has curated include: The aesthetic of the small act at Action Field Kodra in Thessaloniki (with Att Poomtangon, Jens Haaning, Karmelo Bermejo, Flaka Haliti, Lana Cmajcanin), Voices of Truth in Villa Romana in Florence (with Adrian Paci, Ibro Hasanovic, Damir Ocko).

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Dec 7, 2013

Emoticons | Language of the Future

Written communication has become increasingly popular. 
We email, chat, text a lot more than we talk on the phone or face to face.
***** 
Thus, Emoticons & Emojis have become an everyday cultural staple. 
They represent new ways of our creativity with the limitations of the written language and the opportunity for complexity beyond its visual expression.


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Dec 4, 2013

Open Invitation | Onufri Prize 2013

The Albanian Ministry of CultureNational Gallery of Arts have announced 
a call for applications for the 2oth edition of the ONUFRI PRIZE:



The competition, organized annually by the National Gallery of Arts, bears the name of the prominent Albanian medieval iconographer Onufri, and it represents the most important Albanian public prize dedicated to visual arts, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture

ONUFRI PRIZE aims to promote and support the vital role that art and creation play in raising awareness to take the pulse of our times, both in terms of reflecting on man and society, and from the perspective of the relevant issues inevitably affecting us. It is considered an open dialogue between artists of different nationalities and backgrounds.

This year's concept is “
Praise Of Doubt”. It is open to all artists regardless of nationality - including all mediums and techniques. The finalists (up to 12 selected) will be invited to show their work in a public exhibition at the National Gallery of Arts in Tirana. A jury of well-known specialists in contemporary art and culture will select the winner.

Things to keep in mind:

· Application Deadline: 10 December 2013

· Finalist Exhibition: 26 December 2013 – 2 February 2014

· Onufri Prize Award: 30 January 2014

· Award Amount: 500,000 ALL (approx. 3500 euros)

PRAISE OF DOUBT
If we think about the doubt and the state when we normally doubt on something or someone, we generally refer to the word "doubt" in its opposite meaning, that is to say “not to be sure of”. Therefore the doubt corresponds to that feeling of being inwardly insecure.This is expressed with the words “doubtless”, “without any doubt”, etc. 
However doubt is twofold. In fact it plays as it were the double face of the same coin. Then the doubt has two faces: one negative and one positive. In its negative sense, the doubt leads to paralysis, like that immobility typical of the state of panic, which leads to nihilism. On the other hand, if doubt is rightly interpreted and addressed, it corresponds to a vibrant space of movement that tends towards something you may desire (this is at the end the reason why you are doubtful). 
At a social level, especially in the last decade, doubt inevitably affects almost everyone. There is no more certainty of permanent job (at least in the countries of old Europe). Also in countries considered nowadays as the former Eastern Europe, where new forms of democracy clash between the desire to see the Western models and the strong cultural tradition still ground-rooted among different generations. In these countries the dreams and the utopias toward a change seem to be stalemated and comparable to a state of doubt. In fact the disillusion and the disappointment among the new generations of artists under 30, who invested their scholarship on moving abroad attending MA and Fine Arts Schools, are strongly perceived by them as a failure of government policies and promises for a cultural renaissance. 
Recently we are witnesses (without the intention of generalizing all the countries putting them in one basket) of a spread tension. This wave is perceivable in many cases: from Albania to Bulgaria, from Greece and other European nations like Ireland, Spain, Portugal or Italy to the current “Arab Spring” outcomes. The cited tension is a feeling of anxiety more individual than collective that includes the uncertainty of moving outside, or staying “motionless” where you are. Furthermore this mood coincides with the typical doubtful feeling. The fear of not being successful in attaining the own desires and projects means that the dreams could not come true and self-esteem is compromised. 
Whenever the lack of confidence is analysed, an innate question raised: “Could we ever be truly confident and hopeful toward the others and ourselves?” This is an open point that relies on confidence rooted in our own primordial intuitions, such as when, symbolically the first roar moves inside. 
Eventually, our lives are definitely marked by a constant search of securities and permanency (and in all the spheres of life: the confidence in relationship conventionally agreed through the marriage or civil unions; the permanent job contract; or mortgages to guarantee an immutable and fixed property). 
Nevertheless, in the Global era of hyper-flexibility and hyper-speed there is an aspect that is entirely different respect to the past: an approach to dealing with the present that is some how new. We are perpetually torn between a time that does not seem to project us very far, in the sense that it does not delve into the past (in terms of nostalgia for yesteryear), but at the same time it does not go forward either (i.e., it has no long-term perspectives). And in this state of suspension, what prevails is the persistent feeling of doubt that coincides with “being precisely in the present”. In any event, this condition of doubting allows artists to cross the contingent moment with greater awareness. In other words, they don’t stop the search of meaning. - Claudio Cravero

Curatorial Team:

Claudio Cravero - curator (1977, Torino – ITA) His research explores the problems intrinsic to contemporary art including borders,otherness and identity on an international scale. Since 2008, under the auspices of the art program directed by Piero Gilardi, he has developed cultural projects and curated exhibitions at the PAV Turin’s Experimental Centre of Contemporary Art. In the framework of Resò, the international platform for artist residencies, he has headed the curatorial activity and coordinated the program with the foreign directions of Townhouse Gallery (Cairo, Egypt), Capacete (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and Khoj (New Delhi, India). He has also led researches and adult public activities for many cultural institutions, such as the Castello di Rivoli -Museum of Contemporary Art (2004-2006); Municipality of Turin, Cultural department for the project of Public Artin Public Space of the City; the Italian Cultural Institute of New York,U.S.A. (Curatorial department, 2004); the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation in Turin (Curator of educational program with Emanuela De Cecco, 2002-2003). Andas an editor, he writes articles and reviews for the contemporary art magazine Artribune.

Olson Lamaj - assistant curator (1985, Tirana - ALB) Has a BA in Painting (Florence, Italy) and an MA in Photography (Brera Academy, Milano). For many years has been active in various forms in the Albanian art scene and the international one. His research and artistic practice is concerned with the public space, the territory and its re-structuring, itself in constant transformation. Two years ago, his photographic project "On the Street" which presented a new compositional dimension of public spaces in Albania, allowed a six-week residency at ISCP, New York. Last year his commitment has been focused on the first alternative space dedicated to visual arts in Albania, "MIZA"Gallery. "MIZA" is a non-institutional and non-commercial space which within a short period of time managed to become an important factor in Albanian art scene and establish links with many national and international personalities and artistic structures.

For more information visit the competition website at 
National Gallery of Arts and Facebook or feel free to write at: onufriprize@gmail.com.


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Nov 28, 2013

Featured Event | Art Kontakt Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

Art Kontakt celebrates its 10th birthday.
 


Contemporary Art 
Workshops
Performances
Exhibitions
Video-mapping Installation
Experimental Music
Book Presentation on Performance

With the support of: University of Arts, M.A.M, National Gallery of Art, Italian Institute of Culture, EDS Foundation, Hako shpk, Six Senses, Independent Kultural Scene, National Historical Museum, French Alliance, Embassy of France.

Participants of this event are current and former collaborators of Art Kontakt: artists, curators, and enthusiasts.

Event Program:


November 29 - December 4, 2013
University of Arts
Student Workshops.
Creative Director: Andrea Pagnes/Verena Stenke, Marianna Andrigo/Aldo Aliprandi, Ema Andrea.

December 4, 2013
Opening Ceremony: FRAGILE LIMITS 
Video, installations & projections of most significant works in these 10 years of Art Kontakt.
Bllok - Manhatan
18:00 hrs


Official Band

Interactive project of Robert Aliaj Dragot in collaboration with ELIGHT.
Bllok - New Berlin
21:00 hrs


December 5, 2013
National Historical Museum
University of Arts Students Performance 
17:00 - 20:00 hrs

Video Installation by Helona Ruli
18:00 hrs
December 6, 2013
National Gallery of Art
Book Presentation: “Fall of Faust” by A. Pagnes.
10:00 hrs

Performance by Ema Andrea/Klod Dedja.
17:00 hrs

Performance by Marianna Andrigo/Aldo Aliprandi, EVANESCENCE...NOI.
18:30 hrs

FRAGILE LIMITS, a performance by VestAndPage (Andrea Pagnes/Verena Stenke), sound design by French artist Nicolas Verhaeghe.

The afterparty is a audio-visual feast with invited guest DJ/VJ Leoanard Toma, NamVan, and others.
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION!!
An intercultural dialogue process called 'KontaKt ' was born in Venice in 2003, focused on the exchange and mediation between cultures and artistic phenomena from the Adriatic area. The Balkans were considered the dark side of Europe at that time. Nevertheless, starting from considering it as a paradigm and from deep critics about how was the image of Albanians and Balkanians in general, in the common european imaginary, they tried to develop an awareness and a thought about the whole Europe through the knowledge about the balkanic area.
Since the beginning this aim was applied to the developing of multidisciplinary cultural activities, including literature, contemporary arts, history, poetry, ethnography and other.
Many activities of study were focused on the works of Ismail Kadare, highlighting his international relevance.
Detection and promotion of contemporary artistic phenomena was present since the earlier events, and considered as potential social and economic development factor, as well as a ‘merging people’ factor.
After 2007 Art KontaKt starts operating mostly in Albania, taking base there, improving the attention to the contemporary artistic dimension and to his international vocation.
Over the years several art festivals were held, introducing new techniques and creative languages within sites of historical interest with symbolic memory and common historical and cultural identity, offering a new creative vision of the monuments of culture. A great challenge in a country as Albania is the poor valid support from museums and art galleries. This has not prevented the use of the power of contemporary art through the efforts of artists, curators, critics, and mangers, through articles, reflections, books, debates, creating an original system of cultural production.
Art Kontakt is committed to the communication of experimental and innovative ideas, always able to raise issues and contribute to the discussion on the ethical and aesthetic role of the contemporary artist, reflecting on the dynamics and contradictions of our times. On the occasion of the tenth year of operations, we have proposed "Fragile Limits" three intense days of activities offered by some of the best friends of ArtKontaKt, consisting mainly of performance, a discipline that had a big part in the story that we want to celebrate. The title derives from the art project that will be presented by the duo VestAndPage, based on the fragility of the biological, psychological and spiritual sphere of contemporary man. A fragility that Art Kontakt also wants to recognize in the physical limits, the real borders and the social phenomena. This without claiming to find solutions to problems, but believing that the language of art can enhance the vision of the world and the understanding between people. - Art Kontakt
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Nov 27, 2013

Featured Event | “A Different Mentality” Conference on Youth, Culture & Creativity

Another event worth attending (@National Historical Museum, Tirana) this weekend. Don't miss and don't forget to send notes, highlights, feedback, and questions our way.

*****
The conference on youth, culture, and creativity titled “A Different Mentality” is a two-day event that aims to create an initial spark that would (hopefully) become a dynamic process in the future. 
The conference, open to the public, welcomes all youth organizations, artists, architects, designers and activists to focus on and discuss culture and creativity as ways to influence social space and consequently empowering youth as active citizens.It is the first step for policy-makers, mass-media and civil society to recognize cultural and creative importance as a necessary dimension for social development and welfare. The event is organized by the Department of Youth Policy, Ministry of Culture, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, UNDP.
 


November 29, 2013

19:00 hrs 
1st PANEL

Keynote:
Dept. of Youth Policy Coordination 

-On the importance of culture and creativity as strategic sectors in developing youth capacity and improving social conditions.
Ministry of Culture

-Ministry's strategy on cultural education of youth and IPA funding opportunities.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung 

-Foundation's view on the role culture and youth activism play and the specific importance in Albania.

22:00 hrs
Live performance by Rron Qena & Ermal Rodi

23:30 hrs
Live performance by Genc Salihu

00:30 hrs
Live performance by Dardan Ramabaja

November 30, 2013

14:00 hrs
2nd PANEL

Speakers:
Alban Nimani (Professor of Design, Academy of Arts, Prishtina)

-On collaborations among youth organizations, galleries, art institutions and foundations in organizing joint cultural events with a social impact. 
Luigi De Luca (Vice President, Apuglia Film Commission, Italy
-On working with youth in film and social issues.
Andreas Ruby (Architect/Journalist, UK

-On various disciplines that constitute creativity today and the opportunities to make different projects from these fields.

16:00 hrs

Break: DJ-set (Minimim)
Free to mingle with other attendants and guests/visit museum collections

17:00 hrs

3rd PANEL

Speakers:
Elian Stefa (Executive Director, Concrete Mushrooms, Albania

-On the aesthetics of communist architectural heritage, artistic and pragmatic reuse of bunkers.
Vera Sacchetti (Editor and Communications Director, Portugal) 
-On the importance and nature of communication structures in artistic and cultural activities.
Merve Yucel (International Relations Coordinator, IKSV, Turkey
-On the successful projects of IKSV and the importance of international cultural networks. 
Alec Dudson (Editor-in-Chief, Intern Magazine, UK
-On creative fundraising for individual projects and the importance of unpaid or underpaid talents.

End of Conference.

22:00 hrs
Live performance by Permit of Stay

23:00 hrs
Live performance by Alban Nimani & Faton Dolaku

00:30 hrs
Live performance by Funky Villainz & Larssen



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Featured Event | A Cultural & Artistic All-Nighter in Tirana

Start the Holiday Season RIGHT!! 

(better known as “Nuit Blanche”) 

November 29, 2013 
18:00 - 04:00 hrs
 
*****
and also


The National Gallery of Art, for the first time ever, is joining over 120 other European cities on the tradition of “Night of Museums.” The first Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums) took place in Berlin in 1997, where a group of institutions and galleries open their doors to the public until late into the night. Since then, it has been a successful event with a growing number of participating museums worldwide, a cultural tradition that is now coming to Tirana on November 29, 2013.

From that afternoon on, NGA will pull an all-nighter, granting an all exhibit access pass to the public and offer other happenings. It is a great way to introduce to newcomers and tourists the Albanian traditional, video and alternative arts, music, and celebration. “Nuit Blanche” becomes a “Night of Museums” for the NGA.

Program of Activities:

18:00 – 04:00
National Gallery of Art opens its doors to:

• The Solo Exhibition of artist Rexhep Ferri (Temporary Exhibitions Space)

Permanent Collections:
1. Beginning of Painting in Albanian Cities (1883 – 1930) 
2. Realist Painting and Drawing School (1930 – 1950)
3. Academic/Sculpture Painting and Historic Themed Tableaux (1950 – 1980)
4. Socialist Realism. Construction of the New Man Models (1960 – 1989)
5. Formalist painting of Socialist Realism (1969 – 1974)

18:00 – 20:00
Balloon entertainment for kids of all ages. (outside courtyard)

20:00 – 21:00 
A classical repertoire performed by a string quartet. (inside)

21:30 – 22:00
A Red Dot” performance by film director Arjeta Dhima and her staff.

22:00 – 22:30
A performance by the celebrated saxophonist, Ermal Rodi. (Socialist Realism hall)

23:00 – 04:00 
Video works by contemporary Albanian and international artists presented by Art Kontakt & T.I.C.A.
*****
Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve i bashkohet për herë të parë 120 qyteteve europiane të cilët kanë tashmë traditën e Nata e Muzeve e praktikuar që nga viti 1997. Kjo histori lindi në Berlin. Të gjithë muzeumet e qytetit do të qëndronin hapur për t’u vizituar nga artdashësit deri në mesnatë. Kjo natë u quajt LANGE NACH DER MUSEEN. Dhe pati aq sukses sa u kthye në traditë. Kësaj tradite do i bashkohemi edhe ne për herë të parë me 29 Nëntor

Gjatë kësaj nate vizitorët në Galerinë e Arteve do kenë mundësi të shikojnë falas ekspozitat dhe shfaqje të tjera të bashkëlidhura për këtë natë të veçantë. Në këtë mënyrë, piktura, skulpura, video arti, arti alternativ, muzika dhe festa shqiptare do të jenë të prekshme si për ata persona që vijnë për herë të parë në të tilla ngjarje, por dhe për turistët të cilët do të njihen më nga afër më kulturën tonë kombëtare. Në këtë mënyrë për Galerinë e ArteveNata e Bardhë” kthehet në “Natën e Muzeve”.

Gjatë Natës së Bardhë hapen dyert e Galerisë Kombëtare të Arteve dhe të gjitha sallat do të jenë në dispozicionin e vizitorëve. Në to mund të shikoni:

18:00 – 04:00
Hapen dyert e Galerisë Kombëtare te Arteve dhe të gjitha sallat do të jenë në dispozicionin e vizitorëve. Në to mund të shikoni:

• Salla e Ekspozitave të Përkohshme: ekspozitën e artistit Rexhep Ferri

• Linja Muzeale e Koleksionit të Galerisë Kombëtare të Arteve me 5 salla (Salla Fillesat e Pikturës në Qytetet Shqiptare 1883-1930; Salla Shkolla e Vizatimit; Salla Piktura/Skulptura akademike dhe tabloja me teme historike 1950-1986; Salla Realizmi Socialist , ndërtimi i modeleve të njeriut të ri; Salla Piktura Formaliste e Realizmit Socialist 1969-1974)

18:00 – 20:00
Në oborrin e Galerisë animatorë do dhurojnë tullumbace dhe do të argëtojnë jo vetëm fëmijët por edhe të rriturit që i shoqërojnë.

20:00 – 21:00
Kuartet harqesh me repertor klasik. Në ambientet e brendshme të Galerisë.

21:30 – 22:00
Regjizorja Arjeta Dhima dhe trupa e saj organizojnë performancën “Një pikë e kuqe”.

22:00 – 22:30
Ermal Rodi saksofonisti i mirnjohur do të performoj në sallën e Realizmit Socialist.

23:00 – 04:00
Art Kontakt dhe T.I.C.A shfaqin punë artistësh bashkëkohorë shqiptarë dhe ndërkombëtarë në video, në ambientet e jashtme/brendshme të Galerisë.

Enjoy!!
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Nov 26, 2013

TID Tower | Log 29: In Pursuit of Architecture

Here's an excerpt from Log 29: TID Tower. 
Also, check out the presentation below on the project as part of 
Log: In Pursuit of Architecture -A conference on buildings and ideas 
held at The Museum of Modern Art in NYC this past September.

Log 29: In Pursuit of Architecture presents the ten outstanding projects in a full-color portfolio format that illustrates the concepts and processes of each building. Together, these buildings demonstrate a range of architectural ideas and open a conversation about the production and significance of architecture today. To situate the ten-project portfolio, Log 29 includes essays by the four critics that reflect on recent and emerging themes in architecture and directions the discipline may develop.

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