Exhibition "Days of Mio" in Korça/ 25 painters from all over the world bring their works

2024-10-28 14:14:00, Qyteti im CNA

Professionally created paintings by 25 painters from all over the world were revealed in a very special exhibition at the "Guri Madhi" Gallery. A tradition of several years, the colony of visual arts "Days of Mio" gathers painters from all over the world who are inspired by the landscapes of Korça, its surroundings, the special architecture that this city carries as well as the social life. The paintings have had different themes which convey strong messages to the visitors as well.

The painter from Ukraine, Naja, tells us that she is very satisfied, as according to her, it is the second time that she is part of this symposium. What she brings into detail in her painting is the special breed of cats, the sphinxes. Naja specifies this type of cat as a "cosmic cat" where her eyes indicate that she can see and feel.

"It's the second time in Albania for me and I really like this symposium. My name is Naja and I'm from Ukraine. I believe that a special breed of cats are sphynxes and this is a special cat, cosmic cat. The eyes on the face hers seem to say: I see you, I feel you and I love you."

Another painter from Romania, Kostian Bratiank, says that he is very happy to be part of this artistic event. According to him, it is not the first time that he has been invited to Albania, since earlier he was in Saranda and Pogradec. He does not forget to mention the connection with Korça and Voskopoja regarding the Arumun community, assessing that they like to preserve tradition, contacts and of course to return again. This artistic event according to Kostian Bratiank was excellent with participants from all over the world where in 4 days it was very nice with the city landscapes, the buildings with such a beautiful composition of the streets and with architectural elements which inspired them to paint.

"My name is Kostian Bratiank, I come from Romania. I am very happy to be a part of this artistic event. Before I was invited to Korçë, I was also in Saranda, Pogradec, so it is not the first time in Albania. Since we have in Voskopojë and the Arumun community we like to keep the tradition, the contacts and come again when we have the opportunity. It was an excellent event, 25 artists from all over the world, Iceland, Kisova Bulkgaria, etc. We spent 4 days here it was very beautiful and we want to thank the organizers. I think that Korça has very beautiful landscapes, very beautiful buildings and it was not difficult to find a street composition with architectural elements to paint them."

Veton Gusia, a painter from Kosovo, tells us that he feels honored to be part of this colony, mentioning the fact that Korça always gives inspiration to artists. The theme has been chosen since the first days while it took some time to organize them. The landscapes of Mio and Nudot are what inspired the Kosovar painter. The message of the nude painting with the veiled face of Mio, which shows a mentality has been an inspiration for the painter where he states that we still do not have freedom. The nude mentality appears in Gusija's painting with the background of the landscape of Korça. On the other hand, he emphasizes that these artist colonies are important, especially for isolated countries, creating with imagination for art abroad, and now this asset is being seen passing the barriers of insecurity. According to Veton Gusia, colonies are always good because artists are known, contacts are made with cultures, but also a support for tourism.

"I am very honored to participate in this colony and as always Korça has inspired many artists. I have chosen the theme from the first day, I just had to organize it a little in my mind, it was the landscapes of Mio, with the nudes of Mios that is the nudity that covers the face that also presents our mentality, of the models that we still don't have that freedom to be seen naked despite expression, so I have taken that nudity mentality with the background of the landscape of Korca. Colonies are always welcome especially for our countries that have been isolated for a long time and we have created imagination for art outside, but now we are seeing each other, we are overcoming the barriers of feeling insecure. Colonies are always good for the acquaintance of artists among them and the cultural influence, but also for tourism as they help the recognition of the city."

The Director of Art and Culture of Korçë, Zamira Kita, says that from year to year the painting colony "Days of Mio" has seen an increase in the number of painters as there has been participation from all over the world. The participation has been on a wider map, while on the other hand, the quality has been exceptional according to specialists and the public.

"We have just finished the painting colony Ditët e Mio. It has been taking place in Korça for many years and it must be said that the level has been raised because painters from all over the world have been part of our colony. The map of the participation of painters has been expanded, we have started with Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Balkans, but now we have extended to Europe because we also had representatives from Greece, Poland, Iceland, Mina, South Korea, Turkey, etc. It was a really successful colony and not only that the participation, but also the quality is outstanding. The painting specialists themselves are the best and the public is enjoying it. This exhibition will remain open for 10 days. The paintings that are produced in the Mio Days are donated to the city of Korça."

The exhibition with 25 paintings made by the painters will remain open for 10 days at the "Guri Madhi" Gallery. All Kor?ari art lovers, visitors and painting and art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit it in the coming days. The paintings made in this colony will be donated to the gallery fund, giving indisputable artistic value to the city of Korça./ CNA