Albanian painter awarded Louvre medal for Mother Teresa portrait

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times November 13, 2015 11:08

Albanian painter awarded Louvre medal for Mother Teresa portrait

TIRANA, Nov. 11 – Italy-based Albanian painter Gjergj Kola has been awarded the Gold Medal of Artists Across Continents by the famous Louvre Museum in Paris for his portrait of Mother Teresa, the late Nobel Peace Prize winner famous nun of Albanian origin. Curators describe his paintings of Mother Teresa are particularly enthralling arising from the colours and bold brushwork of his expressionist portrait style.

The 50-year-old painter considers Mother Teresa a symbol of charity and wisdom and perfect human character.

“I consider this an extraordinary recognition which I dedicate to my family to all those who have been close to me helping and encouraging me and I dedicate it to the Albanian people and our friends around the world," he told local media in an interview.

Since he left Albania in the early 1990s soon after the collapse of the country's communist system, Gjergj Kola has shared his working time between Greece and Italy, participating in dozens of exhibitions around the world.

"Art is expressed with the figure of a portrait, in which I have to be able to transmit the character and strength using the richness of materials and colors, and this is not an easy challenge. I’m always looking for a new high level of interpretation that can convey the individualities of each person," he tells Italian energitismo portal.

“I left Albania when I was 24 and I spent another 24 years away from my land. When you live far away you develop a longing and a greater respect, you concentrate and analyze more values and positive aspects. This is why I try not to consider politics and corruption but, through my works, often return to the cultural values and folkloric traditions that are still poorly understood outside of Albania," he says.

 

Tirana Times
By Tirana Times November 13, 2015 11:08