Delacroix said that “A picture is nothing but a bridge between the soul of the artist and that of the spectator” and this seems to be the quote best describing the collection of works over the course of 3 years, put together by GALERIAKALO.
“Indeed, looking back three years from now, the identification and emphasis of communication of the artists with the public through their artwork used to be the main reasons why FONDACIONI KALO and GALERIAKALO were founded by our family, as a logical step towards institutionalization of art collection process. In the three years of their life, both structures worked really hard to create a new reality in Tirana, a new special art corner, perfectly located as a new neighbor adjacent to University of Tirana, University of Arts and FAB Gallery,” said a statement by the Gallery concerning this exhibition.
Through the support of a number of state institutions, embassies and business partners, the gallery has managed to host over 30 exhibitions in Albania and abroad, where around 900 works were displayed and 200 artists from Albania, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Kosovo, Poland and Serbia have been promoted. The Galley has also supported different categories of artists by practically adopting and implementing the inclusive art concept in practice.
“The number of so many exhibitions within 36 months can be considered as a fantastic track record. It shows commitment and dedication by our family, but also the importance of private initiatives in developing an art market in countries where it is almost inexistent,” another statement said.
In addition to all the exhibitions, GALERIAKALO also managed to build a small library where interesting art books and catalogues from Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Serbia, Sweden, United Kingdom, U.S., etc. can be offered to art students as well as the public at large.
However, the gallery will also make use of this anniversary to ask relevant institutions that should support and promote art (such as Tirana’s Municipality, National Gallery of Arts, University of Arts, etc.), to look more closely to private initiatives in the art sector as important partners and try to find ways out to offer their cooperation and incentives. Even though support has been offered by contributors and art collectors or admirers in providing specific items or in buying the gallery’s artwork, that the cost of maintaining an art gallery as an asset for the public good is still much higher than what a non-profit, private initiative can offer.
“We will, for certain, continue to play a role in promoting our art values by giving more chances to young artists and would like to announce today that FONDACIONI KALO will create a special prize – “BUZA” – a considerable financial contribution, to be awarded to one of the students from the Fine Arts Faculty of University of Arts, selected by a special procedure,” was added concerning the gallery’s initiatives, despite financial hardships.
The selection of artwork displayed at the GALERIAKALO was made by an appointed ad-hoc commission consisting of 3 international women who have been living in Albania for years, and a well-known Albanian scholar and critic.
