Students from the World Academy of Tirana have opened an arts exhibition titled ‘Identity’ at Tirana Youth Center. Students from the 10th, 11th and 12th grades that took the Visual Art class, created 35 various art pieces for the project led by their teacher Ervin Dauti.
The students were approached to various styles of visual art creation in their class. The exhibition displays original work from the students using different techniques of drawing, paintings, photography, installation and mixed techniques.
They sought to treat the theme of identity in diverse creative perspectives, dealing with relevant subjects as status, rediscovery, dilemmas, role models, changes, insecurities, etc.. More than focusing on the object of expression however, the students paid attention to focus more on their presented concepts.
Transparency is a repeated element from the exhibition, which also implies its importance. There are transparent curtains separating the stage where the art pieces are dispersed within the vast space. The works can be thus seen in focus, but also allowing a personal relationship to be created with them, which is relevant to the concepts in portraying the contrast between individuality and interpersonal relationship.
A piece of art on the display is ‘’With open wings’’ by Dea Bylykbashi, a 10th grader. Dea settled for a mixed technique to convey the message of her work, as previous sketches and trials failed to grasp her thoughts. The 200 wing feathers are hand made of paper, on which Dea has written words and thoughts that express her inner world and personality. The background blue represents the outer world as she sees it, the light color chosen to enhance the focus on the main figure which is preparing to depart in flight.
Another work is an acrylic painting from student Andi Mane titled ‘’Father and Son.’’ The painting depicts two figures opposite the other in front of a mirror, the element of mirrored reflection used to emphasize Andi’s idea. Andi was inspired by Rene Magritte for the style of the painting, and his idea is that the paternal figure is an important model in shaping the child’s personality.
A japanese saying has it that humans have three faces, one face they show the world, one face they show their closest circle, and one face they show to no one. This identity battle is experienced even in the daily mood swings, the differing versions of the being met by various individuals. One day we’re the happiest, the next we reflect negativity, another one we are outstandingly motivated.
But just as you cannot choose a favorite painting from a set, in the same sense you cannot choose the best version of a person, because all these personality canvases represent the identity. Gisela Mecaj has tried to introduce her idea in three acrylic paintings, where she is each of them, and none of the canvases. All or nothing.
Visual arts exhibitions are an essential part of the educative program at the World Academy of Tirana. The students have an opportunity to depict their creativity and nature in front of an audience. The purpose of the exhibitions and other artistic activities is to encourage the students in getting familiar with all the necessary creative steps needed until the point of exhibition and public display.
The World Academy of Tirana is a public school that offers an educative program for children aged from three until nineteen. It is part of the International Baccalaureate, an international education foundation that focuses on creating on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.
WAT wants to cultivate internationally-minded students who connect their acquired knowledge to action in the real world, and to inspire children to become active, compassionate, lifelong learners who can relate harmoniously with other people and cultures. WAT offers an international curriculum taught in English, for children of many nationalities. The school community consists of the students, teaching and support staff, administration, parents, and the Board of Governors.
