TIRANA, April 30 – Several inmate artists serving their sentences in the country’s prisons were free for one day when they displayed their artworks in a special exhibition at the National Gallery of Arts where three of them were awarded prizes.
Vesel Hoxha, who was awarded the first prize for his still life painting, was given the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition with his works.
Albana Lazaj, who received the second prize for her handcraft works, said sewing and embroidery had made her sentence easier.
“Time is the only thing you don’t have to worry about when you’re in jail and that’s why I decided to spend it effectively. I have learned creating a lot of handicraft works, some of which I also sell,” Lazaj was quoted as saying by local media.
Artur Zoto, the prisons’ director general, said the exhibition held this week at the National Gallery introduced a diversity of artworks which clearly express the inmates’ inner world and their repentance.
“The artworks clearly demonstrate that these individuals now think and act differently and are prepared for reintegration into society,” said Zotaj.
