THE CONTEMPORARY ART AWARD
After an intense research process that started in March, the selection and curatorial team consisting of Zef Paci, Tina Finnäs and Valentina Koca, announces the list of talented artists, participants of the Grand Finale of Contemporary Art Award, ARDHJE 2011. This year 36 artists submitted an application for the competition.
The artists that will compete for the artist in residency in New York City are:
- Armando Lulaj
- Ilir Kaso
- Ledia Kostandini
- Olson Lamaj
- Silva Agostini
- Sokol Peçi
- Yllka Gjollesha
“ARDHJE 2011” is the consecutive edition of the contemporary art award, marking the continuation of this important event, dedicated to tracking, promoting and exhibiting a high quality selection of works from young Albanian artists.
The works of the seven participants of this year’s award tend to address and analyse contemporary problems and phenomena by at times investigating the actual through various mediums of expression, and at other times by delving into an analysis the medium itself, as a means to reach at the actual. Their departure points are diverse, some with a strong socio-political engagement, and some with a more emotional approach; others investigate our current human condition, while others yet bring considerations towards the past, tracking its pulse at times hidden deep under, and at times strongly beating in the present. The overall picture is that of an investigation of an evasive and seemingly changing reality. The artists of Ardhje 2011 search for new forms of expression while bringing along new ways of thinking, pushing us to re-consider our perception of reality and history, as well as redefine our relation to the image as a complex and constantly shifting phenomena
The Grand Finale exhibition of the ARDHJE Award 2011 will take place on the 16th of May 2011 simultaneously at Zeta Gallery, close to Hekla Center, in front of Libri Universitar, at 6:30 pm and at FAP Gallery, Rruga Dëshmorët e 4 Shkurtit, nr. 22, at 7:00 pm. A number of selected works and projects from the participating artists will be put on display. At the inauguration of the Grand Finale at FAP Gallery, the winner of ARDHJE 2011 will be awarded by the international jury composed of: Alessandra Pioselli, curator and Director of Academy Carrara in Bergamo, Italy Vladimir Myrtezai. Artist and professor of the Multimedia Atelier at the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana Stefano Romano, artist, curator and professor at the Polis University in Tirana, Albania. ABOUT ARDHJE AWARD
Initiated in 2007, ARDHJE Award has established itself as a very important event, entirely dedicated to the work of young Albanian artists. The award, created by TICA – Tirana Institute of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with FCS – Foundation for Civil Society, New York, consists of a six week long residency in New York City for the winner, provided by FCS. The ARDHJE Award is built only on the independently created artistic work of young Albanian artists, and focuses in providing high exhibition standards, production of art works and projects as well as vital connections to the professional, international art world. Since 2008, the Grand Finale exhibition is co-organized with Zeta Gallery. The exhibition of the Grand Finale of ARDHJE 2011 is realized in collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana and made possible due to the generous support provided by: FAVA – The Foundation for Albanian Visual Arts, the only independent foundation in Albania, offering support to contemporary art, artists and artist’ initiatives. The exhibition will be open every day from 16-24th of May.