MUSEmemoirs

Info:

• Dates: 24.01.25 – 19.03.25
• Curator: Sislej Xhafa
• Where: Galleria Continua/ Marais
• Price: free

Curated by Kosovar artist Sislej Xhafa, Galleria Continua presents an exhibition that brings together fifteen artists shaping Kosova’s contemporary art scene. This exhibition reflects Xhafa’s ongoing commitment to promoting the art of his homeland, a mission he has actively pursued through the ARKIV Institute of Contemporary Art, an artist-run space. The featured artists span generations, connecting Xhafa’s pioneering work with the perspectives of younger artists.

Each artist brings a distinct voice shaped by their own socio-historical context, but this show succeds in converging their works in a shared dialogue, particularly at the intersection of what is local and what is international, a theme very much felt by Kosovar artists. Their pieces resonate with the experiences of Kosova’s young generations, capturing both their challenges and their energy to shape the country’s future, artistically and politically. The exhibition’s title, Silent Threads, evokes the powerful connections linking these artists while also reflecting Kosova’s political isolation within Europe—a reality that demands resilience from its people.

While their voices and socio-historical contexts are distinct, they successfully converge on shared ground for dialogue, particularly at
the intersection of international and local trajectories – an enduringly significant theme for Kosovar artists. Their work resonates
with the experiences of youth in Kosova today, reflecting both the challenges and the dynamic drive to shape the nation’s future, both
artistically and politically. The title Silent Threads thus evokes the subtle yet potent bond that links these artists together, while also
alluding to the unspoken theme of Kosova’s isolation within the European context.

The artworks on display engage deeply with pressing contemporary issues. Among them, Veil of the Sole by Sislej Xhafa stands out in one of the first rooms, visible from the outside of the gallery. This sculpture presents two left feet—symbols of missteps and, metaphorically, of those left behind. It serves as a hymn to resilience and solidarity, challenging perceptions and drawing attention to the overlooked and marginalized.

Other artists directly address Kosova’s socio-political context, such as Brilant Milazimi, whose work blends personal narrative with dreamlike imagery. Through distorted and exaggerated figures, Milazimi’s paintings reveal the emotional scars of a society navigating between tradition and change. A forced smile, for example, becomes a metaphor for the underlying tensions and unspoken struggles of everyday life. Her work captures both resilience and hope, and reflect on the country’s past traumas.

Some works, on the other hand, delve into themes of intimacy and introspection. Blerta Hashani draws inspiration from the landscapes surrounding her countryside home, crafting pieces that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. By blending minimalism with elements of classical landscape painting, she traces the essence of a place without depicting it literally, leaving space for the viewer’s imagination. Similarly, Ermir Zhinipotoku’s work explores existential themes, reflecting a sense of detachment from the modern world. His paintings bridge personal narratives and the universal, inviting broader reflections on human experience.

Within the raw, industrial setting of Galleria Continua, the display enhances the artworks, allowing them to merge seamlessly with the space. Each piece is accompanied by a text that provides insight into the artist’s perspective, drawing visitors closer to their concepts and practices. For many of the participating artists, this marks their debut exhibition in Paris, positioning Silent Threads as an important occasion for Kosova’s contemporary art scene to be seen into a wider international context.

My personal highlights:

• Artan Hajrullahu, My Family (2018)
• Brilant Milazimi, Who ate the food on the table? (2024)
• Silsej Xhafa, Veil of the Sole (2025)