We are excited to present this interview, which is set to be a milestone event in the realm of photography. Although the interview is conducted in Albanian, you can use captions to translate it into your own language.
Joining us are three distinguished intellectuals from the photography scene: Osman Demiri, Elton Koritari, and Burim Myftiu. Each brings a unique perspective, shaped by years of mastery and innovation in the field. This interview will delve into the rich history, dynamic present, and promising future of photography, offering insights that bridge artistic practice and philosophical inquiry.
Our goal is to explore how photography has evolved as a powerful medium of expression and documentation, influencing perceptions and narratives across cultures.
By discussing their journeys, challenges, and visions, these experts will illuminate the paths photography has traversed and the roads it will pave ahead. This is not just an interview; it's an opportunity to witness a profound exploration of photography's impact on society and its potential to inspire change. Join us as we uncover the layers of meaning behind the lens and perhaps redefine your understanding of what photography can achieve.
Osman Demiri
Birth and Residency: Born in 1965 in Kumanovo, currently lives and works in Gostivar, Northern Macedonia.
Education: Studied Fashion Design in high school; pursued Philology at the Faculty of Philology, Skopje; attended John Kaverdash School of Photography, Milan; obtained a Master's from the University of Film and Audiovisual Arts, Skopje.
Professional Experience: Collaborator for "FLAKA" newspaper, editor of "JETA" weekly, correspondent for "RILINDJA" newspaper. Served as Director of Photography for films such as "Marathon", "Action", "Diary", and documentaries like "My Village", "A Life for Freedom". Directed short films "Hero", "Street", "Portrait" and participated in various film festivals. Held roles as jury member and curator at photography competitions and exhibitions across Northern Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and more.
Academic and Leadership Roles: Lecturer in Photography at the University of Tetova; founder of the Summer School of Photography "My City" and "My Way"; former President of the Association of Figurative Artists of Northern Macedonia, Draudacum; Director of KULT Gallery.
Exhibitions:
Personal Exhibitions: Held in cities such as Gostivar, Tetovo, Prizren, Skopje, Prilep, Veles, Milano, Guidizzolo, Salzburg, Boston, Maribor, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Berat, Korcë, Istanbul, Antalya, Brussels, New York, Prishtina, Tirana, Preshevë, Suharekë, etc.
Collective Exhibitions: Participated in over 150 collective exhibitions in Northern Macedonia and internationally.
Elton Koritari:
Early Life and Background:
Born in 1977 Tirana, Albania.
Professional Role:
Co-founder and administrator of EJAlbum, a significant visual art hub in Albania focusing on photography.
Represents several top global companies in the business, enhancing Albania’s visibility in the visual arts sector.
Career in the Creative Industry:
Extensive experience building art projects, directing communication campaigns primarily focused on communities, social activism, and visual education.
Organizes and curates events, meetings, workshops, and art exhibitions, contributing to the cultural fabric of Albania.
Notable Achievements:
Represented Albania at La Biennale di Venezia in 2018 as the curator of the pavilion with the project "Space Zero".
Co-founder of "Onufri Remade" since 2019.
Since 2015, author and co-curator of "Knots - 163 Albanian Contemporary Artists in Imago Mundi."
Burim Myftiu
Biography:
Born: 1961, Prizren, Kosova
Residence: Splits time between the United States, Kosova, and Albania
Education: MA in Visual Arts
Profession: Lecturer, Art Curator, Visual Artist, Photographer
Website: www.myftiu.com
Career Highlights:
Founding Roles:
Founder of FOTOIST - International Photography Festival fotoist.org
Founder of Kosova Images Photo Agency (KIPA)
Co-founder and Director of DOKUFEST - International Documentary and Short Film Festival, Prizren
Co-founder of Photo Art Collective of Kosova (KAFK), 2003
Memberships:
New Haven Arts Council, Connecticut
Regional liaison representative for FIAP (Federation Internationale de l'Art Photographique)
Cultural Contributions:
Ambassador: Appointed Culture Ambassador of Kosovo by the European Commission, 2011
Curatorships:
"Gjon Mili" at National Gallery of Kosova, Prishtina, 2006 & 2010
"DOKUFOTO" in Prizren, 2002-2005
"ISTANBUL - Ara Guler" at National Gallery of Kosova, Prishtina, 2011
"Fokus AWARD" at Art Gallery, Fier, 2017-2021
“Gjon Mili Photography Days” as Art Director, Korça, 2018-2019
Jury Memberships:
Served as jury member at various film festivals, photography competitions, and international events.
Exhibitions:
"Kosova Mon Amour", Yale International Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, 2000
"Broken Dreams", Museum Künstlerhaus, Bregenz, Austria, 2009
"Utopia in Chaos", National Gallery of Kosovo, Prishtina, 2010
“Missing”, Merinos Cultural Center, Bursa Photo Festival, 2011
“Trance”, Lea Gallery, University of Findlay, Ohio, 2018
“Remembrance”, National Gallery of North Macedonia “Çifte Hamam”, Skopje, 2021
Gallery Representation:
PABA Gallery, New York and New Haven, Connecticut
Notable Projects:
Long-term art projects include Trance, Remembrance, Symbiosis, MonoPhase, Missing, and Strada.
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