Zef Pashko Shoshi (born 1939) is an Albanian painter,[1] painting in socialist realism.[2] Shoshi is considered a national art treasure in Albania.[1][3][4]
Biography
editShoshi was born in Tirana, Albania, in 1939, the son of a bank clerk and amateur painter.[1] His earliest drawings depicted ships on the horizon during a stay in Ulcinj in 1943 or 1944.[5]
Between 1957 and 1961,[1] Shoshi studied at the Ilya Repin Institution in Leningrad, Russia,[1][2] during which time he studied under Boris Ioganson, and was a contemporary of artist Sali Shijaku and sculptor Vilson Kilica. Shoshi later graduated from the Tirana Institute of Arts.[1]
Shoshi's talent and technique was recognised in Albanian art circles.[6] His paintings reflected communist themes, such as the working class in fields and factories.[1][7] He particularly documented life in the Zadrima region, reflecting its traditional and cultural heritage in daily life.[1][5] His style pays particular attention to the human figure and face, lending Shoshi to be best known for his portraits.[5] In 1974, Shoshi was commissioned to paint Enver Hoxha, Albania's dictator.[1] After the fall of communism, Shoshi's works attracted the attention of international collectors, particularly in the United States.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Dushi, Genta (14 April 2017). "Retrospective of distinguished socialist realism painter opens in Kosovo". Prishtina Insight. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Contemporary, socialist realism works showcase at National Gallery". Tirana Times. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ "His Portfolio - Look At His Work". kolix123 - NJIT. 23 August 2009. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
- ^ Permarjeta, Orges (6 April 2021). "Shqipëria në retrospektivë" [Albania in retrospect]. Albanian Post (in Albanian). Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d Murati, Violeta; Shoshi, Zef (30 December 2017). "Me zadrimoret e Zef Shoshit!" [With Zef Shoshi's jokes!]. dritare.net (in Albanian). Retrieved 19 January 2024.
- ^ Hudhri, Ferid (2003). Albania through Art. Tiranë: Onufri. p. 33. ISBN 99927-53-67-6.
- ^ Yaşar, İrem (9 August 2020). "Pera Museum's new exhibition explores socialist realism in Albanian art". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 19 January 2024.