Kosova MuralFest 2022 // Past, Present, You

Overview

“Past, Present, You”

Kosovo is a young country with a long history, and its identity is in the hands of today's young people.

The locations depicted are scenes from my introduction to Ferizaj, where the city streets are busy and close, and the consistent background of the mountains is revealed between buildings. The blank wall at the center is a message of possibility to the students in the university who will see this in class.

This is the first indoor wall to be part of this program, located at the University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj. I was blown away by the amazing program of MuralFest Kosova and how much this team has positively impacted their city, not just during a summer art festival but year-round, for seven years. My hope is that this mural can symbolize the impact they have had, and hold it up as an example for how to involve oneself in the work being done to build the future of your home.

I am so honored to have been brought here to add to the murals in Ferizaj. I'm very grateful to @nilsrva for recommending me to be included in my first mural program abroad, and to @lebibetopalli , @sarandasefedini , @ardimaleve , @42na_ and all the students who have been so patient, encouraging, welcoming, and generous.

Size
29’ x 15’ // 435 sq ft

DOB
January 2022

Client
MuralFest Kosova

Assisted by
Ardian Sadiku, Besmira Fejzullahu, Donit Avdyli, Hana Haziri

Instagram
Process / Travel Highlight 1
Process / Travel Highlight 2

 

Location: University of Applied Sciences in Ferizaj, Rr. Universiteti, Ferizaj, Kosovë, Ferizaj 70000

 

Inspiration & Reference

I paint while traveling to help me settle into a place. It gives me time to appreciate the great space around me, and sharpens my attention to details.

While wandering, observing, and participating in workshops, I made a point of working on as many small gouache paintings as I could, in order to capture a sense of place and palette. Eager new construction drops away quickly to the persistent rolling countryside, and it’s easy even for a visitor to sense the past’s upheaval haunting the present’s progress.

The contrasting landscapes of my small studies inspired my mural design.

I’ve also put together a small book of all 17 of these paintings, plus pictures of the locations I was painting. If you would like to purchase one of these books, please email to get in touch.

While preparing for the mural, I led a workshop about using gouache in a plein air setting, explaining to University students how I use the practice of painting while I travel. I focused on how a limited palette can help capture a scene faster and more decisively than a complex palette which can bog you down in the moment.

 

Execution

Artivists from the MuralFest organization volunteered to help me paint, which was vital for a quick execution in the active lecture hall. Ardian, Besmira, Donit, and Hana were all a huge help!

 

Finished

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