The first edition of the International Contemporary Art Biennale in Durrës opened with the theme of Artificial Intelligence: “The Hybrid Future.”

The event features 40 artists from 17 different countries around the world. The participating artists have explored the boundaries between the real and surreal in their works, which are displayed in various institutions and public spaces throughout the city, including cultural heritage monuments.

For 54 days, the 3,000-year-old city transforms into a hub of art, where the pavilions will be intertwined with the monuments.

The curator of the Durrës Biennale, Oltsen Gripshi, expressed to the media that this event is a novelty for Durrës and the country, as there has not been a biennale dedicated to contemporary art before.

During the opening ceremony, several important awards were presented, including the award for the Best Biennale Pavilion, which went to the United States Pavilion, the Special Award for Young Artist, given to Lai Junjie from China, and the Career Award, which was presented to the Albanian sculptor Sadik Spahija.

“Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly help the world become a better place, but art will always represent, in collaboration with it, one of the fundamental motives for the development of culture and humanity,” said Massimo Scaringella, the chairman of the jury.

The Durrës Biennale, supported by the Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, aims to become a sustainable event, contributing added value to tourism in Durrës.

The works will continue to be exhibited until November 24th.

/a.c/