TIRANA, August 21 – Spanish newspaper El Pais has interviewed Prime Minister Edi Rama about his art, political career and new bronze sculptures presented at an exhibition in Berlin.

Rama opened the exhibition “Chrysalizing” at Berlin gallery Société. The works mark a shift from painting to bronze sculptures with zoomorphic forms. He creates digital models with artificial intelligence, produces 3D prints and then works on them by hand.

The prime minister also recalled his studies at the Academy of Arts in Tirana under the communist regime. He said the school followed Soviet methods and focused on socialist realism, leaving little room for artistic freedom.

Rama moved to Paris in 1994 on a scholarship. He entered politics in 1998 as culture minister and became mayor of Tirana in 2001. He said his work on the capital’s colourful facades helped restore public space and encouraged citizens to respect it.

Since becoming prime minister in 2013, Rama has continued to create art. He said he often draws during official meetings because art helps him reduce the pressure of politics.

Rama also discussed the role of art in international affairs. He said art should change people’s perspectives rather than change the world. He argued that artists should not take on the role of politicians or judge global political conflicts.

The interview also covers his encounters with international leaders and the safeguards used by galleries to check potential buyers of his works.

/a.p./