On April 22, 1918, Ibrahim Kodra was born in Ishëm. He became one of Albania’s most important painters. The world knows him as “the last post-cubist in Europe.”

Though he left Albania at a young age, Kodra kept a deep love for his homeland. He showed this love through colorful brushstrokes. His famous painting Fantastic Albania, created in the turbulent year 1997, portrayed the country as a Mediterranean paradise.

Kodra had a difficult childhood. He earned a scholarship from the Kingdom of Albania. This allowed him to study in Milan, at the prestigious Brera Academy of Fine Arts.

In 1944, he opened his first studio in Milan. In 1948, he held solo and group exhibitions at the “Art Club” in Rome. There, he met and befriended Pablo Picasso.

He painted frescoes in major museums and buildings in Milan. He also formed close ties with artists like Henri Matisse and Amedeo Modigliani.

Kodra left behind over 6,000 paintings. His works are found in the Vatican Museum, the Italian Parliament, and the Kodra Museums in Lugano and Milan. Many are also held in other museums and private collections around the world.

Albania honored him with the title “Honorary Consul” and gave him a diplomatic passport.

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