Amidst the many murals beautifying the capital, two stand out: one of writer Ismail Kadare and the other of singer Vaçe Zela.

The large mural of the beloved Vaçe Zela was created at the Albanian Radio and Television building, based on a photograph by Nuri Çumani that captures the iconic singer. This mural, painted by Argentine artist Maximiliano Bagnasco and curated by Helidon Haliti, is now complete and can be seen on the first floor of RTSH.

Vaçe Zela, who passed away ten years ago, left behind a significant musical legacy, with a repertoire of popular songs, light music, cantatas, and ballads.

A twelve-time winner of the national song festival, Vaçe Zela also contributed to film music, performing many songs as part of film soundtracks.

Maximiliano Bagnasco also painted the mural dedicated to the prominent Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, who passed away on July 1 of this year.

The portrait of this literary giant, now depicted in a mural, is also located in Tirana, on the New Boulevard.

Kadare was one of the most renowned contemporary writers. While known primarily for his prose, he also contributed to drama, poetry, and translation.

Ismail Kadare, a leading figure in Albanian literature for over seven decades, was a member of several academic institutions, including the Academy of Sciences of Albania and the French Academy of Moral and Political Sciences. He remains a respected figure in Albanian society, seen as an institution of creativity and thought.

These murals are part of the “Mural Fest” festival.

Bagnasco had previously been in Tirana, where he gained international recognition for his mural of Lionel Messi, which went viral on social media.

These and other murals, which have added life and color to Tirana, are part of the “Mural Fest” festival, now in its sixth edition.

/a.c/