Pristina, June 07, 2024
Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the commemorative ceremony honoring the renowned professor, painter, and academic, Rexhep Ferri, held at the premises of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo.
“The son of Shaban Ferri, a distinguished teacher, who opened the first Albanian schools in Tropoja, Puka and Kukës, will always be remembered as the modernist artist with the most unique style. One cannot view a Rexhepi piece without acknowledging the artist. He dedicated approximately seven decades to painting, and now his art will speak for countless decades ahead. His students indicate that he had a gift and passion for his work as a teacher and educator, revealing the hidden potentials and suppressed wills of all of them,” stated Prime Minister Kurti in his speech.
His work is truly monumental, his art serves as a timeless mirror of our national essence, stated Prime Minister Kurti, who went on to say that it will resonate with all of us who had the great fortune to experience it up close.
“With numerous works and activities, the comfort of all the people of Kosovo will always be enriched by his paintings and creations…. “Shpirti në telajo” is not just one of Rexhepi’s painting titles. He completely left his soul on the canvas. I will remember him fondly because I already miss him, but I will also mention him with joy because I have many memories. He with his friends for a morning walk, and me with my little daughter in the City Park. A figure that, by gazing at it, threw its circle into our background. Someone who, at the mere sight, would bring into his beloved circle. Memories of him, thoughts about him warm my heart and give color to my mind”, said the Prime Minister during the commemorative ceremony.
According to Naser Ferri, the spokesperson for the Ferri family, expressed that today is a somber and painful day for both the Ferri family and all Albanians. Rexhep Ferri was known as a significant figure in diverse art fields, a person with a kind soul, a respected colleague, and a loyal spouse.
Recognizing the life and achievements of Professor and painter Rexhep Ferri, President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, Mehmet Kraja, as well as academic Eqrem Basha, also shared a few words.
Present at this commemorative ceremony alongside Prime Minister Kurti were also the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku, and the Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Liburn Aliu. Together with Prime Minister Kurti, they paid tribute to the late Rexhep Ferri at the foyer of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo
In the Mourning Book, the Prime Minister wrote:
The academic painter, Rexhep Ferri, gave us a lot of love and beauty. We will no longer see his physical figure, but we and every generation after us will see his deeds that make us understand ourselves and walk proudly and wisely.
With deep respect, high admiration and heavy longing,
Albin Kurti
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable, Dr. Mehmet Kraja, President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo,
Honorable Mr. Hajrulla Çeku, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports,
Honorable Mr. Liburn Aliu, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure,
Honorable Academy members,
Honorable Ms. Naime Ferri,
Honorable Tringa, Toska and Jakup Ferri,
Honorable family members,
Honorable participants,
Ladies and gentleman,
Rexhep Ferri, the pioneer painter in the establishment of the Faculty of Arts in Prishtina, the artist with an ocean of imagination, the fearless patriot, will always be with us. His work is very extensive. It will pass on to all of us who had the great fortune to know him closely, but it will also pass on to the younger generations, who have a lot to learn from him.
“To find meaning, perhaps only the mysticism of madness increases fame,” these are the words of Rexhep Ferri. Hence, our gathering is not to celebrate a single artist, but to acknowledge the ongoing guidance of a remarkable intellectual in shaping our thoughts.
The son of Shaban Ferri, a distinguished teacher, who opened the first Albanian schools in Tropoja, Puka and Kukës, will always be remembered as the modernist artist with the most unique style. One cannot view a Rexhepi piece without acknowledging the artist. He dedicated approximately seven decades to painting, and now his art will speak for countless decades ahead. His students indicate that he had a gift and passion for his work as a teacher and educator, revealing the hidden potentials and suppressed wills of all of them.
His art embodies an eternal reflection of our national identity. Rexhep Ferri cherished and mourned the historical Albanian. The resilience of our people has the shape of Rexhep Ferri’s silhouettes. With numerous works and activities, the comfort of all the people of Kosovo will always be enriched by his paintings and creations.
“Shpirti në telajo” is not just one of Rexhepi’s painting titles. He completely left his soul on the canvas. I will remember him fondly because I already miss him, but I will also mention him with joy because I have many memories. He with his friends for a morning walk, and me with my little daughter in the City Park. A figure that, by gazing at it, threw its circle into our background. Someone who, at the mere sight, would bring into his beloved circle. Memories of him, thoughts about him warm my heart and give color to my mind.
Paint the sky, professor! And, rest in peace. This mammoth body deserves to rest and be proud of the life it led.
Thank you.
Last modified: June 11, 2024