Peja, 10 October 2026
First, I would like to greet the Mayor of the Municipality, Gazmend Muhaxheri, and then the Director of Culture, Ms Syka, as well as members of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Taulant Kelmendi and Armend Baloku. But, of course, the two people who have brought us here today more than anyone else are, first, Afrim Spahiu, the esteemed professor whom I have known for around two decades, perhaps a little longer, and Sislej Xhafa, the curator of today’s exhibition, which we are all naturally eager to see.
“Dancing with Clouds” is the title of this exhibition, where we will see photographs and, at the same time, the remarkable documentary film “117” by Besim Sahatçiu.
It should be emphasised that Professor Afrim Spahiu is renowned not only for his photographs but also for his work in film photography. In other words, he is known for his filmography and for his work in photography and cinematography. We have had countless discussions, and I have not only greatly enjoyed seeing his work but have also developed my aesthetic sensibilities through it.
For example, I have one of Professor Afrim Spahiu’s photographs in my office at the central headquarters of the Vetëvendosje Movement. It depicts striking Brutalist architecture, surrounded by purplish clouds with which our gaze dances.
Professor Afrim Spahiu is distinguished by a form of documentation in which the transformations brought about by time do not mean the disappearance of the reality being transformed. In other words, as the passage of time profoundly changes reality, something nevertheless remains. And what remains in the artistic sense is precisely the extraordinary photography of Professor Afrim Spahiu, whose career spans more than half a century. So, he is not quite as young as he may appear. He has received many awards and distinctions, among which the Bekim Fehmiu Lifetime Achievement Award deserves particular mention. He has contributed to more than 25 films, and currently serves as a member of the National Arts Council, representing film and the audiovisual field.
I have also been struck by the fact that he comes from Dibra, because I do not know a single person from Dibra who is ordinary. I know quite a few people from Dibra, but not one of them is ordinary. And, of course, Professor Afrim Spahiu is extraordinary as well. You know what they say about the people of Dibra: they have done only two things—they gave us Skanderbeg and founded Tirana.
So, I have no doubt that you will all enjoy viewing Professor Afrim Spahiu’s exhibition. On this occasion, I would also like to thank our friend, a great artist and an indefatigable lover of art, who supports other artists as well: Sislej Xhafa.
Thank you once again for coming here. May there be more and more beauty—Peja certainly knows how to create it—and life will naturally become more enjoyable.
Thank you.