Alban Muja's Family Album video installation represents Kosovo at 2019 Venice Biennale

Alban Muja represents Kosovo at the 2019 Venice Biennale with a video installation titled Family Album at the Arsenale's Sale D'Armi. The work profiles three child refugees from the 1999 Kosovo War, tracking individuals from emblematic photojournalism images to explore their experiences over two decades. Muja describes the installation as addressing memory, history, and narrative power during and after conflict. He notes that Kosovo's participation marks its fourth appearance at the Biennale, which he considers remarkable given the country's post-war rebuilding. The artist emphasizes the transnational relevance of local stories, stating that such narratives can be found in any region with a troubled past. Representing Kosovo carries responsibility, Muja explains, particularly for a young state facing ongoing international recognition challenges. He believes official Biennale participation has significantly boosted Kosovo's art scene profile and attracted investment to its cultural ecosystem. The Venice Biennale runs from May 11 to November 24, 2019.