Artra Gallery Reopens in Milan with Radical Political Show by Armando Lulaj

After a closure of several years, Artra gallery in Milan has reopened under new management. Originally founded by Marcella Stefanoni, the gallery is now run by her son, Matteo Masciulli. The inaugural exhibition of this new chapter is dedicated to Albanian artist Armando Lulaj (born 1980 in Tirana), titled "Bilbao." Lulaj's work offers a radical and unsettling political reflection, addressing themes of migration, religion, social struggle, and economic power through photographic images, posters, and installations. The title "Bilbao" references the city in Spain where many Albanians arrive, drawn by the presence of the Guggenheim Museum, as a stepping stone to reach the United Kingdom. Lulaj, an Albanian artist among migrants, conceived of scaling Frank O. Gehry's iconic museum building, much like older siblings had done with ships bound for Italy. The exhibition draws parallels and symmetries between art and politics, finding deeper meaning in these connections.