Open Archive Exhibition at Tirana's National Gallery of Arts Examines Collection Amid Disasters

On September 18, 2020, the National Gallery of Arts in Tirana unveiled the Open Archive (Arkivi i Hapur), curated by Erzen Shkololli. This exhibition showcases a vast array of artworks spanning from the late 19th century to the late 20th century, with an emphasis on Socialist Realism. It was conceived following the M6.4 earthquake on November 26, 2019, and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic on March 9, 2020. The exhibition is dynamic, incorporating recycled components from earlier displays. Notable pieces include Pjetër Marubi's 1897 portrait, Besim Tula's 1999 The Tape, and Edi Rama's 1989 The Sorrow of Kosovar Nights. However, it has received criticism regarding its curatorial strategy and the absence of a complete list of artworks.