Born in 1994 in Skënderaj, Kosovo, Valdrin Thaqi graduated from the Department of Visual Arts at the Faculty of Arts, University of Pristina in 2019.
Lives and works between Berlin and Prishtina.
Thaqi’s artistic practice includes painting and installation. His work is a reflection of profound philosophical inquiries, exploring the intricacies inherent in the processes, states, and events observed in daily life. Rooted in the analysis of social reality, his work serves as a catalyst for questioning the existence and the myriad facets of the human experience. Nostalgia and longing permeate the canvas of his paintings, each stroke inciting thought and provoking contemplation. Scenes depicted blur and fade, mirroring the ephemeral nature of the observed world, while the protagonists within his work are elusive, absent actors who have no conscious grip on their circumstances. He deliberately undermines a straightforward, unambiguous reading in his work, weaving conflicting meanings in them.
At the core of his artistic pursuit lies a quest into the uncertain nature of human fears and fragility, capturing the intricate interplay of emotion and impulses. These images, universal in their essence, invite viewers into a realm of multiple interpretations, challenging preconceived notions and stimulating dialogue between the artwork and Its audience.
Solo shows:
2023
You do realize, there is a place where the sidewalk ends
East Contemporary Gallery, Milan, Italy
2019
It’s been a while since I saw a cloud in the sky
Motrat Gallery, Prishtine, Kosove
Group Shows:
I sing the body electric, the armies of those I love, Barabar Centre, Pristina (2023)
Cremona Artweek, Cremona,Italy (2023)
Here today,gone tomorrow, Room five studio, Pristina (2023)
Artists of tomorrow, Stacion centre for contemporary Art,Pristina (2022)
Kosovo Art Collection, Kosovo National Gallery of Arts (2022)
Pleasures, Bazament Art Space, Tirane(2022)
Manifesta 14 (2022)
Internal, Room five studio- Open Studio (2022)
Based on a true story,Kosovo National Gallery of Arts, Prishtine (2021)
Tongue follows the toothache, Green Hill Gallery, Berlin (2021)
Nothing Like Home, LambdaLambdaLambda Gallery, Pristina (2021)
Weserhalle Gallery, Berlin (2021)
GlogauAir Residency, Open Studios, Berlin (2020)
Young Artists Award, Kosovo National Gallery of Arts, Pristina (2019)
Gjon Mili Biennale, Kosovo National Gallery or Arts, Pristina (2019)
Muslim Mulliqi Biennale, Kosovo National Gallery of Arts, Pristina (2018)
Pristine Blind date, Termokiss, Pristina (2018)
Interventions with HAP Collective, Therapy (2017)
External (2018)
On Sale (2022).
Art Residencies:
GlogauAir Residency, Berlin/Germany 2020
Kulturschoepfer Residency, Berlin/Germany 2021
Prizes and awards:
Nominated at Stacion Centre for Contemporary Art (2022)
Young Artists Award, Kosovo National Gallery of Arts (2019)
Muslim Mulliqi Award, Kosovo National Gallery of Arts (2018)