Shefqet Avdush Emini – A Great Name in International Contemporary Art

Shefqet Avdush Emini is one of the most renowned figures in contemporary art on an international level, an artist who has built an outstanding and admired career within the most prestigious circles of global art. Born in Kosovo, Emini possesses an extraordinary natural talent, which he has developed and perfected through deep academic education in visual arts as well as through long creative experience spanning decades.

His distinctive style, which intertwines expressionism and abstraction with rare mastery, has transformed into a universal emotional and visual language. His paintings are powerful reflections of human emotions, social tensions, pain, and hope, creating a direct and profound communication with the viewer. Each of his works is an open dialogue between personal experience and collective reality, a universe of colors that tells stories unspoken in words.

Presence on the International Art Scene

Shefqet Avdush Emini has proudly and successfully represented Albanian art in numerous exhibitions, symposiums, and international events in more than 40 countries around the world, including: Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, China, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, France (Louvre), Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Brazil, USA, Kuwait, Slovakia, Poland, Oman, Russia, Palestine, Canada, Algeria, Azerbaijan, and India.

His regular participation in international art symposiums testifies to the importance he places on intercultural creative exchange. Wherever he creates, he also inspires and shares experiences with other artists worldwide, strengthening his role as a cultural connector and an important voice in the global dialogue of contemporary art.

Permanent Collections and International Exhibitions

His works are part of permanent collections in some of the world’s most prestigious art institutions, including:

• Museum in Guwahati, India (2016)

• Municipal Museum in Beijing, China (2015)

• Municipal Museum in Estremoz, Portugal (2014)

• "Alija Izetbegović" Museum, Sarajevo (2013)

• Museum of Modern Art, Kuwait (2012)

• MAC Museum, Brazil (2011)

• Tetovo Gallery, North Macedonia (2010)

• Aiud Gallery, Romania (2010)

• Tepecik Museum, Turkey (2010)

• Aperon Art Plus Gallery, Istanbul (2010)

• Tornby Gallery, Denmark (2010)

• National Art Gallery, Tirana (1999)

• Figurative Artists Association of Kosovo (since 1989)

He has also participated in many symposiums, workshops, and international festivals, such as:

• Workshop of Nomad Canvases, Çanakkale, Turkey (2024)

• International Art Symposium, Trabzon, Turkey (2022)

• Artistic Event at Peter Hargas Atelier, Bratislava (2022)

• International Art Symposium, Lehnice, Slovakia (2021)

• International Art Symposium, Didim, Turkey (2020)

• International Festival, Karadeniz Ereğli, Turkey (2019)

• International Female Art, Muş, Turkey (2019)

• International Art Symposium, Trabzon, Turkey (2019)

• International Female Art, Tunisia (2018)

• International Art Symposium, Slovakia (2018)

• International Art Symposium, Tarsus, Turkey (2017)

• International Art Symposium, Kuşadası, Turkey (2017)

• International Art Camp, Didim, Turkey (2016)

• Symposium in Aydın, Turkey (2016)

• Fine Arts Symposium, Olympia, India (2016)

• Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan (2015)

• Symposium in Hotel Kapari, Alacati, Turkey (2015)

• Symposium in Setif, Algeria (2015)

• Symposium in Harram, Urfa, Turkey (2015)

• Symposium in Antalya, Turkey (2014)

• Symposium in Bolu, Turkey (2014)

• Symposium in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey (2014)

• Symposium at Özyeğin University, Istanbul, Turkey (2014)

• Symposium in Estremoz, Portugal (2014)

• Symposium in Saguenay, Quebec, Canada (2014)

• Symposium in Penza, Russia (2014)

• International Art Festival Gaza, Palestine (2014)

• Symposium in Istanbul, Turkey (2014)

• Artist in Residence, Cairo, Egypt (2014)

• Workshop for Youth Union Workers – Ministry of Youth and Sports, Egypt (2014)

• Workshop at Fresco Arts Gallery, Cairo, Egypt (2014)

• Symposium in Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt (2014)

• Symposium in Sarajevo, Bosnia (2013)

• Symposium in Penza, Russia (2013)

• International Artists’ Group, Pristina, Kosovo (2013)

• Symposium in Konya, Turkey (2013)

• Artistic Colony in Pristina, Kosovo (2013)

• Festival in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (2012)

• Symposium in Birgi, Turkey (2012)

• Artistic Colony in Izmir, Turkey (2012)

• Symposium in Mojmirovce, Slovakia (2012)

• International Artists’ Group, Pristina, Kosovo (2012)

• Symposium in Konya, Turkey (2012)

• Workshop in Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2012)

• Symposium in Kuwait (2012)

• Festival VI Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (December 2011)

• Symposium in Antalya, Turkey (June 2, 2010)

• International Festival Gesha View – Bulgaria (May 2011)

• Colony in Tetovo, North Macedonia (June 2010)

• Symposium Tepecik, Turkey (June 2010)

• Symposium Aiud, Romania (August 2010)

• Workshop in Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2010)

• Festival in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt (April 2010)

Academic Dedication and Role as a Mentor

Besides being a renowned painter, Emini is a dedicated educator and mentor. In the Netherlands, he is affiliated with the Filarski Academy, where he regularly conducts lectures and masterclasses in painting, leading and shaping a new generation of artists. His work as an educator is a natural continuation of his artistic mission: to share knowledge, inspiration, and experience, and to build sustainable bridges between cultures and generations.

Participation in Important Artistic Events and Symposiums

For more than three decades, Emini has been a significant participant in dozens of international art symposiums in countries such as Turkey, Slovakia, Egypt, Russia, Algeria, Palestine, India, Canada, Kuwait, and others. Some of the most important include:

• Çanakkale, Turkey – Nomad Canvases Workshop (2024)

• Trabzon, Turkey – International Art Symposium (2022)

• Bratislava, Slovakia – Artistic Activity at Peter Hargas Studio (2022)

• Lehnice, Slovakia – International Symposium (2021)

• Didim, Turkey – International Symposium (2020)

• Gaza, Palestine – International Art Festival (2014)

• Cairo, Egypt – Artistic Residency & Youth Workshop (2014)

• Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt – International Symposium (2014)

• Saguenay, Canada – International Symposium (2014)

• Penza, Russia – International Symposium (2013 & 2014)

• Kuwait – International Symposium (2012)

• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – Multiple International Art Festivals (2010–2012)

These participations reflect not only his artistic success but also his ongoing role as a cultural ambassador—bringing people and ideas together through the power of visual language.

Artistic Style and Creative Philosophy

At the heart of Shefqet Avdush Emini’s art lies a profound human sensitivity and a strong commitment to authentic expression. Through a vocabulary of free expressionism and emotional abstraction, he builds visual worlds that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries. His use of color is bold and explosive, while his formal language often includes symbols and visual metaphors.

For Emini, painting is an emotional and philosophical act—a journey to the essence of human existence and a reflection on suffering, hope, struggle, freedom, and dignity. He does not aim to represent reality mimetically but seeks to uncover the invisible layers of the human soul. His canvases are filled with emotional and spiritual energy that remains in the mind and heart.

A Fundamental Figure in the History of Contemporary Art

Shefqet Avdush Emini is more than a renowned painter—he is a living testament that art has the power to build bridges, heal, raise awareness, and cultivate global consciousness. His work confronts the depths of human experience and invites honest reflection through color, form, and creative spirit.

In a world increasingly defined by rapid changes and conflicts, Emini’s art stands as a steadfast light—a visual language that expresses what words often cannot.

PUBLICATIONS – BOOKS, MONOGRAPHS, ENCYCLOPEDIAS, ANTHOLOGIES

• 2025 – Book Cultural Canvases of Filipino Arts. A Dialogue Between World Art Traditions and the Filipino

• 2023 – Book Art Will Save the World

• 2022 – Book Filipino Art and Beyond

• 2021 – Encyclopedia of World Artists

• 2021 – My First Art Book

• 2021 – My Second Art Book

• 2021 – My Third Art Book

• 2021 – Third Gogyoshi Anthology

• 2019 – Universal Anthology – Open Lane 4

• 2014 – World Masters – Taza Biennial

• 2014 – Poetry Anthology 2014

• 2013 – A Teacher Who Left a Mark in Education – author Banush Imeri

• 2012 – World Art – author Katerina Theofili

• 2010 – Genius

• 2009 – The Cut Branch Sings for the Green

• 2003 – Artium (book-album)

• 1994 – Light in Lyricum

MEDIA, REVIEWS, ARTICLES, MAGAZINES

Period: 2021–2006

• 2021 – Article by Eriola Azizolli – Expres

• 2012 – Critical article by Erjola Azizolli – Expres

• 2012 – Faruk Tasholli – Bota Sot Newspaper

• 2012 – Articles on international exhibitions in Oman – Expres

• 2010 – Review by Egyptian critic Talaat Abdul Aziz

• 2010 – Review by Remzi Limani

• 2008 – Article in Tirsdag, January 29

• 2006–2005 – Numerous articles in Bota Sot, Zëri, Lajmi, Epoka e Re

• 2005 – Articles in Hamburg Abendblatt, Hoheluftbrücke, Land van Weert, Trumpet

Period: 2003–1995

• 2003–1996 – Articles and reviews in Koha Ditore, Fontys, Utrechts Nieuwsblad, Gazeta Limburger, Gazeta Rilindja, Zëri i Rinisë

• 1999 – Article in Gazeta Limburger

• 1997 – Cultural brochure Rondje

• 1996 – Professional cultural brochure (February)

• 1996 – Radio program dedicated to art

• 1996 – Article in Utrechts Nieuwsblad

• 1995 – Two TV reports on TV2, Netherlands

• 1990 – Article in Gazeta Rilindja

Period: 1987–1982

• June 1987 – Gazeta Rilindja

• 1983 – Gazeta Rilindja

• 1983 – Zëri i Rinisë

• October 1982 – Gazeta Rilindja

• 1982 – Zëri i Rinisë

INTERVIEWS AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS

• 2010 – Interview by Michele Andree

• 2010 – Interview by Natasha Gunn

• 1999 – Interview on international TV broadcast

• 1996 & 1995 – TV reports on TV2, Netherlands

• 1996 – Radio cultural program dedicated to the artist

Shefqet Avdush Emini – International Criticism and Artistic Evaluations

Dr. Helmut Orpel – Germany Art critic, curator, and author Years active: 2018–2023
“Artist Shefqet Avdush Emini is an authentic voice of contemporary art. His work represents a fusion of the spiritual and the dramatic, where form and color become inner voices of humanity.”

Dr. Laura Thompson – United States Art critic and essayist Circa 2020
“Emini’s art is a profound exploration of the human psyche through a universal vision of pain, hope, and memory. He places Kosovo on the world art map.”

Prof. Giorgio Gregorio Grasso – Italy Art critic and international curator Years active: 2020–2023
“Shefqet Emini is an artist with a strong visual and spiritual identity. His works are emotional, with an abstraction that speaks sincerely about humanity.”

Dr. Yasser Elsheshtawy – Egypt Curator and art researcher Years active: 2022–2024
“Emini’s art is a universal message of peace and human reflection. He represents art that fosters dialogue between cultures.”

Ina Eskes, MA – Netherlands Art historian Year: 2011
“Shefqet Avdush Emini is an internationally known artist, a painter with a unique style, a deep expressionist conveying strong emotions and universal messages through color and form.”

Prof. Alexander Borovsky – Russia Art critic and curator at the Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg Circa 2019
“Emini’s works convey a dramatic existential feeling. He speaks about the modern human with a language that transcends national borders.”

Kim Young-ho – South Korea Curator and art critic Years active: 2016–2018
“Artist Emini brings an inner world filled with emotions. His colors are silent voices of personal and collective history.”

Zuzana Bartošová – Slovakia Curator and art critic Year: 2021
“Emini is a representative of post-war expressionist art, where inner sensitivity is manifested through color and movement.”

Dr. Fatima Zahra Lakrissa – Morocco Art historian and curator Years active: 2019–2023
“Artist Emini builds bridges between East and West with an abstract language born from the personal and collective experiences of his people.”

Years: 2024 – 1981

2024

• Solo exhibition at the Municipal Art Gallery, Çanakkale, Turkey

2022

• Exhibition at the Museum of Trabzon, Turkey

2021

• Exhibition at the Castle of Lehnice, Slovakia

2020

• Exhibition at the Cultural Center, Ankara, Turkey

• Exhibition at Conrad Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey

2019

• Wiacamp International Fine Arts Gallery, Eskisehir, Turkey

• Art Hotel, Moscow, Russia

• International open-air exhibition, Wiacamp, Didim, Turkey

• International exhibition at Hol Municipality, Mus, Turkey

• International exhibition in Karadeniz Eregli, Turkey

• Antique Gallery, Trabzon, Turkey

• Vali Yazıcıoğlu Cultural Center, Aydin, Turkey

• Recep Yazicioglu Cultural Center, Aydin, Turkey

• Hamam Çimeni Çarşısı Gallery, Trabzon, Turkey

2018

• Gelisim University Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey

• Terchova Museum, Slovakia

• Kaptan Hotel, Alanya, Turkey

• Houses of Culture, Tunisia

• Dramalılar Köşkü Art Gallery, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey

• Wiacamp open-air exhibition, Kuşadası, Turkey

• Gural Museum, Cappadocia, Turkey

• Castel, Slovakia

• Bursa Nilüfer Municipality Gallery, Turkey

• Hall Hanam Culture and Art Center, South Korea

• Turhan Gallery, Denizli, Turkey

• Kuzey & Bahar Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey

• Epinay Municipality Cultural Center, Paris, France

2017

• Emin Serdar Art Gallery, Trabzon, Turkey

• Atatürk Cultural Center, EGE University, Izmir, Turkey

• Beylikdüzü Municipality – Beylicium Shopping Center, Istanbul, Turkey

• Sarayı Gallery, Mersin, Turkey

• Doku Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey

• Povazske Museum, Slovakia

• Ibramaki Gallery, Kuşadası, Turkey

• Konak Museum, Izmir, Turkey

• Al-Pyramids Art Hall, Cairo, Egypt

• Corvins’ Castle Museum, Hunedoara, Romania

• Leczna Cultural Center, Poland

• Bal Art Gallery, Tarsus, Turkey

• Carina Art Gallery, Kuşadası, Turkey

• Yolo Art Gallery, Kuşadası, Turkey

• Hamamizade İhsan Bey Cultural Center, Trabzon, Turkey

2016

• Adnan Menderes University, Didim, Turkey

• ATSO Kurumsal Bahçesi Gallery, Antalya, Turkey

• Open-air exhibition, Didim, Turkey

• National Library of Romania, Bucharest

• Center for Art and Culture, Aydin, Turkey

• Guwahati Museum, India

2015

• Beijing Museum, China

• Baku Museum, Azerbaijan

• Kapari Hotel, Alacati, Turkey

• Gallery in Setif, Algeria

• Harram Kumbert Hotel, Urfa, Turkey

• “Inter-Art” – Geneva, Switzerland

2014

• Taza Biennale, Morocco

• Erdem Bayazit Cultural Center, Antalya, Turkey

• Kultur Sitesi Salonu Gallery, Bolu, Turkey

• Mustafa Kemal Merkez Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey

• Open-air exhibition in Apeldoorn, Netherlands

• Art-Penza – Contemporary Art Festival, Chernozem, Russia

• National History Museum of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

• Municipal Museum, Estremoz, Portugal

• Saguen Culture Centers, Quebec, Canada

• Penza Art Gallery, Russia

• Gaza, Palestine

• Özyeğin University, Istanbul, Turkey

• Tipsy Teapot, Cairo, Egypt

• Gurin, France

• Villa 43 Maadi Sarayat, Egypt

• Tutin, House of Culture, Serbia

• Guri Restaurant, Cairo, Egypt

• Priboj Spiral Gallery, Serbia

• Renaissance Hotel, Cairo, Egypt

• Prijepole, House of Culture, Serbia

• Roman Petrovic Gallery, Sarajevo, Bosnia

• Plavë, House of Culture, Montenegro

• Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Egypt

• Pirot, House of Culture, Serbia

2013

• Penza Gallery, Russia – International Exhibition

• National Museum of Unification, Alba Iulia, Romania

• Royal Garden, Copenhagen, Denmark

• INTERBIFEP International Biennial of Portrait, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• “Touch” Exhibition, Inter-Art International Artcamp, Inter-Art Gallery, Aiud, Romania

• Hanikahu Gallery, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• “Mail Art” 20th Anniversary Exhibition, New York, USA (Inter-Art)

• International University Gallery, Novi Pazar, Montenegro

• Cultural Center Gallery, Leskovac, Serbia

• Home of Culture, Vranje, Serbia

• Nis Gallery, Serbia

• Ostraka Gallery, Dandy Mega Shopping Center, Cairo, Egypt

• “Liviu Rebreanu” Cultural Center, Aiud, Romania

• Exhibition in Kosovo

• KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey

• JW Marriott Hotel, Cairo, Egypt

• “Inter-Art” International Art Exhibition, European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium

• “Sanitätshaus Am Deister” Gallery, Bennigsen, Germany

• ASROPA International Art Exhibition, Santarosa Gallery, Gunsan, South Korea

• NAR-I Aşk Gallery, Konya, Turkey

• “Galéria Cit”, Bratislava, Slovakia

• Sirius Hotel, Pristina, Kosovo

2012

• International Exhibition of Art and Design, Seoul, South Korea

• Ostraka Gallery, Dandy Mega Shopping Center, Cairo, Egypt

• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

• Art Gallery, Tirana, Albania

• Ödemiş Cultural Center, Turkey

• “Bostonli” Gallery, Izmir, Turkey

• Castel Castle, Moimirovce, Slovakia

• “Prishtina” Hotel, Kosovo

• Old Hammam, Prizren, Kosovo

• Antalya Museum, Turkey

• Cultural Complex, Alhoceima, Morocco

• KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey

• Russian Cultural Center, Rabat, Morocco

• International Exhibition in Kuwait

• Atelier Oosterbosch, Gallery, Amsterdam, Netherlands

• DLUM Gallery, Slovenia

2011

• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

• International Artists’ Exhibition, Washington D.C., USA

• Solo Exhibition at “Atrium”, The Hague, Netherlands

• International Portrait and Drawing Biennale, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• “Show Your Hope”, Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Mozes en Aaronkerk Church, Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Solo Exhibition, “Diversiteit & Kunst” Gallery, Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Antalya Museum, Turkey

• Art Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria

• “Geshaview” Exhibition, Bulgaria

• “Art for the Heart” Exhibition, Hanover, Germany

• Palace of Culture, Tetovo, North Macedonia

2010

• Art Gallery, Berat, Albania

• “Aperon Art Plus” Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey

• Torbny Gallery, Denmark

• Art Fair, Istanbul, Turkey

• “Wall of Peace” Exhibition, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Drawing Biennale, Museum of Art, Romania

• “Artists for Freedom”, Rathaus Bensberg, Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany

• Art Fair China, Beijing World Trade Center, China

• “Inter-Art” Gallery, Aiud, Romania

• Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Cultural and Artistic Festival, Tepecik, Turkey

• Artists’ Colony, Tetovo, Macedonia

• Exhibition at the Louvre, Paris, France

• “Galileo-Park” Gallery, Lennestadt, Germany

• Museum of Portalegre, Portugal

• “Bohner” Gallery, Mannheim, Germany

• “Club Financiero de Vigo” Gallery, Spain

• Biennale in London, Gagliardi Gallery – Exhibition of selected artists from the Chianciano Biennale

2009

• England

• National Museum “Cotroceni”, Bucharest, Romania

• “Melenia” Gallery – Exhibition toured various Balkan countries

• Chianciano Biennale, Museum of Art, Chianciano Terme, Italy

• JMA Gallery, Vienna, Austria

2008

• Private Salon, Weert, Netherlands

• Private Salon, Kinrooi, Belgium

• “Drente” Gallery, Hooghalen, Netherlands

• “Sigvardson” Gallery, Denmark (February 2 and May 8)

• Van Munster Complex, Amersfoort – Group exhibition with Dutch group

2007

• “The Process of Art”, Trapani Gallery, Sicily, Italy

2006–2005

• Stichting Kunstcentrum Weert, Netherlands

• Paterskerk Weert – Exhibition with Dutch group

• Cigarenfabriek Delft – Group Exhibition, Netherlands

• Molenhof Gallery – Solo and Group Exhibitions

• Marziart Gallery, Hamburg, Germany

• “Kunstuitleen Tienschuur” Gallery, Netherlands

• “Reasons to Love the Earth”, Utrecht Museum, Netherlands

2004–1995

• Royal Schouwburg and Vredenburg Museum, Utrecht

• “Arti et Amicitiae”, Amsterdam – Group museum exhibition

• Numerous solo exhibitions in the Netherlands: Atelier Route, Nederweert Public Library, Triumfatokerk Utrecht, etc.

1993–1981

• “Unaryd” Gallery, Sweden – Solo and group exhibitions

• House of Culture, Shtime, Kosovo – Multiple solo exhibitions

• Pristina Biennials (1984–1990) – Regular group participations

• Galleries in former Yugoslavia: Sarajevo, Zagreb, Belgrade

• “Zef Kolombi” Gallery, Ferizaj – Numerous group exhibitions

• City of Pristina – Participation in major cultural events since 1983