The Gallery of Contemporary Art Tirana (GOCAT) has opened “Body Under Construction”, a new exhibition by Kosovar artist Albana Ejupi, inviting visitors to reflect on the body as a vessel of memory, identity and lived experience.
Through painting, sculpture, textiles, sand and text, the exhibition explores transformation as an ongoing process, presenting the body not as a finished form, but as a space shaped by personal history, emotions and continuous change.
At the heart of the exhibition stands a monumental sculpture of a woman weighing approximately 300 kilograms. According to the artist, the work symbolizes the emotional weight and experiences that each of us carries throughout life.
“Our bodies carry weight. They carry memories, disappointments, love, loss and stories that are often invisible on the surface. That is why it was important for me to place a 300-kilogram sculpture of a woman at the center of this exhibition. Its weight is not only physical; it represents the emotional burden and the experiences each of us carries throughout life,” said Albana Ejupi.
The exhibition is curated by philosopher and curator Shkëlzen Maliqi, who explained that the project evolved significantly during its development.
“The exhibition was initially conceived as a retrospective, but throughout the process it transformed into an entirely new body of work. This is the fourth time I have explored this theme, expanding my practice into sculpture. Both the paintings and sculptures place the body at the center, moving beyond its physical appearance and turning it into a powerful narrative tool,” Maliqi said.
This marks GOCAT’s 16th exhibition. Since its establishment, the gallery has developed a contemporary art program that has introduced Albanian and international artists to the public, including members of the Albanian diaspora, some returning to exhibit in Albania after successful international careers and others presenting their work in the country for the first time.
Ena Bulku, Director of GOCAT, emphasized that the exhibition reflects the gallery’s long-term vision.
“Body Under Construction” welcomes visitors until August 30 at GOCAT. The exhibition is made possible with the support of MANE Foundation, which continues to foster an ambitious artistic program by bringing forward new proposals from both Albanian and international artists,” she said.
Albana Ejupi also highlighted the importance of the collaboration with the gallery’s team throughout the realization of the project, particularly in installing the monumental sculpture.
“I am deeply grateful to the gallery staff. Without their collaboration, dedication and support, this concept would not have taken shape in the way it has. I sincerely thank them for their professionalism at every stage of the process, especially for their work on the sculpture, which, because of its scale and weight, presented an extraordinary challenge. Without their curatorial vision, critical insight and hands-on support, this work could not have been presented with the strength and significance it holds today within the gallery space,” Ejupi said.
“Body Under Construction” will remain open to the public until August 30 at the Gallery of Contemporary Art Tirana (GOCAT).