After studying photography at the „Bayerische Staatslehranstalt für Photographie“ in Munich and completing commissions for magazines, theaters, and television, I intuitionally made a major decision in 1991 that would shape the course of my life. It was two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall when I came across an article in the newspaper about Albania, a forgotten country on the periphery of Europe. The collapse of the communist regime had created a void filled with chaos, turbulence, and a sense of aimlessness. Intrigued by the situation, I felt compelled to capture how the people were coping.
In order to embark on this venture, I needed someone who was well-acquainted with Albania and fluent in the language. This is when I teamed up with Ardian Klosi, a writer, linguist, albanologist and activist. Together, we embarked on our first journey through the country. This experience eventually culminated in the publication of our first book, „Albanian Survival” (1993). Subsequently, we embarked on numerous other trips, and during this time, our bond deepened, leading to marriage and the start of a family.
The nature of my work during this period reflected the intensity of the circumstances. I gravitated towards using black and white photography, capturing the chaotic, harsh, and fast-paced reality through an intuitive approach.
My work primarily focuses on reportage and portrait photography in the Balkan Countries but mainly in Albania, aiming to portray the raw realities of life while preserving the dignity of every individual. By capturing genuine moments, I seek to bring attention to social issues and challenge preconceptions.
During the past 30 years I have been collaborating with numerous organizations such as Unicef, UNDP, UN-Women, Goethe Institutes, GIZ, various magazines and have been working as a political photographer.
In addition to my photography, I have served as a cultural advisor at the Albanian Embassy in Berlin, working to renew the cultural agreement between Germany and Albania.
Today I live and work in Germany, Albania and in Austria and have two daughters.
Selected exhibitions:
Solo Exhibitions
2022 “Albanian Biography from now to 1991” Marubi National Museum of Photography, Shkodra, Albania
2022 “I have a dream” COD Center of Openness and Dialogue, Tirana, Albania
2021 “God in Albania” Guardini Galerie, Berlin, Germany
2018 “Bühne und Manege” Winterfest , Salzburg, Austria
2017 “30 days” Galerie Fotohof, Salzburg, Austria
2011 “The Burning/Ahead with the Past” National Gallery of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kososvo
2011 “Ahead with the Past” Zeta Gallery, Tirana, Albania
2011 “Ahead with the Past” City Gallery, Fier, Albania
2009 “Albanian Survival” Bucharest, Rumania
2003 “Sombre Beauty” National Gallery of Arts, Tirana, Albania
2002 “Refugees of Kosovo” Gallery Java, Frankfurt, Germany
2000 “Albanian Portraits” World Expo Albanian Pavilion, Hannover, Germany
1997 “Albanian Survival” Galerie im Scharfrichterhaus, Passau, Germany
1996 “Albanian Survival” National Gallery of Arts, Tirana, Albania
1992 “Albanian Survival” University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Group Exhibitions
2021 “one minute one artist” Stadtgalerie Lehel, Salzburg, Austria
2019/20 “Unseen” Families in Europe,
Kunststiftung Sachsen Anhalt, Halle, Germany
Milan Centre for Contemporary Photography MiCamera, Milan, Italy
Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Rom, Rome, Italy
Gallery Tirana Castle, Tirana, Albania,
2015 “Lost and Found” Villa Claudia, Feldkirch, Austria
2014 “1 in 3" Multi-Disciplinary Art Exhibition on Gender-Based Violence” World Bank, Washington DC, USA
2013 “The Balkan Tale”
Outdoor exhibition in the historic pedestrian zone, Tirana, Albania.
Residence of Princess Ljubica in Belgrade, Serbia.
Historical Museum of Grete, Heraklion, Greece.
Kunstsammlung am Theaterplatz, Chemnitz, Germany.
2012 “Albania” Galerie 4, Cheb, Czech Republic
2005 “Biennale Tirana 3” Independent Art Space, Tirana, Albania
2005 “Think pink” Independent Art Space, Prishtina, Kosovo
Published Photo Books
“God in Albania” Text written by Oliver Jens Schmitt. Funded by the German Embassy & German Foreign Office, 2021
“Ahead with the Past” Text written by Ardian Klosi. Funded by DEZA. Published by Fotohof, Salzburg 2011
“Sombre Beauty” Text written by Ardian Klosi. Funded by Sorros Foundation and DEZA 2001
„Albanisches Überleben” Text written by Adrian Klosi. Funded and published by Otto Müller Verlag, Salzburg 1993