TIRANA, April 22 /ATA/ In Milan, a global hub for design and contemporary art, Albania showcased its distinctive voice through CulturaAlb, the latest initiative from the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation.
Through this platform, which is expected to open a new chapter in the country’s cultural diplomacy, the aim is to present Albanian creativity on the international stage.
CulturaAlb – Albanian Days Around the World was presented for the first time at Fuorisalone 2025, where from April 7 to 13, Albania became an active part of the city’s cultural program.
At the heart of Albanian Week was the installation “Dying of Laughter,” a work that blends humor with tragedy, created by architects Marin Nikolla and Denis Muça in collaboration with ceramic master Vasil Kuka.
The project by Nikolla and Muça builds a bridge between language, collective memory, and artistic form. Inspired by the popular expression “Dying of laughter,” they create a symbolic universe where ceramics serve as the medium to convey a story that is intangible yet universally known. As the authors themselves highlight in various interviews, the project explores an unusual blend of the epic nature of laughter and the tragic reality of death, between joy and loss — a dichotomy expressed through expertly crafted ceramics.
At the heart of the installation is ceramic master Vasil Kuka, an artisan from the Zadrima region, who handcrafts up to 300 pieces of ceramics a day. He represents the model of an artisan-industrialist, preserving traditional techniques while working with modern efficiency.
In addition to “Dying of Laughter,” the public had the opportunity to visit other exhibitions, such as works by Bib Frrokaj, the Albanian artist who explores the fusion of traditional and modern motifs. Also on display was “Vatra,” a hand-designed glass table by architect Joana Dhiamandi, symbolizing the warmth of the Albanian home.
Another highlight of Albanian Week in Milan was the launch of the Albchef platform, an international network of Albanian chefs focused on promoting culinary traditions worldwide. The event featured tastings of products from the agrotourism site “Mrizi i Zanave” and the participation of Chef Altin Prenga, a prominent figure in modern Albanian gastronomy.
As part of CulturaAlb, an initiative of the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, there were also show-cooking sessions, tastings of traditional foods, and discussions on the importance of ethics and sustainability in cuisine and design, demonstrating how Albanian traditional values can have a strong impact on international markets.
Laughter, the central theme of the installation, was also showcased in its most direct form: stand-up comedy. Albanian comedian Xhuliano Dule graced the stage with moments of sharp irony and insightful reflections on both the reality in Albania and the diaspora.
It also featured the premiere of the documentary “UDHA – One Blood, One Language, One Promise,” produced by Lorik Cana and Arber Agalliu. The film explores the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual ties of Albanians both in the region and the diaspora.
CulturaAlb doesn’t stop in Milan. It serves as a bridge connecting Albanians both within the country and abroad, promoting our living heritage in every corner of the world. One of the most tangible examples of this heritage is the Arbëresh dance, a five-century-old celebration held every Tuesday after Easter in the Arbëresh villages of Italy.
At its core, CulturaAlb is a new cultural diplomacy platform that brings together artists, designers, musicians, chefs, creators, and Albanian communities in the diaspora to amplify Albania’s voice in the world’s major cultural centers.
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