“Feeling the Image” is the latest exhibition of FAB Gallery, by artist Besim Tula, opened in honour of his 75th birth anniversary. The exhibition is curated by his daughter Era Tula and was open to the public from 16 January, 2025-31 January, 2025.
This exhibition has a selection of the last 30 years of his artworks, and it is exhibited in all three rooms of FAB Gallery. Through vibrant canvases filled with colorful human forms and landscapes, Tula explores the human experience and the moral detachment of modern society among other social causes. The first artwork is “The Passing of the Mother”, marked by late art critic, Gëzim Qendro, as a warning of the end of the Socialist Realism. Through a realistic yet emotionally charged depiction of death, the artist shifts the focus from an art era of ideological narratives to the emotional and intimate loss of human life. In contrast the last painting showcased, “Contract Killers” is also a depiction of death but in total contrast to the first artwork. The painting contains writings that suggest that the murder was executed by a hired assassin. Through “Contract Killers” the artist critiques the world where human life is seen as easily commodified, and murder is seen as just a transaction process away. The artist positions himself as the deceased person, making the audience sympathize with him and reinforcing the idea that victims aren’t only statistics but real people.
The whole exhibition is a tribute to the artist’s entire career that invites the public to see every stage of his creative journey, although the themes of different series of paintings may differ, the vibrant colours and the artist’s recognizable style give them a sense of cohesiveness.
Besim Tula (1949–2020) was one of the most prominent painters of contemporary Albanian art, known for his artistic boldness and commitment to social realities. Tula was born in Shkodër and trained as a painter at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Tirana. He became known for his use of bold colors and for addressing social and political themes in his works. His creativity is distinguished by an expressive style and a deep engagement with Albanian reality.
