Iozoo Web Directory

The arts side of Albania 

The history of art in Albania is a story as rich in tradition as many of the stories you hear about in other countries. The artistic influence in Albania was inspired primarily by the Arabs until Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. 

After this declaration Albanian artwork went through a patriot period in which the rich history of the country was depicted. However during the communist take over, art was very much subject to strict censorship. Artists were more or less forced to create work that reflected the boom of Socialism. During the time of the 1950's the theme of the paintings took on a new life with the more popular landscape theme being used to depict life in Albania. Today the artist point of view centers mostly on the average Albanian struggling to make ends meat. But as time goes on the more the struggle gets easier and therefore the less there is to paint in this dark style. 

There is more to the culture side of Albania than just art; Albania has a rich musical history in which they are proud of. The primary type of popular music in Albania is folk. The history of folk music goes back to a time that many forgot. 

So the next time you are in Albania and you see an all male folk band you can know that America is not the first country that had boy bands, however in all seriousness take the time to stop and enjoy all that the country of Albania has to offer culture wise.