One of the most prominent figures in contemporary Italian painting, artist Enzo Cucchi, is presenting his first-ever exhibition for the Albanian public.

Titled “The Suns of All Lands”, the exhibition portrays an Italy dreaming of the future while remaining rooted in its myths. It draws a parallel between two historical and cultural realities: Italy of the 1980s and present-day Albania.

“I soli di tutti le terre” acts as a symbolic bridge between two territories. It represents the suns of both lands—one belonging to Cucchi’s homeland, depicted throughout his works, and the other, the Albanian sun. These are two suns, two shores of the Adriatic, facing the same sea—which he calls the sea of intimacy. Two different lands engaged in a visual dialogue through this exhibition,” said curator Ludovico Pratesi.

Cucchi’s art arrives in Albania bringing with it the sun, earth, fields, and hills of his birthplace, sharing the Mediterranean suns that warm the land and connect both sides of the Adriatic.

“Why did we choose to bring Enzo Cucchi to Tirana? For several reasons. One is the idea of initiating a dialogue between the Albanian public and major figures of Italian art. This exhibition could easily have taken place in New York or London. It reflects our desire to promote recognition, to facilitate encounters with renowned artists. It’s a desire to draw closer together. Enzo Cucchi comes with his ability to explore symbolism and to construct new mythologies. He is truly international,” said Alessandro Ruggera, Director of the Italian Institute of Culture.

Cucchi has exhibited in some of the most prestigious venues in Italy and abroad, including the Venice Biennale. The exhibition opened as part of the Italian Culture Week and will remain open until July 5.