Edi Rama is the artist from the world of politics, who mixes colors with politics, writes among other things, author Helena Smith for “The Guardian”.

EXCERPT FROM THE GUARDIAN ARTICLE:

When Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama draws in his office, he makes full use of what he calls his artistic soul.

Drawing on A4 sheets of paper, on previously used sheets of paper, notes or protocol papers, not only comes naturally to a man who spent most of his early professional life teaching art, but also, as he says , this helps keep him focused while discussing matters of the state. 

It is a unique style of work, presented in Athens this week where his first exhibition in Greece, entitled “Improvisations”, was opened at Zappeion Megaro by the Greek Foreign Minister and where his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was also present.

“I feel a lot more like a painter, that’s for sure,” he said of his transition from a visual artist to a politician, showing images of his art-filled desk from his cellphone.

“I never imagined that I would work in an office and not in a studio, but art followed me as I continued to draw during my meetings,” he adds.

Rama, who painted the facades of dilapidated buildings in bright colors when he was mayor of Tirana, is likely to bring the same controversial and unconventional spirit to talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday. he will become the first Albanian leader to visit Downing Street.

“I will speak the language of truth”, says the 58-year-old leader to “The Guardian”.

“What we have seen and heard in Great Britain has been a shame, this separation of a community and the comparison of all Albanians as criminals is simply unacceptable”, he says.