National Gallery of Kosovo

(Redirected from Kosova National Art Gallery)

The National Gallery of Kosovo (NGK; Albanian: Galeria Kombëtare e Kosovës), formerly known as the Kosova National Art Gallery (KNAG; Albanian: Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve e Kosovës), is an art gallery situated at The University of Pristina Campus that focuses on 20th-century art.[1]

National Gallery of Kosovo
National Gallery of Kosovo (NGK)
Map
Former name
Kosova National Art Gallery (KNAG)
EstablishedFebruary 1979 (1979-02)
LocationAgim Ramadani 60, 10000, Prishtina, Kosovo
Coordinates42°39′26″N 21°09′50″E / 42.6571°N 21.1640°E / 42.6571; 21.1640
TypeNational Gallery
Collection size896 artworks
DirectorArta Agani
OwnerMinistry of Culture, Youth and Sport
Public transit accessBus lines: 3A, 5, 7, 7A, 10
Bus Map Prishtina
Websitewww.galeriakombetare-rks.com
Location of KNAG in Pristina, Kosova
The Kosovo National Art Gallery logo

Previous exhibits have included the International Exhibition of Photography "Gjon Mili" and the "Muslim Mulliqi" International Contemporary Art Exhibition.

The Kosovo National Gallery has published books, catalogues, brochures and two monographs: "Kosova Contemporary Art" and "Kosova Feniks".[2]

History

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Early usage

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The Kosova National Art Gallery was built of stone bricks in approximately 1935 as a military barrack of the Yugoslavian Army. From 1955–1981 it operated as a library, and from 1982-1983, it was adapted into an exhibition hall by the architect Agush Beqiri, for the Revolutionary Museum of the time. It was officially adapted into what is now the Kosova National Art Gallery in 1995.

Foundation

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The Kosova National Art Gallery was established in 1979 as a cultural institution to present visual arts, and to preserve and collect valuable works of art. It is named after one of the most prominent Kosovar artists, Muslim Mulliqi. The Gallery was established as a necessity for the visual presentation of Kosovar culture, as the only art institutions before it were the Art High School in Pejë in 1949, the Higher Pedagogical School in Pristina, and the Academy of Arts (founded in 1973 and from which more than 1000 artists have graduated). Nearly 500 of them are currently active in the fields of painting, sculpture, graphic and applicative arts.

Kosovar art remained relatively unknown internationally due to political restrictions that limited opportunities for artists to exhibit in formal galleries. Despite these challenges, Kosovar artists persevered, often finding alternative means to showcase their work. Unfortunately, during the Kosovo War, many studios were burned down and many artworks were destroyed or lost.

Until 1990, Kosovar artists presented their art in many prestigious worldwide renowned centers. They were affirmed and evaluated highly because of their unique approach to the arts considering the circumstances in which they were created, making them distinguished and original.

In the decade following the war, the Kosovo Art Gallery organized more than 200 collective and individual exhibitions from national as well as international artists. Thousands of artists have exhibited their works, which were visited by hundreds of thousands of art lovers.

Architecture

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The Kosova National Art Gallery's facade was made from stone from the area of Pejë, which made it stand out. The building where the gallery is currently situated was once the seat of the museum of the 1941–1945 war.[3]

Muslim Mulliqi

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Muslim Mulliqi was one of the first and most important impressionist and expressionist painters of Kosovo and Albania. He was born into a family of artists in Gjakova in 1934. He attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, studying under the well-known Serbian artist Zora Petrović. He finished his postgraduate studies by the same professor in 1961.

Mulliqi was a professor at the Faculty of Arts in the University of Pristina. He acted as founder and vice-president of the Academy of Sciences of Kosovo. He died in Pristina in 1998.

Mulliqi exhibited his artwork in Kosovo, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Norway, Finland, India, Canada, and Egypt.[4]

His artwork has been used on stamps by the Kosova Postal Service.[5]

Cooperation

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As a result of cooperation between the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports of Pristina, which is charge of the Gallery, and international institutions, the Gallery has hosted numerous guests from Albania and other neighboring states. [6]

Many Serbian, Montenegrin, and Turkish artists also contributed to the development of Kosovar visual art. Vlada Radović, Milorad-Musa Miketić, Veljko Radović, and Svetozar Kamenović are notable for enabling other creative generations through their pedagogical work. Also noteworthy are the sculptor Svertomir Arsić-Basara, graphic artist Zoran Jovanović, painters Hilmija Qatoviq, Fevzi Tufekci, and Zoran Karalaić, who also worked in the Arts University in Pristina.[7]

The Kosova National Art Gallery has created cooperation between:

Competitions

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Artist of Tomorrow Award XI

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This program was initiated by Wendy W. Luers, founder and director of Foundation for a Civil Society in the United States. This competition is organised in many places of South East Europe, where the ceremonies of the Award traditionally continue. The award in Kosova was first organized in 2002 from the Kosova National Art Gallery in cooperation with the American Embassy.

The winner of the exhibition is rewarded by a six-week residency at the highly acclaimed International Curatorial Studios Program in New York. The residency gives the winner the opportunity to build a professional network that will mark a significant change in his career.

Originally held in 1991 in Czechoslovakia, this competition started attracting attention from many other countries in Europe. It started in Kosovo in 2002, and is now held in more than ten countries.

This is the only competition of its kind, and gives the winners the chance to create contacts and relations with people who might be of great help to their careers.[20]

Anyone under the age of 35 can apply. The winners are chosen by a panel of experts, and all finalists may exhibit their artwork at the KNAG.[21] The prize is a six-week stay in an international studio in New York City as well as a curatorial program, and has been so for eleven years.

Past winners include:

  • 2002 - Tahar Alemdar
  • 2003 - Jakup Ferri
  • 2005 - Kader Muzaqi
  • 2006 - Fitore Isufi-Koja
  • 2007 - Fatmir Mustafa-Carlo
  • 2008 - Bekim Gllogu
  • 2009 - Miranda Thaçi
  • 2010 - Loreta Ukshini
  • 2011 - Astrit Ismaili
  • 2012 - Majlinda Hoxha
  • 2013 - Artan Hajrullahu

[22]

Artan Hajrullahu was born in 1979 in Kosovo. He completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at the Faculty of Arts in Pristina, at the Department of Painting. His drawings are delicate and they create a poetic story where human relationships and house objects take an important role. Hajrullahu teaches painting at the Secondary School of Visual Arts in Gjilan.

Gjon Milli Prize Photography Exhibition

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This biannual exhibition was first held in 2001, as an initiative of the Kosova National Art Gallery and the US Office of the time. Its primary idea was to organize a traditional exhibition as a photography competition which would gather new photographers. Anyone is eligible to enter, with the prize being 1000 Euros. This initiative resulted with the yearly exhibition which has been held since, and has gained a reputation as the most important photography competition not only in Kosovo, but throughout the whole Albanian nation.

The winners so far has been:[23]

  • 2001: Burim Myftiu
  • 2004: Mumin Jashari
  • 2008: Linda Vukaj
  • 2010: Chehalis Hegner
  • 2011: Berat Murina
  • 2012: Jetmir Idrizi
  • 2013: Genc Kadriu

Burim Myftiu is Albanian American Visual Artist. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, and his work is held by major institutions internationally.

Muslim Mulliqi Prize Exhibition

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The Muslim Mulliqi Prize is the most significant exhibition for contemporary visual arts in Kosovo, held in honor of the pioneer of modern painting Muslim Mulliqi. This aims to be one of the most interesting contemporary art projects in Southern Europe.[24] It has been held since 2002, biannually, and experienced some pauses because of a lack of financial means.[25]

The aim KNAG has given to itself in the latest editions of the Muslim Mulliqi Prize is the provision of the current Albanian visual art.[26] The competition has expanded, including other exhibition spaces such as at the Gallery of the Ministry of Culture and the Amphitheater of the Architecture University.

Each year there are three members of different expertise in the jury, who decide the best work. The prize is 3000 Euros for the best artwork based on criteria assigned each year.[27]

  • 2003 winners: Jakup Ferri, Lulzim Zeqiri; curator: Nafja Zgonik; jury: Gjelosh Gjokaj, Nadja Zgonik, Gëzim Qëndro
  • 2004 winners: Dren Maliqi, Mario Rizzi; curator: Gëzim Qëndro; jury: Eqrem Basha, Joa Ljunberg, Anjali Sen
  • 2005 winners: Alban Hajdinaj, Hyesin Alptekin; curator: Mehmet Behluli; jury: Nikola Dietrich, Sergio Boynik, Gëzim Qëndro
  • 2006 winners: Nebih Muiqi, Ismet Jonuzi; curator: Mustafa Ferizi; jury: Suzana Varvarica Kuka, Agim Salihu, Basri çapriqi
  • 2007 winners: Lumturi Blloshmi, Bekim Gllogu; curator: Suzana Varvarica Chukka; jury: Nadja Zgonik, Gjelosh Gjokai, Ali Podrimja
  • 2008 winners: Jae Pas; curators: D.N.K./FILOART, Zeni Ballazhi; jury: the artists
  • 2009 winners: Antigona Selmani, Loreta Ukshini, Malsore Bejta; curators: Gazmend Ejupi, Michele Robecchi; jury: Albert Heta, Zake Prevlukaj
  • 2010 winners: curator: Fitore Isufi-Koja, Valbona Rexhepi
  • 2012 winners: Abedin Azizi; curator: Galit Eilat, Charles Esche
  • 2014 curator: Corinne Diserens
  • 2016 winner: Fani Zguro; curator: Artan Shabani
  • 2018 winners: Artan Hajrullahu and Valdrin Thaçi; curator: Iara Boubnova

Disciplines and artists

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Many great artists have merits in the development and affirmation of the visual art in Kosovo. With their exhibitions in many galleries around the world, such as Daut Berisha in Paris, the US, Mexico, Mikel Gjokaj in Rome, Brussels, Tirana, and Bahri Drançolli in Munchen, Germany, they have helped spread the knowledge of Kosovar art.[28]

Artists whose work has been exhibited at the museum include Masar Caka, Tahir Emra, Gjelosh Gjokaj, Ibrahim Kodra, Nimon Lokaj, Muslim Mulliqi, Visar Mulliqi, Ramadan Ramadani, Esat Valla, Sislej Xhafa, Haki Xhakli, Hysni Krasniqi, Musë Prelvukaj, Agim Çavdarbasha and Burim Myftiu.

Transport connections

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Service Station/stop Lines/routes served Distance
from National Gallery
Pristina Buses  [29] The University of Pristina Campus / Economy Faculty   3A[30] 6 minutes [31]
The University of Pristina Campus / Economy Faculty   5[32] 6 minutes [31]
The University of Pristina Campus / Economy Faculty   7[33] 6 minutes [31]
The University of Pristina Campus / Economy Faculty   7A[34] 6 minutes [31]
The University of Pristina Campus / Economy Faculty   10[35] 6 minutes [31]

Exhibitions

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Pre-Kosovo War period exhibitions

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Source:[36]

1979–1999 Name of exhibition Visitors
1979 The Kosova National Art Gallery Collection 19,286
1980 Jubilee Exhibition of Shyqri Nimani 12,197
1981 Personal Exhibition of Engjëll Berisha
1981 Personal Exhibition of Simon Shiroka
1981 Tito, the Word, the Thought and the Work 38,000
1981 Retrospective of Odhise Paskali 14,045
1982 The First Salon of Caricature 6,830
1983 The Young Kosovar Artists 9,450
1984 Personal Exhibition of Nebih Muriqi 12,510
1985 The Exhibition of the three Cartoonists N/A
1985 Serbian paintings in the Era of Realism 7,810
1986 The XIII Spring Salon of Kosova N/A
1987 Gjelosh Gjokaj N/A
1988 10 years of Architecture Study N/A
1989 The Book Salon N/A
1990 Bashkim Popoja N/A
1991 Esat Valla N/A
1992 The Kosova Contemporary Art N/A
1999 Kosovo Galgota N/A

Kosovo post-war period exhibitions

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Source:[36]

Year Month Name of exhibition
2000 Jan Solemn reopening of the Kosovo Art Gallery, 'Golgota Kosovare'
Feb Muslim Mulliqi Retrospective and Promotion of the Monograph
Mar XI Drawing Biennial Exhibition
Apr Co-exhibition between KFOR artists and Kosova artists
May Gjelosh Gjokaj Personal Exhibition
Jun Kulla Shqiptare 1979–1999
Jun Esat Valla Personal Exhibition
Jul The Gallery Collection
Aug The Symbol of Peace
Oct Richard Harden Personal Exhibition
Nov Rexhep Ferri Personal Exhibition
Nov 'Salloni i Nëntorit' Exhibition
Dec 'Travelling in Memory' Photography Exhibition
2001 Jan Adem Kastrati Personal Exhibition
Feb 'Youth in-between the Past and Future' Photography Exhibition
Feb Art Against Violence
Mar Nebih Muriqi Personal Exhibition
Apr Nostalgia
May An Exhibition Funded by the Gallery
May Engjëll Berisha Personal Exhibition
Jun Nysret Salihamixhiqit Personal Exhibition
Jul International Graphic Authors
Sept International Artistic Photography Exhibition
Oct Hamdi Bardhi Personal Exhibition
Oct Agim Çavdarbasha Retrospective Exhibition
Nov Kosovar Design Retrospective
2002 Jan Project NOW, German Artists Exhibition
Feb Cecil Beaton Personal Photography Exhibition
Mar Project US, Ten Young Kosovar Creators Exhibition
Mar Eshref Qahili Personal Exhibition
Mar "Kosova 1999" Markus Matzel and Sebastian Bolesch
Apr Philipe Bazini Photography Exhibition
Apr Qamil Grezda Personal Exhibition
May "The Portrait"
May International Ceramics Exhibitions from Tirana
Jun Masar Caka Personal Exhibition
Jul "Day of Pristina" Exhibition by SHAFK
Jul Bedri Emra Personal Exhibition
Aug Association of Visual and Applicative Artists of Peja
Sept Artistic Photography Exhibition "Gjon Mili" II
Oct Afrim Hajrullahu Personal Photography Exhibition
Oct Association of Visual Artists from Gjilan
Nov International Ceramics Exhibition from Croatia "Vase For Flowers"
Nov Mladen Popoviq Personal Exhibition
Nov I. Kodra, M. Mulliqi, Gj. Gjokaj, A. Çavdarbasha, R. Feri, T. Emra, Academic Exhibition
Dec 90 Years of Country, Culture, Art
2003 Jan "Artists of Tomorrow" Exhibition
Feb Artists Association from Prizren
Feb Violeta Xhaferri Personal Exhibition
Mar Asim Lokaj Personal Exhibition
Mar "YOU" Ten Young Artists Exhibition
Mar Japanese Painter Emiko Horimoto Personal Exhibition
Apr Tahir Emra Retrospective Exhibition
May American Painter Richard Harden Personal Exhibition
June Nagip Berisha Personal Exhibition
June Gjakova Visual Art
June The Vision of The Past and The Future
July Common Exhibition of Young Artists from Kosova and Albania
July International Graphics Exhibition
Sept Mother Teresa, Icon of Eternity
Sept Ibrahim Kodra Personal Exhibition
Oct Shyqri Nimani Retrospective Exhibition
Nov Rudi Goga Personal Exhibition
Dec "Artists of Tomorrow" Competition
Dec Kosovar Artists in Paris
2004 Feb International Ceramics Exhibition
Mar Arian Berisha Individual Exhibition
Mar Biennial International Drawing Exhibition
Apr Dhimitër Shuteriqi Personal Exhibition
Jun German Artists Exhibition
May Sculpture in Albania 1924–2004
Jul Omer Kaleshi Personal Exhibition
Jul 'Platforma, Reforma, Deforma' Exhibition
Aug Kosovar Modern Art, Mumbai
Aug Exhibition in Kobe, Japan
Sept Micheal McClellan Artistic Photography Exhibition
Sept Ferid Hudhri "Albania Throughout Art" Monography Promotion
Oct Kosovar Design Week
Oct Simon Shiroka (1927–1994) Personal Exhibition
Nov Helsinki Architect Alvar Aalto Personal Exhibition
Dec XXXI November Salon
Dec Muslim Mulliqi Prize
2004 N/A Simon Shiroka (1927–1994) Retrospective Exhibition
2005 N/A International Exhibitions from Hanover, Germany
2006 N/A Afrim Spahiu's Exhibition of "The Photographs"
2007 N/A Symbols of Kosova
2008 N/A 10th Anniversary of the death of the Artist Muslim Mulliqi
2009 N/A Retrospective Exhibition of Fatmir Krypa
2011 April Burim Myftiu "Utopia in Chaos" - Retrospective Photography Exhibition
2012 May Muslim Mulliqi Competition
2013 N/A Agon Mulliqi The Symphony of forms
2014 Feb Marubi

Collection highlights

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Facts about Pristina galleries

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Personal Exhibitions: National Museum in Tirana (2006), Free Journey curated by Ismet Jonuzi, the National Gallery of Kosova (2010).
Group Exhibitions: Contemporary Art Exhibition at the National Museum in Tirana (2007), International Biennale of Drawing, Pristina (2010), Contemporary Art Center, Gjilan (2012).

Years No. of galleries [note 1] No. of exhibitions Exhibited pictures Exhibited sculptures Exhibited applied arts Exhibited artistic photographs Fund works of art owned by the gallery No. of graphics No. of drawings No. of sculptures Visitors Workers Female workers
2012 2 30 - - - - - - - - 9,894 16 3
2011 2 39 16 2 3 7 897 361 42 71 8,289 12 3
2010 2 33 10 1 3 7 887 360 42 71 43,000 12 3
2009 2 19 16 2 1 3 794 382 286 53 43,000 18 5
2008 2 42 16 2 1 7 795 382 287 125 49,900 18 5
2007 2 42 16 2 1 7 795 382 287 125 49,900 18 5
2006 2 41 18 2 12 9 730 345 186 199 54,378 15 4
2005 2 22 12 10 - - 670 275 342 53 71,560 15 4
2004 2 22 12 10 - - 670 275 342 53 61,384 15 4

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The Kosova National Art Gallery and the Ministry of Culture Gallery

References

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  1. ^ Marshall, Alex (27 October 2022). "The Art World Came to Kosovo. What Happens When It Leaves?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Galeria e Arteve e Kosovës - AKADEMIA EVOLUCION - Bachelor & Master". akademiaevolucion.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  3. ^ "Southeast Europe: People and Culture: Kosovo Art Gallery". southeast-europe.eu. Archived from the original on 11 November 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Muslim Mulliqi - In Memoriam - Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve e Kosovos (ASHAK)". ashak.org. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  5. ^ "Pikturat e Muslim Mulliqit në pulla postare - KultPlus.com". kultplus.com. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  6. ^ "Ballina - Ministria e Kulturës, Rinisë dhe Sportit". mkrs-ks.org. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  7. ^ Kosova Monography pg.569-572 Academy of Science and Arts of Kosova
  8. ^ "Dy ekspozita, në kuadër të bashkëpunimit kombëtar në artin pamor - KultPlus.com". kultplus.com. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  9. ^ "Takimi i parë mes institucioneve të kulturës dhe artit të Republikës së Shqipërisë dhe Republikës së Kosovës". kultura.gov.al. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  10. ^ "European Cultural Parliament – ECP - Europe needs a soul". kulturparlament.com. Archived from the original on 5 January 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  11. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  12. ^ "CIMAM - International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art- International Committee - ICOM". icom.museum. Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  13. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  14. ^ "Biennale de Venise 2013 - Arsenale - Image 9 sur 16 - 20minutes.fr". 20minutes.fr. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  15. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  16. ^ "- Article detail OnWeb - Flash Art". flashartonline.com. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  17. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  18. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  19. ^ "Kosovan Pavillion at the Venice Architecture Biennale/Preview on Vimeo". vimeo.com. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  20. ^ "Zeri.info - Katër finalistë për "Artistët e së Nesërmes"". zeri.info. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  21. ^ "Konkurs për "Artistët e së Nesërmes" - Arte - Gazeta Jeta në Kosovë". Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  22. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  23. ^ "GAK, sot çelet ekspozita "Gjon Mili" - GRID.AL". grid.al. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  24. ^ "It doesn't always have to be beautiful, unless it's beautiful. - Art Agenda". art-agenda.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  25. ^ "Koha NET - Arkivi". koha.net. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  26. ^ "Tetëdhjetë vepra garojnë për 'Çmimin Muslim Mulliqi'". zhurnal.mk. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  27. ^ "PERfACT: Open Invitation - Konkursi Muslim Mulliqi - GAK". perfact.org. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  28. ^ "Kosova Monography", Academy of Science and Arts of Kosova, pp.572–575.
  29. ^ "Prishtina Buses - Find the bus line you want !". prishtinabuses.info. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  30. ^ "Bus line - No. 3A - Prishtina Buses". prishtinabuses.info. Archived from the original on 17 January 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  31. ^ a b c d e "University of Prishtina - Economy Faculty to Arts Gallery - Google Maps". Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  32. ^ "Bus line - No. 5 - Prishtina Buses". prishtinabuses.info. Archived from the original on 22 January 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  33. ^ "Bus line - No. 7 - Prishtina Buses". prishtinabuses.info. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  34. ^ "Bus line - No. 7A - Prishtina Buses". prishtinabuses.info. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  35. ^ "Bus line - No. 10 - Prishtina Buses". prishtinabuses.info. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  36. ^ a b Kosova Feniks, Presentation of 300 Selected Visual Art Works Exhibited at the Kosova Art Gallery [Luan & KADARE, Ismail MULLIQI]

Bibliography

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  • The Kosova National Art Gallery (2009), 30th anniversary of The Kosova National Art Gallery, Prishtina: The Kosova National Art Gallery
  • The Kosova National Art Gallery (2010), Collection, Prishtina: The Kosova National Art Gallery
  • The Kosova National Art Gallery (2010), Life and deed of Mother Teresa, Prishtina: The Kosova National Art Gallery
  • The Kosova National Art Gallery (2010), Victor Vasarely, Prishtina: The Kosova National Art Gallery
  • The Kosova National Art Gallery (2011), Artists of Tomorrow, Prishtina: The Kosova National Art Gallery
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