Discover the biography
AGIM ZAJMI
Painter, scenographer and professor
Born in Tirana on November 28, 1936.
The most prominent scenographer of Albanian theatre (over 300 stage designs). A distinguished Albanian painter (approximately 800 artworks). Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Albania for 40 years. President of the Nationwide Association of Figurative Artists.
Honours and Awards: People’s Artist, Merited Artist, Professor, among others.
STUDIES AND TEACHING CAREER
Agim Zajmi completed his studies in Painting, Scenography-Costumography at The Imperial Arts Academy of Saint Petersburg and graduated in 1961. In the same year he commenced working as a Scenographer at the Opera and Ballet Theater of Tirana and later on worked mainly at the Tirana National Theater. He also worked frequently with the National Theaters of Prishtina in Kosova, of Shkup in Macedonia and of Montenegro.
He was a Professor and Dean of The Albanian Academy of Belle Arts in Tirana. In 1978, upon request of the Albanian Arts Academy, he founded the Scenography studies program and Chair at The Albanian Academy of Belle Arts in Tirana, where hundreds of future scenographers would study and graduate. He taught there for the next 40 years.
ARTWORK
His artistic artworks have been exhibited in many countries such as France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Greece, Egypt etc. His paintings are part of Albanian National Art Gallery Collection and collections of art galleries in other countries as well.
Some of his artworks was exhibited at the Foreign Delegations Reception Room and at the Building of the Prime Ministry of Albania.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
He is the winner of many national awards in painting and scenography.
For his artistic excellence and merit, he has been awarded:
> Winner of KULT Award 2008 – Best Scenographer of the Year
> First Prize Award in Painting for “Kosova Field” artwork – 1989
> First Prize Award in Scenography for the “General of the Dead Army” theatrical scenography, Kragujevac Festival – Prishtina 1976
> First Prize Award in Scenography for the Eugène Ionesco “Rhinoceros” theatrical scenography, Rajsburg Biennale – Poland 1996
> “Naim Frashëri” Medal Award – 1968
> Second Prize Award in Painting for “Vasil Laçi” Portrait artwork – 1972
> Second Prize Award in Painting for “Ganimet Tërbesha” Portrait artwork – 1981
> Second Prize Award in Painting for “Dedë Gjo Luli” Composition artwork – 1984
> “Aleksandër Moisiu” Award – 1987
> “Artist Emeritus of the Republic of Albania” – Awarded in 1975
> “People’s Artist of the Republic of Albania” – Awarded in 1991
> In 1995 he is awarded the Title “Professor” with the motivation for services rendered to the people of Albania by teaching and enriching the Albanian social life with young painters and scenographers.
> Forty of his paintings and scenographies are part of National Fund of the Albanian National Art Gallery.
“Profil Agim Zajmi” (RTV Vision Plus, 2000)
Excerpt from the RTV Vision Plus television program “Profil Agim Zajmi”, broadcast in 2000.
Television archive dedicated to artistic activities, creative research, scenographic productions at the National Theatre of Albania and the National Opera and Ballet of Albania, teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts, and the process of creating artworks.
ARTISTIC-SCIENTIFIC CREATIVITY
He was also the President of the Nationwide Figurative Artists’ Association, headquartered in Tirana, Albania. The association collaborates with Albanian artists from all ethnic Albanian territories (Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Greece) as well as with the Albanian diaspora. He is the writer and editor of the chapter “Issues of Scenography and Its Components,” which is included in the book “Theoretical Basis of the Figurative Arts.” This textbook is for students at the Tirana Academy of Fine Arts. He has lectured on many artistic and scientific theses, such as “The Development of Albanian Art” at the University of Algiers and “The Artwork of the Albanian Painter Vangjush Mio” in Ankara, Turkey.
NATIONAL RECOGNITIONS
The impact and repercussion of Agim Zajmi’s artwork and artistic activity has been reflected in various books, interviews and documentary films broadcasted both in the National and private TV Channels.
> “A voice in the microphone”, Radio Tirana, Guest Agim Zajmi, 30 minutes -1995
> “Blue – with Agim Zajmi”, Klan TV, 120 minutes – 2004
> “The Theater is My Home” by Arben Minga, Albanian Radio Television, 1 hour – 2005
> “Profile – Agim Zajmi”, Vizion+ TV, 30 minutes – November 2000
> “Exclusive Meeting”, ALSAT TV, 1 hour – January 2008
> “Red Fish’s Escape” with Agim Zajmi, NEWS24 TV, 30 minutes – 2009
> “Agim Zajmi, the poet of the scenography”, Monographic book by Kudret Velça. Interv. Admirina Peçi, 23 april 2003, N. 252
TV SHOWS
Shows and Interviews where Agim Zajmi shares his vision as an artist, stage designer, and professor. His appearances on channels such as Alsat, Vision Plus, and RTV Klan reflect his status as a key figure in Albanian art and culture.
> RTV KLAN, “Blue – Agim Zajmi: Pleasure when your works are exhibited around the world (January 23, 2005)“
> ALSAT Television, “Agim Zajmi, Exclusive Interview, Alsat, 2008“
> Vision Plus – “Profile: Agim Zajmi – Artist, Stage Designer, Professor, and One of Albania’s Most Prominent Artistic Figures“.
> RTV Klan, “Faculty of Scenic Arts (December 11, 1999)“, Petrit Malaj
> Arkivi Logoreci, “Agim Zajmi – About the Artist Marie Logoreci“, logoreci.com, 2005
ARTICLES ON AGIM ZAJMI
“I Feel Comfortable Among Young People”
Agim Zajmi
Source: Pesëdhjetë e pesë, November 28, 2000, No. 279, p. 20
Reflection on the relationship with the younger generation and the importance of artistic education. The article explores the role of the artist in shaping cultural awareness.
“I Am Optimistic About the Future”
Agim Zajmi
Source: Art, kulturë, December 13, 2000, No. 33, p. 5
Interview on the vision for the future of Albanian art and scenography. It discusses challenges and developments in artistic culture.
“We Must Convey the Spirit of Our Times”
Admirina Peçi
Source: Tema, April 22–23, 2001, No. 252, pp. 16–17
Interview on the role of the artist as a witness of time and history. The article emphasizes the importance of art in reflecting social reality.
“The Poet of the Stage”
(author unspecified)
Source: Shekulli, October 2, 2001, No. 272, p. 19
Article dedicated to the artist’s contribution to Albanian scenography. It highlights his distinctive artistic style and identity.
“A Scenographer Without the Smell of Art”
Admirina Peçi
Source: Shekulli, October 10, 2001, No. 280, p. 19
Critical analysis of aesthetics and authenticity in television scenography. The article examines the relationship between art and modern media.
“We Gave Our Love to the Theatre”
Agim Zajmi
Source: Tema, November 9, 2001, No. 425, p. 13
Interview on dedication to theatre and stage art. It emphasizes the importance of passion in artistic creation.
“The Scenographer Who Embroiders the Stage”
(author unspecified)
Source: Pesëdhjetë e pesë, November 27, 2001, No. 304, p. 18
Artistic portrait highlighting finesse and detail in scenography. The article underlines his unique aesthetic sensitivity.
“50 Works, a Gift to Berat”
Admirina Peçi
Source: Shekulli, December 8, 2001, No. 338, p. 21
Interview about artistic production and exhibitions. It highlights the artist’s connection to the city of Berat.
“The Poet of the Stage”
Kristaq Dhamo
Source: Illyria, February 15–18, 2002, No. 1114, p. 34
Critical appreciation of the artist’s figure and contribution to stage art. The article analyzes his impact on Albanian theatre.
“The Exhibition Through an Artist’s Eye”
Admirim Domi
Source: Dita, March 14, 2002, No. 381, p. 14
Reflection on international exhibitions and contemporary art. The article offers a critical artistic perspective.
“I Am Satisfied with the Balance of My Life”
B.G.
Source: Dita, November 29, 2003, No. 962, p. 19
Reflection on life and artistic career. The article summarizes experience and achievements over the years.
“Art Is an Ocean Where Everyone Can Swim”
Baxhul Merkaj
Source: Koha Jonë, December 29, 2003, No. 358, p. 21
Interview on the philosophy of art and its universal accessibility. It emphasizes an inclusive approach to artistic creation.
“The Man Who Gave Life to the Stage”
Baxhul Merkaj & Albert A. Zholi
Source: Dita, September 20, 2004, No. 1254, p. 18
Article on contributions to the development of Albanian scenography. It highlights his influence on national theatre.
“Art Is an Ocean Where Everyone Can Swim”
Baxhul Merkaj & Albert A. Zholi
Source: Dita, September 20, 2004, No. 1254, p. 19
Interview on artistic philosophy and creative experience. It explores the universal dimension of art.
“A Weak Work Exhausts You”
Anila Çuli
Source: Dita, January 7, 2005, No. 1351, p. 19
Interview on artistic quality and professional standards. It stresses the importance of excellence in art.
“I Believe in the Younger Generation”
Dorina Azo
Source: Pesëdhjetë e pesë, January 14, 2005, No. 8, p. 16
Interview about the role of youth in Albanian art. It discusses the future of culture and artistic education.
“Art Teaches People How to See Reality”
Genta Kondi
Source: Sot, April 30, 2006, pp. 18–19
Interview on artistic perception and the impact of art on society. It highlights the educational role of art.
“Works Are Sold Only for Joys and Sorrows”
Anisa Ymeri
Source: Korrieri, October 14, 2006, No. 283, p. 22
Article on the emotional value of artworks. It explores the relationship between art and everyday life.
“The Painter of the National Cosmos”
Milena Selimi
Source: Kult (Çelësi), December 6, 2006, No. 168, pp. 14–17
Interview on artistic identity and painting style. It highlights the national dimension of his work.
“Kosovo, the Constant Motif of My Paintings”
Eralda Kenaj
Source: Pesëdhjetë e pesë, February 1, 2008, No. 28, p. 15
Interview on themes and motifs in painting. It emphasizes the presence of Kosovo in his artistic work.
“View from the Bridge” – a dignified artistic production at the National Theatre
Mexhit Prençi
Source: Pesëdhjetë e pesë, January 5, 2008, No. 1, pp. 14–15
Critical article on a stage production at the National Theatre. It analyzes the artistic quality and its contribution to the Albanian theatrical scene.
“Garments of Memory”
Yllka Lezo
Source: Shekulli, April 17, 2009, No. 2609, pp. 18–19
Article on scenography and memory in theatre. It addresses the preservation of artistic heritage.
“The Master Who Beautified the Theatre”
Flori Slatina
Source: Pesëdhjetë e pesë, November 4, 2013, No. 301, p. 19
Article on contributions to scenography and theatre. It highlights his role as a master of the stage.
“The Raising of the Flag in Deçiç in 1911”
Xhevahir Shtupa
Source: 55, April 6, 2016, No. 6413, p. 15
Analysis of a historical-themed painting. The article explores the national dimension of art.
“Agim Zajmi / The Most Renowned Scenographer in Albanian Theatre”
(author unspecified)
Source: Gazeta Express, February 10, 2023
Article highlighting his contribution to Albanian theatre and scenography. It presents him as a key artistic figure.
“Agim Zajmi, the Poet of Scenography”
(author unspecified)
Source: DashArt, July 20, 2024
Article dedicated to his artistic identity and creative style. It emphasizes the poetic dimension of his work.
“Postage Stamps of Agim Zajmi”
Albanian Post
Source: Philatelic collection, 1993
Presentation of postage stamps dedicated to the artist. It highlights his cultural and national significance.
About Us
Explore the Rich Legacy of an Acclaimed Painter and Designer
At Art Gallery, we celebrate an illustrious career featuring remarkable stage designs and paintings. Our curated collection reflects excellence that has profoundly impacted the Albanian art community.
Art Gallery showcases the creative brilliance of a renowned Albanian painter and stage designer. This celebrated artist’s works, including striking paintings and innovative stage designs, have earned accolades, being featured in the National Art Gallery and contributing to the cultural tapestry of Albania.
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