Hibraim Kodra Biography
Ibrahim Shaban Likmetaj Kodra was born in 1918 in Ishem, a small village in central Albania. After completing his scientific studies, he attended the Odhise Paskali School of Art in Tirana. In 1938 he obtained a scholarship from the Queen of Albania, which allowed him to pursue his dream of studying at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. The teachings of Carrà, Carpi and Funi during his period at the academy were fundamental for his artistic training. In 1942 Kodra obtained another scholarship, as he was considered the best student at Brera. The following year he obtained his diploma and participated in a collective exhibition for young artists at the Permanente in Milan. Kodra opens his own studio in Milan and becomes part of the Oltre Guernica group, with which he exhibits in a famous collective show in via Brera. In 1947 he met Paul Eluard and the following year Pablo Picasso. Both were impressed by Kodra's artwork, with Eluard writing "Kodra is the primitive of a new society" and Picasso stating "Even your signature is a work of art." Kodra has continued to successfully exhibit his work around the world, from New York to Tokyo, from Palermo to Stuttgart. In 1953 he took part in an international exhibition at the University of Paris and in 1954 he exhibited in Chiavari with Picasso, Rouault, Dufy, Matisse and Modigliani. Kodra's works are influenced by the post-cubist movement of the early 1900s and are enriched by memories of his homeland, an oriental land rich in traditions and a cultural meeting point on the Mediterranean. His figures, influenced by Picasso's harlequins, are set in visionary environments full of light: luminous mosaics reminiscent of his experiences with Byzantine art. His works are preserved in museums and private collections, including the Vatican Museums. Kodra died on 7 February 2006 in Milan and was buried in Albania, according to his last wishes.
