The great master of Albanian painting, Sali Shijaku, passed away this morning at the age of 89. For several days, the painter was in a coma and the news of his escape was made known by his son, Orges Shijaku.

Sali Shijaku was one of the rare masters of painting. Known as an expressionist artist who challenged the rigid methods of socialist realism during the communist period, he was noted for his use of original colors and freedom in creation.

In 1979, he was honored with the title "People's Painter". From his graduation to the present day, he is one of the artists who has exhibited continuously, in national exhibitions both at home and abroad. Shijaku is one of the most famous visual arts artists in Albania. Dozens of generations of artists have been trained in his studio, who contribute today to the Albanian art scene. 

His first solo exhibition dates back to 1965. Shijaku has exhibited at the Biennial of Alexandria (Egypt), Romania, Italy, France, China, Turkey, Austria. In the fund of the National Art Gallery, 92 works of the artist in paintings, drawings, ceramics are stored.

Many of his works are part of the collections of collectors at home and abroad.

Source: Euronews