Discover the biography
AGIM ZAJMI
Stage designer, Painter, Professor
Born in Tirana on November 28, 1936.
The most valued Scenographer of the Albanian Theater (with over 300 scenographies). Distinguished Albanian painter (with about 800 artworks). Professor at the Albanian Academy of Belle Arts for 40 years. President of the “Nationwide Figurative Artists’ Association. Recognitions and Awards: “People’s Artist”, “Merited Artist”, “Professor”(alb.), etc.
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.
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 am optimistic on the future” – interview with Agim Zajmi, Art and Culture Newspaper, 2000, Nr. 33, December 13, P.5
> “I feel comfortable among the youth” – Interview with Agim Zajmi (Scenographer and painter), Gazeta 55 Newspaper, Nr. 279, November 29, 2000, P.20
> “We must be conductors of the epochs” – Interview with Agim Zajmi, Tema Newspaper, Nr. 252, April 22-23, 2001 P. 16-17
> “The life and professional values of the father of many Albanian scenographies”, article on Agim Zajmi by Professor Kudret Velça and Kristaq Dhamo, Gazeta Shqiptare Newspaper, Nr. 1969, September 5, 2001, P.12-13.
>“The Scenographer in Love with the Stage: Contemporary Trends in Albanian Theatre Scenography, the Long Journey of the Artist with Directors” / Agim Zajmi; Interview by Violeta Murati, Shekulli Newspaper, Nr. 213, 4 august 2001, p.21
> “Scenography that does not smell of art” (TV scenography). Interview with Agim Zajmi by Admirina Peçi, Shekulli Newspapers, Nr. 280, October 10, 2001, P.19.
> “Agim Zajmi the poet of scenography: The Albanian scenography has a name. He is renowned for its fineness and quality”. Shekulli Newspaper, Nr. 272, October 2, 2001, P.19.
> “We gave our love to the theater : Interview with the National Theater’s Scenographer, People’s Painter A. Zajmi”, Tema Magazine, Nr. 425, November 9, 2001, P.13.
> “Zajmi, the scenographer who embroiders the stage : on Agim Zajmi’s 65th Birthday”, Gazeta 55 Newspaper, Nr. 304, November 27, 2001, P. 18.
>”Agim Zajmi / The Most Acclaimed Scenographer in Albanian Theatre“, Newspaper Gazeta Express, 10 february 2023
> “Agim Zajmi, 50 creations, gift for Berat. And on the scenography of the Comedy “I need a husband” – Interview with the scenographer Agim Zajmi”, Shekulli Newspaper, Nr. 338, December 8, 2001, P. 21 by Admirina Peçi.
> “The exhibition, with the artist’s eye. Painter Agim Zajmi expresses his opinions on the Ceramics International Exhibition”, Dita Newspaper, Nr. 381, March 14, 2002, P.14, by Admirim Domi.
> “Thoughts on the Monographic Book “Agim Zajmi – the poet of Stage” by Kudret Velça, Illyria Newspaper, V.12, Nr. 1114, February 15-18, 2002, P. 34.
> “I am pleased with my life’s account”- on the 67th birthday anniversary of Scenographer Agim Zajmi, Dita Newspaper, Nr. 962, November 29, 2003, P.19.
> “Art is the ocean where anyone can swim : Painter Agim Zajmi narrates”, Koha Jone Newspaper, Nr. 358, December 29, 2003, P.21, by Baxhul Merkaj.
> “Art is an ocean where anyone can swim” – interview with Agim Zajmi, Dita Newspaper, Nr.1254, September 20, 2004, P.19 by Bexhul Merkaj and Albert Z. Zholi.
> “Zajmi, the man who gave breath to the stage : Agim Zajmi – Scenographer”, Dita Newspaper, Nr.1254, September 20, 2004, P.18 by Bexhul Merkaj and Albert Z. Zholi.
> “I believe in the younger generation” – interview with Agim Zajmi, Gazeta 55 Newspaper, Nr. 8, January 14, 2005, P.16.
> “A poor artwork is very tiring” – interview with the Scenographer Agim Zajmi, Dita Newspaper, Nr. 1351, January 7, 2005, P.19, by Anila Çuli.
> “Art teaches people how to view reality” – interview with the Scenographer and Painter Agim Zajmi, Sot Newspaper, April 30, 2006, P.18-19, by Genta Kondi.
>”The Master Who Beautified the Theatre: [Agim Zajmi] / Flori Slatina“, Newspaper 55, Nr 301, 4 november 2013, p.19
>”Artists Do Not Possess Physical Strength, but the Strength of the Soul“: A Conversation with the National Theatre’s Scenographer, People’s Painter, Agim Zajmi / Baxhul Merkaj, Rilindja Newspaper: Independent Daily News Publication, No. 1159, April 10, 1997, p. 8
>”The Raising of the Flag in Deçiq, in 1911. ” A Reflective and Evaluative Essay on the Painting by Artist Agim Zajmi , by Xhevahir Shtupa, 55 Newspaper, No. 6413, April 6, 2016, p. 15
>”Agim Zajmi, the Scenographic Poet“, https://www.dashart.al/, 20 july 2024
> Stamps of Agim Zajmi, Albanian post, 1993
> > “I am optimistic on the future” – interview with Agim Zajmi, Art and Culture Newspaper, 2000, Nr. 33, December 13, P.5
> “I feel comfortable among the youth” – Interview with Agim Zajmi (Scenographer and painter), Gazeta 55 Newspaper, Nr. 279, November 29, 2000, P.20
> “We must be conductors of the epochs” – Interview with Agim Zajmi, Tema Newspaper, Nr. 252, April 22-23, 2001 P. 16-17
> “The life and professional values of the father of many Albanian scenographies”, article on Agim Zajmi by Professor Kudret Velça and Kristaq Dhamo, Gazeta Shqiptare Newspaper, Nr. 1969, September 5, 2001, P.12-13.
>“The Scenographer in Love with the Stage: Contemporary Trends in Albanian Theatre Scenography, the Long Journey of the Artist with Directors” / Agim Zajmi; Interview by Violeta Murati, Shekulli Newspaper, Nr. 213, 4 august 2001, p.21
> “Scenography that does not smell of art” (TV scenography). Interview with Agim Zajmi by Admirina Peçi, Shekulli Newspapers, Nr. 280, October 10, 2001, P.19.
> “Agim Zajmi the poet of scenography: The Albanian scenography has a name. He is renowned for its fineness and quality”. Shekulli Newspaper, Nr. 272, October 2, 2001, P.19.
> “We gave our love to the theater : Interview with the National Theater’s Scenographer, People’s Painter A. Zajmi”, Tema Magazine, Nr. 425, November 9, 2001, P.13.
> “Zajmi, the scenographer who embroiders the stage : on Agim Zajmi’s 65th Birthday”, Gazeta 55 Newspaper, Nr. 304, November 27, 2001, P. 18.
>”Agim Zajmi / The Most Acclaimed Scenographer in Albanian Theatre“, Newspaper Gazeta Express, 10 february 2023
> “Agim Zajmi, 50 creations, gift for Berat. And on the scenography of the Comedy “I need a husband” – Interview with the scenographer Agim Zajmi”, Shekulli Newspaper, Nr. 338, December 8, 2001, P. 21 by Admirina Peçi.
> “The exhibition, with the artist’s eye. Painter Agim Zajmi expresses his opinions on the Ceramics International Exhibition”, Dita Newspaper, Nr. 381, March 14, 2002, P.14, by Admirim Domi.
> “Thoughts on the Monographic Book “Agim Zajmi – the poet of Stage” by Kudret Velça, Illyria Newspaper, V.12, Nr. 1114, February 15-18, 2002, P. 34.
> “I am pleased with my life’s account”- on the 67th birthday anniversary of Scenographer Agim Zajmi, Dita Newspaper, Nr. 962, November 29, 2003, P.19.
> “Art is the ocean where anyone can swim : Painter Agim Zajmi narrates”, Koha Jone Newspaper, Nr. 358, December 29, 2003, P.21, by Baxhul Merkaj.
> “Art is an ocean where anyone can swim” – interview with Agim Zajmi, Dita Newspaper, Nr.1254, September 20, 2004, P.19 by Bexhul Merkaj and Albert Z. Zholi.
> “Zajmi, the man who gave breath to the stage : Agim Zajmi – Scenographer”, Dita Newspaper, Nr.1254, September 20, 2004, P.18 by Bexhul Merkaj and Albert Z. Zholi.
> “I believe in the younger generation” – interview with Agim Zajmi, Gazeta 55 Newspaper, Nr. 8, January 14, 2005, P.16.
> “A poor artwork is very tiring” – interview with the Scenographer Agim Zajmi, Dita Newspaper, Nr. 1351, January 7, 2005, P.19, by Anila Çuli.
> “Art teaches people how to view reality” – interview with the Scenographer and Painter Agim Zajmi, Sot Newspaper, April 30, 2006, P.18-19, by Genta Kondi.
>”The Master Who Beautified the Theatre: [Agim Zajmi] / Flori Slatina“, Newspaper 55, Nr 301, 4 november 2013, p.19
>”Artists Do Not Possess Physical Strength, but the Strength of the Soul“: A Conversation with the National Theatre’s Scenographer, People’s Painter, Agim Zajmi / Baxhul Merkaj, Rilindja Newspaper: Independent Daily News Publication, No. 1159, April 10, 1997, p. 8
>”The Raising of the Flag in Deçiq, in 1911. ” A Reflective and Evaluative Essay on the Painting by Artist Agim Zajmi , by Xhevahir Shtupa, 55 Newspaper, No. 6413, April 6, 2016, p. 15
> “Reflective essay on a painting” about the “The Raising of the Flag in Deçiq in 1911”, by Xhevahir Shtupa, online newspaper “Zemrashqiptare”, 21 april 2016
>”Agim Zajmi, the Scenographic Poet“, https://www.dashart.al/, 20 july 2024
> Stamps of Agim Zajmi, Albanian post, 1993
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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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