Petrit Halilaj (b. 1986, Kostërrc, Kosovo) lives and works between Germany, Kosovo, and Italy. His work explores personal and collective histories, creating spaces for freedom, intimacy, and identity. Deeply connected to the recent history of Kosovo, Halilaj often uses the region’s cultural and political tensions to initiate counter-narratives for the future. His projects encompass sculpture, drawing, painting, text, and performance, frequently incorporating materials from Kosovo in large-scale installations. Halilaj’s practice resists oppressive politics and celebrates connection and freedom. He represented Kosovo at the 55th Venice Biennale (2013) and had a solo exhibition at Tate St Ives (2021). Other exhibitions include the New Museum, Fondazione Merz, Hammer Museum, and Kunsthalle Sankt Gallen. Halilaj’s work has received awards including the Kunstpreis Berlin (2023) and the Mario Merz Prize (2017). He teaches at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

© Petrit Halilaj
Courtesy of the artist and Mennour, Paris