August 7, 2023 | Monday
The halls of Europe House Kosovo in Pristina took on an artistic transformation for the summer with an exhibition featuring the works of the Pink-I collective. Ari Zharku, Flaka Kokolli, and Fatlum Neziri, the trio of animators who formed the collective, had collaborated on various projects over the span of two years.
Their primary focus was on 2D traditional animation, but they never shied away from experimenting with different styles based on the unique demands of each project. However, more than anything, they aimed to challenge the perception that animation was merely associated with children’s movies. “Not because films for children are not serious, but if it is seen only as a medium for that movie genre, then it limits it very much. We tried to discuss serious themes and influence the idea that animation is not limited to specific topics,” said Kokolli.
When selecting topics for their short movies, one approach involved delving into their own personal stories and building a movie around them. Kokolli’s movie “Shpija” (Home) was a prime example of such a project.
Another approach was when someone reached out to them with a script or a mere idea, and if they saw potential in the project, they gladly joined the team. For instance, over the past year, another member of the collective, Fatlum Neziri, had been working on such a project—a comic book. They also collaborated with certain organizations on social and political topics.
The exhibition at Europe House showcased the culmination of their work over the last two years, providing a glimpse into the background of their projects. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of animation as they explored the diverse array of storyboards, character designs, concept art, and other elements that had contributed to the collective’s remarkable creations.
Yet, this exhibition held a significance beyond a mere display of their work; it symbolized a joyous celebration of the trio’s collaborative efforts and marked the inception of new and independent journeys in their careers. Each animator embarked on their distinct path, carrying with them the wealth of newfound experiences and a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation. The exhibition will be open at Europe House in Pristina until August 11th, while from August 24th to October 6th, a new exhibition will take place featuring the work of Luiza Thaqi.