By Roy Lie A Tjam.
A convivial atmosphere was the hallmark of the evening as H.E Ambassador Adia Sakiqi of the Republic of Albania welcomed guests to her country’s National Day reception on 26 November.
Albania declared Independence from the Ottoman Empire 103 years ago on 28 November 1912. The modern, democratic Albania was established some 15 years ago.
For Additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures of the Albanian reception and sculpture exhibition, please open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661785621441
The event served simultaneously as a reception and sculpture exhibition, and famed Albanian sculptor Arben Bajo came over specially for the exhibition. Ambassador Adia Sakiqi began her welcome remarks by observing that sculptures are among the best forms of art to reflect societal change.
She shared with guests a comment made by Arben Bajo earlier in the day: “When sculpture changes, societies change.” She added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Bajo, for coming from Albania and bringing this beautiful collection of sculptures. These are not one-directional epics sculptures, or glorifying ones. These are sculptures with an enduring human trait and human warmth. Thank you very much, Mr. Bajo, for coming here and giving us warmth.”
The Ambassador continued: “When I think of the glorifying sculptures and monuments of socialist realism, I remember in the main Avenue of Tirana, the rigid and huge monuments of Lenin and Stalin facing each-other.”
“After the fall of the system, those monuments were taken down. At that very place, now without Lenin, somebody wrote in huge pink letters: PINK Floyd. I will never forget how as teenagers, we would meet at this popular new meeting point. PINKU, we called it. Beautiful times – times of change.”
“Now that you have all become masters in attended national day receptions,” the Ambassador quipped, “I was told to deliver my speech earlier in order to release you in good time! Thank you all for being here, and enjoy the exhibition.”
For information: http://www.ambasadat.gov.al/netherlands/en
