Celebrating Ibrahim Kodra: Albania’s most celebrated international painter, born April 22, 1918
Ibrahim Kodra, Albania’s most internationally recognized painter, was born on April 22, 1918, in the small coastal village of Ishëm. His life and career took him far beyond Albania’s borders, culminating in a celebrated artistic journey that earned him global acclaim and friendships with icons of 20th-century art.
Why is this important: Kodra is widely credited with bringing Albanian art onto the international stage. Known for his post-cubist style, he developed a unique visual language influenced by his direct collaboration with Pablo Picasso and interactions with some of Europe’s greatest painters, poets, and thinkers.
Context: Kodra’s formal education began in Tirana, where he lived at the dormitory of the “Naim Frashëri” school. His artistic path took a decisive turn in 1938 when, at the age of 20, he left Albania for good after receiving a scholarship from the royal court to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.
He would later move to Milan and enroll at the prestigious Brera Academy, which became the launchpad of his international career. Kodra exhibited in major cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, Paris, Belgrade, and New York. Along the way, he formed artistic relationships with major figures such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Lucio Fontana, and Renato Guttuso.
A friendship with Picasso: In 1948, during the International Conference for Peace in Rome, Kodra met and befriended Pablo Picasso. Their connection would influence Kodra’s work deeply, especially his exploration of cubism. Spanish newspapers of the time went so far as to refer to Kodra as “Europe’s last post-cubist,” drawing a direct artistic lineage from Picasso to Kodra.
A vast legacy: Over his lifetime, Ibrahim Kodra created around 6,000 artworks, spanning paintings, drawings, and mixed media. While many are now housed in private collections and international museums, only about 2,000 of them are currently documented and registered.
Kodra passed away in Milan on February 7, 2006, but his influence on modern Albanian art remains significant.
Go deeper
Igli Tare emerges as top candidate for AC Milan sporting director post
Published on April 22, 2025
Why is this important: With the 2024–2025 season drawing to a close, AC Milan is under pressure to finalize its sporting structure and begin preparing for the summer transfer window. Tare, known for his sharp talent-scouting and success in building competitive squads at Lazio, is seen as the ideal figure to oversee Milan’s squad overhaul. The club is aiming to have a new sporting director in place by mid-May.
Albania mourns Pope Francis, recalls his historic 2014 visit and message of religious unity
Published on April 22, 2025
Why is this important: On September 21, 2014, Pope Francis made his first trip outside the Vatican to Albania. In his address, he praised Albania’s peaceful coexistence among its four main religious communities, calling it not merely religious harmony but “religious fraternity.”
Valiev and Abakarov honored after medal wins at 2025 European Wrestling Championships
Published on April 20, 2025
Why is this important: Valiev’s gold is Albania’s first European title in wrestling, adding to his Olympic bronze. Abakarov, a former world champion, returned to the podium, marking an important step in his comeback. Their achievements not only bring international recognition but also set a new standard for the next generation of Albanian wrestlers.