Zef Kolombi

Zef Kolombi was an Albanian painter and writer, who was born in Sarajevo in 1907. He lost his parents at the age of nine, and was supported by the patriot Bajram Curri for his education. He studied in Shkodra, Tirana, and Elbasan, and then received a scholarship to study fine arts in Italy. He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence in 1932, and returned to Albania to teach at the Harry Fultz Institute. In 1933, he co-founded the Drawing Artistic School, the first fine arts school in Tirana, along with other prominent artists. He participated in the anti-fascist resistance during World War II, and exhibited his works nationally and internationally. He taught at the Jordan Misja Artistic Lyceum from 1947 to 1966, and inspired many young Albanian painters. His artistic style was influenced by impressionism and expressionism, and he used bright colors and symbolic elements. He painted various themes, such as portraits, landscapes, historical events, and folk motifs. He also illustrated the first Albanian language primer, published in 1945. He wrote several books, such as The History of Albanian Painting, The Art of the Renaissance, and The Art of the Baroque. He died in 1949, and was honored as the People's Painter of Albania. He left behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and courage in the Albanian art.