Zef Pashko Shoshi (born 1939) is an Albanian painter, ^[1] painting in socialist realism. ^[2] Shoshi is considered a national art treasure in Albania. ^{[1] [3] [4]}

Biography

Shoshi was born in Tirana, Albania, in 1939, the son of a bank clerk and amateur painter. ^[1] His earliest drawings depicted ships on the horizon during a stay in Ulcinj in 1943 or 1944. ^[5]

Between 1957 and 1961, ^[1] Shoshi studied at the Ilya Repin Institution in Leningrad, Russia, ^{[1] [2]} during which time he studied under Boris Ioganson, and was a contemporary of artist Sali Shijaku [ sq] and sculptor Vilson Kilica [ sq]. Shoshi later graduated from the Tirana Institute of Arts. ^[1]

Shoshi's talent and technique was recognised in Albanian art circles. ^[6] His paintings reflected communist themes, such as the working class in fields and factories. ^{[1] [7]} He particularly documented life in the Zadrima region, reflecting its traditional and cultural heritage in daily life. ^{[1] [5]} His style pays particular attention to the human figure and face, lending Shoshi to be best known for his portraits. ^[5] In 1974, Shoshi was commissioned to paint Enver Hoxha, Albania's dictator. ^[1] After the fall of communism, Shoshi's works attracted the attention of international collectors, particularly in the United States. ^[5]

References