Artist Statement

Joni Margjeka

Visual Artist 

When I make art, I focus primarily on the spontaneity of my soul and mind, rather than adhering to academic principles. The function of art is to resist obligation and dictate. To achieve this, individuality is essential because art represents the most intense form of individualism the world has known. My individuality in painting manifests in both objective and subjective aspects. Objectively, I use non-traditional materials and unique combinations, often employing my hands instead of brushes and selecting distinct colors that set me apart from traditional artists. Subjectively, the chosen topics, symbolism, and the underlying philosophy of coexistence within my canvases shape my artistic identity.

Visual arts have been a constant companion from my childhood to the present. Throughout my artistic development, I have evolved a unique technique of painting with plasticine on gramophone records. Initially, I applied plasticine on paper, then transitioned to more durable platforms like cardboard, glass, aluminum, and wood. After numerous experiments, I discovered gramophone records as a novel "canvas." Instead of traditional paints (oil, acrylic, water), I use plasticine, and instead of canvas or paper, I use vinyl records. To create a stronger connection between materials and theme, I decided that all works in this artistic line would be portraits of musicians. These musicians have significantly influenced my artistic tastes and spiritual state at various times. The artistic style I use for this cycle is a blend of pop art, pop realism, and graphic techniques.

Beyond portraits, I incorporate elements of landscape, nature, mythology, and human psychology into my work. While vinyl records anchor my practice, my work also delves into the dynamic interplay of texture and form through plasticine on wood board and other mixed medium. In pieces such as “Windows”; “Dualism”; “New Tirana” and “Antipatrea”, I layer plasticine onto wood surfaces, using the medium’s malleability to craft intricate, abstract and surrealistic compositions. These works often reflect on duality and the multiplicity of perspectives, inviting viewers to question their assumptions and engage with the tactile qualities of the materials. The fusion of vibrant color, layered forms, and organic textures becomes a metaphor for the complexity of human experience. Additionally, my wood board collection bridges narrative and form, as seen in “Mother Africa”; “Mother Teresa”; “Skanderbeg” and “The Highland Lute”. These works draw upon cultural and historical narratives, integrating symbolic imagery with modern artistic sensibilities. Each piece aims to evoke a dialogue between the past and present, honoring traditions while embracing contemporary interpretations.

Artists like Amadeo Modigliani, Wassily Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, René Magritte, and Friedensreich Hundertwasser have inspired and motivated me with their stylistic movements.

Opening my first personal exhibition on July 19th, 2023, in Tirana, Albania, was a milestone in my artistic journey.

My art does not aim to faithfully imitate nature but to be inspired by it in a way that creates imperceptible realities.