Kreshnik Belba
About Artist
Kreshnik Belba is a stained-glass artist with more than 15 years of professional experience. Trained in Germany in stained-glass techniques, he has developed his practice at MARKVITRAUXthe first studio in Albania to introduce this artistic medium in 1997. Within this project, he will be responsible for the artistic design and technical production of the four panels, including glass selection, Tiffany technique execution, and final assembly, ensuring both high-quality craftsmanship and coherence with the narratives represented.
The Light of Memory Through Legends in Glass – An Albanian Tetraptych
Abstract
Four stained-glass panels (each measuring 60 × 60 cm) will be created using the Tiffany technique, featuring pronounced solder lines to enhance the visual composition. Both opaque and transparent glass will be used to create depth and layered visual effects. The panels will be mounted within a wooden support structure and protected by double glazing, forming an artistic installation suitable for both indoor and controlled outdoor exhibition.
The stained-glass artworks will be produced through a multi-stage process, beginning with design sketching and glass selection, followed by precision cutting according to the planned compositions. The glass edges will be smoothed and refined, each individual piece wrapped in copper foil, and then soldered together to form the final artwork. The process will conclude with patination, professional cleaning, and installation within the double-glazed protective frames.
The proposed colour palette has been carefully selected to reflect the symbolism of each legend. For The Maiden of Holta, deep blue will represent the echo of the voice, silver mystery, grey resilience, and white freedom. For The Bride’s Hole, white will symbolize purity and determination, gold the light of salvation, ochre and brown the strength of rock, and red collective memory. For The Maiden’s Gorge, bronze will evoke earth and solemnity, dark violet mourning, blue silence, and white dignity. For The Nymphaeum of Apollonia, orange will represent the eternal flames, deep blue the night, white the nymphs and Batea, and turquoise-green water and harmony. Vashën e Holtës, bluja e thellë do të përfaqësojë jehonën e zërit, argjendi misterin, grija qëndresën dhe e bardha lirinë. Për Vrimën e Nuses, e bardha do të simbolizojë pastërtinë dhe vendosmërinë, ari dritën e shpëtimit, okra dhe kafeja forcën e shkëmbit, ndërsa e kuqja kujtesën kolektive. Për Gryken e Vashës, bronzi do të evokojë tokën dhe solemnitetin, vjollca e errët zinë, bluja heshtjen dhe e bardha dinjitetin. Për Nymfeun e Apolonisë, portokallia do të përfaqësojë flakët e përjetshme, bluja e thellë natën, e bardha nimfat dhe Batean, ndërsa jeshilja në nuancë bruz ujin dhe harmoninë.
The project’s innovation lies in its presentation of Albanian legends through stained-glass art, a medium that has not previously been used for this purpose in Albania. Furthermore, the integration of a QR code adds kodi QR a digital and interactive dimension, enabling audiences to access supplementary content and engage with the artworks in a contemporary and innovative way.
Location
Elbasan