Stillife - Three oranges 2011

Gazmend Freitag painted this still life with oil on canvas in 2011. It depicts a cluster of three oranges, a potted succulent and a spider plant. Although simple, the painting offers insight into the cultural and economic landscape of Freitag’s home, Kosovo. After the declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo began to develop its own artistic institutions, although these were largely underfunded. Freitag's art reflects the social and economic conditions in Kosovo. By focusing on simple household items, Freitag perhaps illustrates the everyday reality of many Kosovars. The choice to paint in an impressionistic style may be a subtle rebellion against the socialist realism that dominated art in Kosovo during its time as part of Yugoslavia. Examining the history of artistic institutions and economic conditions in post-independent Kosovo, through sources like government reports and art criticism, enriches our understanding of Freitag’s work.