The permanent collection
The person behind the paintings
Behind every painting, a life.
Discover the paintings and life of Gëzim Begolli, a self-taught Albanian painter based in Pogradec since 2002, whose work includes around 450 oil paintings.
The artist beside the work
From the family archive. The original photograph is dated 10 October 2009.
An introduction
Gëzim Begolli
An artist. A grandfather.
A life worth remembering.
Gëzim Begolli was born in Menkulas, Albania, on 18 October 1943. He completed his higher education in language and literature at the University of Tirana and worked in education until retirement. A self-taught painter with a love of art since childhood, he has lived in Pogradec since 2002 and continues to paint with passion.
Born 18 October 1943 · Menkulas, Albania
Oil paintings created
Solo exhibitions
In Pogradec since
Based on the artist’s handwritten account, shared by his family.
The artist at work
At the easel
Brush in hand, Gëzim works at his easel, with a reference photograph and painting materials close by.
Explore the paintingsAt the easel
A studio moment from the family archive.
Roots in Menkulas
Gëzim Begolli was born in Menkulas, Albania, in 1943. His love of art began in childhood and became a lasting part of his life.
18 October 1943 · Menkulas, AlbaniaLiterature & a life in education
He completed his higher education in language and literature at the University of Tirana. He went on to work in education, continuing in that profession until retirement.
University of Tirana · Language and literatureA self-taught painter
For many years, Gëzim worked as an amateur, self-taught painter, guided by his passion and love for art. His family dates the beginning of his oil-painting practice to 2006. In his handwritten account, he describes having created around 450 oil paintings, including landscapes and portraits.
Around 450 oil paintings · Landscapes and portraitsA home in Pogradec
Gëzim has lived in Pogradec since 2002. The city is also home to three of his solo exhibitions.
Pogradec, Albania · Since 2002The work, shared
Alongside participation in group exhibitions, he has held three solo exhibitions in Pogradec, one in Korçë, and another in Bilisht. In his account, he writes that his paintings have been appreciated by Albanians and people from abroad.
Group exhibitions · Five solo exhibitionsA passion that continues
He continues to work with the same love for painting that led him to the canvas. His handwritten account closes with a simple statement of that enduring commitment: “I continue to work with passion, even at this age.”
In the artist’s own words
In his own words
“Vazhdoj të punoj me pasion edhe në këtë moshë.”
“I continue to work with passion, even at this age.”
Begin with the work