TIRANA, July 20 /ATA/ Acclaimed artist Anastas Kostandini unveiled his latest collection, 'Drunken City,' which opened at the Art Gallery of Pogradec during this weekend.

Anastas Kostandini, fondly known in his hometown as Taso, is showcasing 45 pastel works that capture the true essence of Pogradec. Art enthusiasts are welcome to visit this deeply evocative exhibition before it closes at the end of July.

A leading figure in contemporary Albanian art, he draws deeply on his roots in Pogradec. Through his work, the city transforms into an extraordinary canvas where the tangible and the imagined coexist in perfect poetic balance.

The cycle “Pogradec sharing wine and schnapps” forms the emotional zenith of this narrative. It transcends mere documentation of local heritage, evolving into a poetic reflection on the communal bonds and rituals that define the city's soul. These compositions turn forgotten wine cellars into stages where the line between reality and myth is completely erased

Art historian and curator Ylli Drishti appreciated that these 45 pastels are a dual homage: a celebration of Pogradec's unique landscape and a demonstration of how art translates localized history into a shared, universal experience.

“Anastas Kostandini emerges not merely as a chronicler of his native city, but as a visionary who renders local experience into a universal language. This rare ability secures his distinct and lasting legacy in contemporary Albanian art”, said Drishti. /j.p/p.s./