From July 17th to 19th, Vila 31 transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, hosted by the second Open Studios session in partnership with Art Explora. The three-day event served as a compelling bridge between international artistic practices and local discourse, turning the house and gardens into an immersive laboratory for ecology, memory, and language.
A Diverse Artistic Convergence
This edition showcased a stellar lineup of residents, including Hashel Al Lamki (UAE), Vartan Avakian (Lebanon), Arthur Gillet (France), Tirdad Hashemi & Soufia Erfanian (Iran), Rémi Lécussan (France), Elian Stefa (Albania), Nanténé Traoré (France/ORAMA), and the duo Ilir Tsouko & Elidor Mëhilli (Albania). Their collaborative spirit was evident, with the programme weaving together individual research projects into a cohesive public experience.
Key Highlights of the Residency
The event was defined by its intellectual depth and participatory nature:
- Ecological Engagement: A standout feature was the two-part ARTiLERIA Sazan series, where Elian Stefa explored the biodiversity of protected areas, later joined by experts to discuss the intersection of art, documentary practice, and environmental activism. Similarly, the conversation between Rémi Lécussan and Professor Aida Bani provided a fascinating look at the scientific and artistic intersections of ecology.
- Archives & Memory: The recurring video installation “Archive of Absence” by Ilir Tsouko and Elidor Mëhilli served as an anchor for the weekend, prompting vital discussions on the politics of memory and reconstruction. This theme of historical uncovering continued with the “Secret Lives of Books at Vila 31,” a deep dive into the house’s own library archives.
- Inclusive Performance & Dialogue: Arthur Gillet’s collaboration with the Albanian National Association of the Deaf (ANAD) regarding accessibility and language was a poignant highlight. Meanwhile, Vartan Avakian’s immersive film-performance “Waswas” and the expressive performances by Hashel Al Lamki in collaboration with Ndrekodjali pushed the boundaries of traditional exhibition formats.
- Community Connection: The event successfully moved beyond the gallery space. From the collaborative textile workshop “Collective Markings” to the family-friendly “flowers on flowers” crown-making workshop, the residency invited the public to contribute to the creative process directly.
Closing Thoughts
The second Open Studios session was more than just a showcase; it was a testament to the power of artistic residency as a site for social and environmental inquiry. By fostering informal gatherings in the garden and intimate conversations in the halls of Vila 31, the programme succeeded in making complex contemporary themes accessible to everyone.
As the final music selection by Romansi Mansi faded out on Sunday evening, it left the audience with a sense of a community invigorated by new perspectives and shared knowledge. For those who attended, the session was a rare opportunity to witness works in progress—and for those who missed it, it stands as a marker of the high-calibre artistic research currently shaping the cultural landscape.
