Icons of Opium Exhibition
Kalo Gallery, Tirana | April 4–11, 2025
The Icons of Opium exhibition of the Konak Institute, hosted at the Kalo Gallery in Tirana from April 4–11, 2025, drew significant media attention across Albania, igniting public reflection on the legacy of religious suppression during the communist era. Curated by Doan Dani and Lauresha Basha, the exhibition offered a powerful visual exploration of anti-religious propaganda produced by the communist regime between 1946 and 1976. Through archival posters, satirical illustrations, and state-produced periodicals, the exhibition unpacked the features of anti-religious propaganda and the ways it persists to this day.
The exhibition received noteworthy coverage across national media platforms, highlighting its artistic, historical, and political significance.
Video Reports and Features:
In-Depth News Coverage:
Cultural Commentary & Analysis:
Further Television Coverage:
Through a unique mix of historical research, visual storytelling, and public engagement, Icons of Opium illuminated the tactics of state-sponsored atheism in Albania and sparked essential conversations on memory, repression, and resilience. The wide and thoughtful media coverage reflects the growing interest in addressing the spiritual and cultural erasures of the past—and reimagining a future rooted in dignity and dialogue.
Stay tuned as the Konak Institute continues its mission with future exhibitions, publications, and educational programs.
