COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION: NORMAL LOVE

4 June
19:00
Former Hivzi Sylejmani Library – CNP, Prishtina

The exhibition Normal Love emerges from the need for a continuous confrontation with the absurdity of attitudes shaped by the appropriation of an entire value system that is often presented to us as “normality.” It is a misused and abusive terminology that operates almost exclusively through a heteronormative and non-inclusive lens.

Normal Love—a direct reference to the film of the same title by the avant-garde American filmmaker and performer Jack Smith from the 1960s—ironically challenges this idea of imposed normality, where, as an act of revolt, magnificent hermaphroditic creatures colour the burning images of the analogue projector.

Through the works of participating artists, the exhibition questions who defines what is considered normal, natural, acceptable, or legitimate. It invites us to return to love: to the simple truth beyond social constructs. Normal Love reflects on love as a force that builds community—beyond race, nationality, gender, or orientation—and as a shared human demand for dignity, safety, visibility, and the right to exist freely.

In Kosovo, we are still in the midst of concrete struggles: debates around the Civil Code, the need for safe housing for LGBTIQ+ people, protection from discrimination, gender-affirming healthcare, and legal recognition of gender identity. These are not privileges, but fundamental rights.

Curator: Blerta Hocia

Participating artists: Astrit Ismaili, Abi Shehu, Dardan Zhegrova, HAVEIT, Erjola Zhuka, Kairo Urovi

The event is open to everyone.