Jusuf Gërvalla 2022

Gazmend Freitag created this portrait of Jusuf Gërvalla in 2022 using graphite on paper. Gërvalla was a prominent figure in the Kosovar independence movement during a turbulent period in the former Yugoslavia. Freitag’s portrait captures a sense of Gërvalla’s quiet determination. The soft shading and delicate lines lend the image an introspective quality, inviting us to consider the emotional weight of Gërvalla's political commitments. As an intellectual and activist, Gërvalla straddled multiple worlds, challenging traditional representations and advocating for an alternative narrative of self-determination. Consider how Freitag, as a Kosovar Albanian artist, engages with themes of cultural identity and collective memory in this tribute to Gërvalla. The artwork serves not only as a personal homage but also as a symbol of resistance, reflecting the societal struggles and the enduring spirit of those who fought for recognition and autonomy.