The power of an Albanian woman, through the canvas of Markel Capo.

“…your spirit has crushed mountains from now on I will say things like you are resilient or you are extraordinary…”

These words from Rupi Kaur rang in my ears as I stood in front of the “A stone crown” painting collection by Markel Capo.

You would imagine that every time a woman puts a crown she turns into a fairytale princess, but far from that was the case of these Albanian heroines, who held crowns made of stones, which glued together by sacrifice and selfless love-built castles that resisted times.

What held me in place was the look in their eyes, while the rest of the painting had an almost calming effect, mixing a variety of warm colors, the eyes were never quiet. Almost as if they were trying to tell you the legend of Argjiro that jumped from the castle walls to not surrender to the enemy, or of Rozafa walled half-alive so she could still breastfeed her baby. A reminder that a woman can be unforgettably beautiful but also unbreakable strong.

Shanisha, Libohovë - Artist's Facebook page

In a mix between traditional costumes, epic landmarks, and feminine unique beauty, the painter celebrates the strength that comes with being a woman, her continuous sacrifice for her city, home, children, and family. None of them is the same, their expressions tell different stories, their features the diversity of my home country.

You look and you hear the echos from the past of a fatal beauty like Dodona of Berat who was punished for it, or that of a caring sister like Sanisha of Libohova whose tears shed for her dead brother and created Drini river, and many others…all shouting with courage through the canvas, the central role that women have even in a patriarchal society.

And it made me proud, proud for being a successor of them and for caring a heritage that puts the female figure in its center.

That is why I instantly wanted to talk to Markel and discover more about his work. He brings a detailed mix between traditional and modern, a girl in a hand sued folklore costume but with the bright red curls of a fashion model. On purpose, he chooses to “play” with these symbolic landmarks and the women that created their legends. You can see some of his works on his Instagram page by clicking here.

Princess Argjiro - Artist's Facebook page

Markel started this cycle of paintings in 2017, taking inspiration from the above-mentioned legends, an admirer of Albanian folklore and traditions he chooses to make it part of most of his artworks. He highlights how much inspiration Albania offers for any artist, either through its rich history or through its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming people, somehow a complex mess that manages to make you fall in love every time.

R O Z A F A and L I S A - Artist's Facebook page

The female symbol put inside a folk tale from the past, its what makes his work distinctive, worked carefully in aquarelle paints and through deep contrasts that put in the center the main elements which mark the story narrative.

Always experimenting with his style Markel brings innovation in Albanian art, which does not often praise women and their force, not ashamed of their sexuality, he is not afraid to go against every old relic remaining in our society.

Before “A stone crown” he created “Ku(k)llat” (Tower-Dolls), women painted in the shape of stone towers, which twist into erotic notes and turn the small, barely lighted windows into divine feminine shapes, and into the curved path in which any of us girls has to walk.

“KU(K)LLAT” - Artist's Facebook page

Either portrayed by a stone crowned princess or through turning them into the unbreakable towers on the northern mountains, so they cannot be held inside anymore like crystal delicate dolls, Markel continuously shows his deep appreciation for the female figure and how everything starts with her, from a painting to every human deep feeling.

Artist's Facebook page

Markel’s art goes even beyond paintings, often creating pieces in ceramic or wood, always trying to bring together elements of the past with the modern world.

Artist's Facebook page

I've admired his artworks for a long time, and I've realized instantly that this little shop would be a place I would keep turning to, a secret treasure in the Castle of Tirana that I would gladly share with everyone visiting my city.