Kemil Bekteši

Kemil Bekteši (b. 1997) is a Bosnian/Kosovar visual artist of Gorani origin whose work explores themes of identity, geopolitics, and cultural memory through personal histories marked by borders and migrations. His artistic practice spans a variety of media, including installations, sculptures, public interventions, with a particular focus on site- and time-specific works. His art often reflects the cultural and political overlaps between ex Yugoslavia countries as he has personally navigated throughout the region in his life. Bekteši’s exploration of societal issues is often centered around the complex relations between nations, cultures, and histories, and how these are expressed in contemporary visual forms. His work examines both interpersonal and geopolitical dynamics, positioning him as a reflective voice in the ongoing discourse on regional identity. He holds a master’s degree (2021) and a bachelor’s degree (2020) from the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, where he was honored with the Golden Badge for outstanding academic achievements. In 2018/19, Bekteši studied contemporary art at the Faculdade de Belas Artes do Porto (Portugal). In 2023, he participated in the WHW Academy in Zagreb, Croatia. Bekteši has been recognized with several accolades, including the 2024 ZVONO Art Award for Young Visual Artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was a finalist for the 2022 MANGELOS Award (YVAA) in Belgrade.