2023-08-23 21:40:00
Krystel Suire (Stern) was born and raised in Switzerland. She has visited many countries around the world but decided to stay in Kosovo to live and develop her art there.
Wednesday, 23 August 2023 – 23:40 Alisa Buzhala
“Is it better here or there?” – This is how almost all conversations between family members and friends of the Albanian diaspora begin. Caught in the crossfire, an answer must be given: is it better in their country of origin or in one of the Western countries where they live and work?
During the two months of the summer season, we witness a wave of emigrants whose main destination is Kosovo. People come here for family visits, weddings, entertainment and in very rare cases to work. In many of their statements, we hear different opinions about their homeland. Most of them testify to their experiences with strong emotions, expressing a permanent desire for Kosovo, but when the question of whether they return to live in their country of origin is added to the conversation, they hesitate to answer. to the affirmative.
Basically, there are several reasons for this, among which the most important issues relate to job opportunities, security, politics and social life.
But beyond that question, have you ever thought about how foreigners view Kosovo, how different it is to stay there as a holiday visitor and the opportunities that this small country, and especially the capital, offers those who wish to leave a country. like Germany, Switzerland, Italy, etc., to start all over again in the youngest European republic?
In an effort to demonstrate that there is room even in a new and transitional country for those who love and find themselves in the structures and energy of the capital, the media platform albinfo.ch conducted an interview with Swiss artist Krystel Suire, who has been living in Pristina for years.
In the chaos of the center, Stern found the freedom to immortalize her art, in the dark murals she created graffiti that decorates the city, giving it an urban view designed with colorful figures that intertwine with the city architecture as well as details of Kosovar culture.
The young girl who was born and raised in Switzerland and who has visited many other cities around the world, decided to stay in Kosovo to live and develop her profession there. All thanks to social warmth and freedom of expression (of art) without borders.
albinfo.ch : You were borne and grew up in Switzerland, you now live in Kosovo. Tell us when did you first visit Kosovo and what impressions did it leave you?
Stern: The first time was for the street art festival “Meeting of Styles” in May 2018. After 4 days of staying here, I liked it so much that I wanted to come back vacation. After a while, in August, I came to stay for a month…and in the end, no…I never went back to Switzerland! – I loved Kosovo, I felt like a little child, it brought back the spirit of childhood that I had lost in my country.
albinfo.ch : Why did you decide to live and work in Pristina? What were the motivations that led you to choose Kosovo as the location of your artistic activity?
Stern: It feels like home. From the first time I came, I felt that and didn’t think of many reasons, I just followed my destiny! From time to time, I feel like laughing: “What’s going on here? Why do you speak Albanian?” – but regardless, I’m very excited and can’t wait to see what life will bring me here.
albinfo.ch : How do you experience and integrate Swiss culture and Kosovar culture into your artistic work?
Stern: It depends on where I am and what I’m doing. But I love and am curious to explore the traditional side of a culture. I turn these details into works of art. I think traditions are a heritage, so I try to highlight Kosovar culture, because it reminds you of who you were and who you are. While inspiration comes immediately from the emotions I feel.
albinfo.ch : Did you encounter any particular difficulties as a foreign artist in Kosovo?
Stern: People think that if you come from Switzerland, you have money and you do this job for fun, but no! I also have to pay rent and feed myself… But after a while, it’s no longer difficult because I have created my place in this sector and now people and companies want to have a work done by me in their external or internal premises. It gives me appreciation for the work as well as the desire to continue.
albinfo.ch : What challenges did you face while creating murals in Kosovo and how did you overcome them?
Stern: For me it’s not a challenge, creating murals in the cities of Kosovo, it’s cool for me, it’s love!
albinfo.ch : How do you think graphic arts and murals contribute to the development of culture and art in Pristina?
Stern: I believe it gives an opportunity, a different aspect to face the challenges of life! For me, graphic art is an “explosion”. It shows people that there is no shame in expressing your feelings or pursuing an extraordinary destiny.
albinfo.ch : Is there a particular message you would like pass through your art?
Stern: The purpose of life is to unite! We are separate souls, each one of us, but united we become one beautiful soul. If you misbehave with someone, you misbehave with yourself, if you judge someone, you will suffer the judgments yourself… through my art, I want to spread tolerance and well-being in the society. I want to give hope. I draw with the intention of bringing love and happiness to the hearts of all who see and appreciate the work I have created.
albinfo.ch : What is the reaction of the public to your mural? Is there a particular story you would like to share?
Stern: People see my work as a dream, a moment that brings them back to childhood, they experience a spiritual break.
A few years ago in Switzerland I was working on a mural for a school, there I met an old woman who started talking to me very badly. Screaming, she called the police to come to the spot… That’s how it happened, the police came. They checked everything and realized that I had permission, so everything was fine. A few days later, almost at the end of the mural, the lady passes by me again, but this time asking for my forgiveness, with flowers and chocolate in her hand. She felt bad because of what had happened a few days ago, the way she had judged me, and when she saw the work, she was amazed and began to cry. Normally, I shared the chocolates with the school children.
albinfo.ch : What is your project for the future as an artist in Kosovo and what projects or initiatives do you have in mind?
Stern: I’m developing a live performance project with electronic music artists. Kosovo attaches great importance to music and for me, music is “the ultimate art” that cannot be escaped. Even personally, I always do my work accompanied by electro sounds, so as a project I want to combine my art with colorful scenes and electronic music with a DJ, thus giving the city another artistic current. This is me and this is what I can develop and give to Kosovo.
albinfo.ch: “What’s going on here? Why do you speak Albanian?!”
I feel like this is my house. From the first time I came, I felt that and didn’t think of many reasons, I just followed my destiny! From time to time, I feel like laughing: “What’s going on here? Why do you speak Albanian?” – but regardless, I’m very excited and can’t wait to see what life will bring me here.
Alisa Buzhala
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