Last night, the doors opened to the highly anticipated “Abetare” exhibition by Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The exhibition, which will run from April 30 to October 27, 2024, showcases Halilaj’s exploration of children’s doodles, drawings, and scribbles found on school desks in his hometown of Runik, Kosovo.

Halilaj’s inspiration for “Abetare” stems from his childhood experiences, particularly the doodles and drawings he encountered on school desks. His research expanded beyond Kosovo to include schools in Albania and other countries of the former Yugoslavia, all of which are undergoing significant cultural and sociopolitical changes.

The exhibition features three-dimensional metal sculptures created from enlarged versions of these childhood drawings. Each sculpture retains the essence and spontaneity of the original doodles, offering viewers a glimpse into the collective memory and imaginative world of generations of students whose lives were shaped by traumatic conflicts and territorial divisions.

The title “Abetare” is derived from the book Halilaj and his peers used to learn the alphabet at school, with each letter linked to a lesson in pictures and text.

Spread across The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, the exhibition merges seamlessly with the surrounding architecture and landscape, creating a captivating and immersive experience for visitors. Halilaj’s “drawings in space” are complemented by culturally specific references to different political ideologies, religions, and local heroes, as well as more universal symbols and playful nods to pop culture, art history, and sports.

“Abetare” is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds. The exhibition is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on childhood, memory, and cultural identity.