Anita Muçolli (*1993 in Burgdorf, CH) is an artist of Kosovarian origin based in Basel, Switzerland.
The correlation between the emergence of dystopia as a counter-movement to advancing technologies, dating back to the onset of the Industrial Revolution, and the depictions and discussions of world endings throughout history, forms the focal point of Anita Muçolli’s artistic practice. Her inquiries into human decay revolve around the intersection of new technologies, precision, biotechnology, hygiene, and the intricate dynamics between humans and animals. They also touch upon the shifting or fading consciousness regarding the subject of death, emphasizing it as a ritual of remembrance necessary for establishing a sense of collectivity among contemporary and future generations.
Her work explores the human longing to transcend biological limitations and serves as a visual narrative to probe the limits of existence and the intricate fears associated with such. Given that this longing is inherently tied to the establishment of a power structure favoring specific societies, her research eventually leads her to the various layers of the human psyche and the spectrum of interpretations related to ethics and ideologies.
In her choice of media, Anita Muçolli untiringly pushes the boundaries of the materials she uses. In doing so, she delves into centuries-old crafts as well as new technologies, and often brings them together: Machine and handcraft unite in her works and establish a new field of tension, while attempting to challenge conventional modes of creation. In her installations, she considers the spatial conditions and frequently integrates the architecture of the exhibition venue into her works.
Anita Muçolli has exhibited in various group shows including at Kunsthaus Baselland, Kunsthaus Langenthal, Kunsthalle Palazzo, Liestal, Museo Villa dei Cedri, Bellinzona, The National Gallery of Kosovo, Pristina, Westfälischer Kunstverein, Münster, and Gallery Von Bartha, Basel. Her first solo show was held at Sattelkammer, Bern, followed by Liste Art Fair, Basel, Kulturfolger, Zurich, and the Centre d'Art Contemporain Yverdon.
She was awarded the Helvetia Art Prize 2021 and is amongst the laureates of the Kiefer │ Hablitzel Göhner Art Prize 2022.
Formation
2020 — 2022 MA Fine Arts, Academy of Art & Design, Basel
2017 — 2020 BA Fine Arts, Academy of Art & Design, Basel
2022 Winner of the Kiefer Hablitzel | Göhner Kunstpreis
2021 Winner of the Helvetia Art Prize
2020 Nominee for the Kiefer Hablitzel│Göhner Kunstpreis
Due to the Pandemic the Kiefer Hablitzel Göhner Kunstpreis 2020 could not take place in its usual setting at the Basel Art Fair.
The prize money was therefore equally shared between the 17 participants. In addition, every nominated artist was granted to be part of the exhibition, which took place at Kunsthaus Langenthal from 3 March 2021 - 20 June 2021.