Dastid Miluka

I met Dastid Miluka, a Belgian artist of native Albanian descent, in Shqip Ville in Grand Place, in the heart of the city, where he exhibited some of his “hallucinogenic works.” I could not make up my mind if this guy was for real, but his colors were well tamed, cultivated, even though his works screamed from afar. That was enough to make me curious about his work, and we agreed that I would visit his studio—the most orderly and art-filled basement I have ever seen in my life; a sure sign of OCD or something, because there is a clear contradiction between his art and his manners. Someone could swear that this guy is using art as therapy, and that might not be completely wrong. Dastid has had his fair share of beatings from life. His parents separated when he was fairly young, and maybe this is why he is so meticulous and attentive in everything he does: from covers and book illustrations to enormous paintings that cannot be hung in his studio.

He loves old things and takes good care of what he loves. I had the pleasure of chatting with him, and maybe someday I will release that recording, but this writing is for his work and art.

Dastid has developed a distinctive style that blends vibrant color, surrealism, and abstract forms. His unique upbringing, having grown up between the circus and the world of animation due to his parents’ professions, profoundly influences his work. Miluka’s father was a stage director at Tirana’s circus and had studied in China with some of the best masters in the world, while his mother was a stop motion illustrator and animator for “Kinostudioja Shqiperia e Re” in Tirana. This background is evident in the theatrical, dynamic, and meticulously detailed nature of his artworks.

On the beach, Dastid Miluka, acrylic on canvas, 2012 (100×120)

Miluka’s art is characterized by a bold use of color, which creates visually striking compositions. The bright and contrasting colors evoke strong emotional responses and make his paintings immediately captivating. For instance, in the image of the reclining woman with a juice bottle, the vivid red and orange tones dominate the canvas, creating a sense of warmth and vitality. The playful and surreal elements, such as the straw extending from the bottle to the woman’s mouth, add a whimsical touch that is a recurring theme in his work.

Back home, Dastid Miluka, acrylic on canvas, 2009 (50×70)

Another significant aspect of Miluka’s style is his ability to blend surreal and abstract elements, reality with fantasy, inviting viewers into a dreamlike world. This is evident in the painting of the woman with geometric patterns on her body, where the figure is composed of colorful, abstract shapes that suggest both a human form and a cityscape. This duality reflects a fusion of personal identity and environment, a common theme in Miluka’s art.

The Kiss, Dastid Miluka, acrylic on canvas, 2010 (100×120)

Symbolism and allegory also play crucial roles in his work, incorporating symbolic elements that hint at deeper meanings. In the image of the entwined red and blue figures, the contrasting colors and forms suggest themes of unity and duality, possibly representing the interconnectedness of different aspects of the self or relationships. The surrounding celestial bodies and abstract shapes enhance the sense of otherworldliness and introspection.

Miluka’s upbringing in the world of circus and animation is evident in the whimsical and playful quality of his imagery. The image of the woman with exaggerated limbs and playful elements like the flower in her hair and the circus-like background demonstrates this influence. His works often evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, inviting the viewer to explore the fantastical narratives he creates.

Musique de chambre, Dastid Miluka, mix media on paper, 2017 (21×29)

The detailed and intricate patterns within the compositions add complexity and depth to his visual narratives. In the image of the musician playing a wind instrument, the patchwork of geometric shapes and the fluid lines of the figure create a rich tapestry that draws the viewer in. This meticulous attention to detail is reminiscent of the precision required in stop motion animation, reflecting his mother’s influence.

Miluka’s influences are diverse, spanning various artistic movements and personal experiences. The fantastical and dreamlike quality of his work suggests an influence from Surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. The bold and vibrant use of color is reminiscent of Fauvist artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain, while the emotional intensity and dynamic compositions align with the principles of Expressionism. The integration of abstract forms and the blending of different artistic styles suggest influences from modern and contemporary art movements, with artists like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky playing a role in shaping his experimental approach.

His works are part of numerous privat collections and have been exhibited internationally in the past 22 years.

Miluka’s art is a vibrant fusion of his unique personal history, rich cultural background, and diverse artistic influences. His upbringing between the circus and the world of animation has imbued his work with a sense of drama, playfulness, and intricate detail. By drawing on a variety of artistic movements and personal experiences, Dastid creates captivating and thought-provoking works that invite viewers to explore deeper layers of meaning and emotion. His paintings are a testament to his creativity and ability to blend different influences into a cohesive and compelling artistic vision, nearly hallucinogenic.

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