The Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj created a fantastic, very introspective installation for his first solo exhibition at the Palacio de Cristal de la Reina Sofía in Madrid. Inspired by the courtship rituals of the birds of paradise, which are known for their complex seduction rituals in which they build up staged scenes to attract a partner, he hung huge flowers inside the glass conservatory.
Halilaj’s work often addresses the themes of home, love and cultural identity. This time the artist uses nature to construct a very personal narrative. The large forsythia, palm seeds, cherry blossoms, poppies, carnations and lilies hanging from the roof were constructed from steel and canvas in collaboration with Halilaj’s life companion, Álvaro Urbano.
“I wanted to design the Palacio de Cristal as a place to celebrate love,” said Halilaj.
