Installation view of Petrit Halilaj’s work <em>Very volcanic over this green feather</em> on display as part of NGV Triennial from 3 December 2023 – 7 April 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy

2024 NGV Summer Appeal

THANK YOU

2024 NGV Summer Appeal

Displayed as part of NGV Triennial 2023, Kosovan artist Petrit Halilaj’s powerful work, Very volcanic over this green feather was an unforgettable feature of the exhibition. It is with sincere thanks to our extraordinary philanthropic community, led by Triennial Champions Barry Janes and Paul Cross, that this significant acquisition could be possible. The NGV also recognises Nick Perkins and Paul Banks, Sarah Cronin, Samuel Cronin and Bradley Cronin, as well as Sophie and Simon Crowe for their support.

Very volcanic over this green feather draws upon Halilaj’s experiences as a thirteen-year old during the Kosovo War (1998–99), where he and his family lived for more than two years in the Kukës II camp in Albania. A visiting Italian psychologist, Giacomo Poli, provided art materials to the children at the camp so that drawing could be used as a vehicle for processing their experiences.

The installation encompasses thirty-eight of Halilaj’s drawings, depicting the landscapes and motifs seen, as well as imagined scenery. Through the support of the Summer Appeal, the NGV can continue to tell Halilaj’s story so that future generations can learn from this impactful installation.

The NGV warmly thanks all supporters who have made gifts to help secure this significant installation.

Leadership Gifts

Barry Janes & Paul Cross
Nick Perkins & Paul Banks
Sarah Cronin, Samuel Cronin & Bradley Cronin
Sophie & Simon Crowe

$4,000+

Christine Grenda & Geoff Grenda
Sony Manning
Mandy Yencken & Edward Yencken
Hermann Family Foundation

$1,000+

Emeritus Prof. Anne Hunt OAM
Marian Evans
Robert Heinmann Bequest
Dr Christine Healy OAM
Bruna Capodanno
Alistair Hay & Dr Jenny Miller
Fred Lovegrove & Carol Lovegrove
Joy Anderson
Rosalind Budge & Keith Budge

$500+

Anonymous
Caroline Cornish & Philip Cornish AM
Noela Henderson

$100+

Dr Adrianne Anderson
Caroline Brand
Deb Cameron
Lauren Candy
Amelia Ditcham
Matt Duckham
Amanda Leigh Duvall
Amanda Dyson & Ian Dyson
David Friedlander
Anonymous
Alison George
Lesley Gerrish
Christine Hardidge
Prof. Thomas Healy AO & Janette Gill
Sophie Holloway & Simon Holloway
Gillian Hund OAM
Dr Dawn Kanost
Margaret R Kett
Dr Colin Kratzing
Jie Liu
Elena Lovu
Jill Meathrel
Janice Millen
Roz Milne & Rob Milne
Brenda Mouritz
Cheryl Oostermeyer
Patricia Roessler
Merilyn Scott
Savithri Sri Skandarajah
James Wator
Roger West & Roslyn West

Installation view of Petrit Halilaj’s work Very volcanic over this green feather on display as part of NGV Triennial at NGV International, Melbourne. The NGV warmly thanks Barry Janes and Paul Cross, Nick Perkins and Paul Banks, Sarah Cronin, Samuel Cronin and Bradley Cronin, Sophie and Simon Crowe, and Donors to the NGV 2024 Summer Appeal for their support. Proudly supported by Major Partner Deakin University.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Born in Kosovo in 1986, Petrit Halilaj lives and works between Berlin and Prishtina. In his work, he creates complex worlds that claim space for freedom, desire, intimacy and identity.

Solo exhibitions include Tate St Ives, Cornwall, 2021; Palacio de Cristal, Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, 2020; La Fondazione Merz, Turin, 2018; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, 2018; New Museum, New York, 2017; Pirelli HangarBicocca, Milan, 2016; Kölnischer Kunstverein, Cologne, 2015; and Bundeskunsthalle, Bonn, 2015.

In 2013 he represented Kosovo for the country’s first appearance at the Venice Biennale. He is currently a professor, with Álvaro Urbano, at the Ecole nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris.

View artist profile

 
Photo: Guy Martin