A Story About My Friend Shefqet Avdush Emini, Year 1977-1978 by Veli Morina from Gjakova

It was a Monday when we gathered in the corridors of the Academy of Figurative Arts. We were all strangers to each other, divided into four groups based on our profession. The entrance exam lasted five hours for five consecutive days. During these days, all students would meet in the faculty corridors regardless of their field, social class, or financial status—whether wealthy, middle class, or lower class, we were all together.

When I first met Shefqet Avdush Emini, what distinguished him from the others was his clothing. We were dressed almost the same. That’s where we found our common ground. Fortunately, we were both admitted to the faculty, Shefqet in the painting department, while I was in the sculpture department. Even though we were in different fields, we students stayed together as a group since we were all in our first year and knew no one else. Shefqet had an extraordinary talent that no one else had.

We were very poor in material terms—we lacked paints, fabrics, and almost all the necessary materials. I clearly remember many instances when other students would use only half a tube of paint and throw the rest away. Because of our financial situation, Shefqet and I had to secretly take or "steal" the discarded paint, as otherwise, it would dry out and be of no use.

Shefqet was talented in every artistic field, but in the faculty, we learned new things like dimensions, proportions, etc. Shefqet was the best.

As students, we spent most of our time together. We experienced the ups and downs of student life, as well as our relationships with professors. There is a saying among students:
"A student’s grade is never equal to their knowledge."

I remember when the awards for the most talented students were given out. It was well known who was the best and most talented—Shefqet. Shefqet was nominated as the best talent in painting, and it was expected that he would win that award. However, unfortunately, that did not happen. The prize was given to a Bulgarian student. We were all shocked by this injustice against Shefqet. The unprofessional and unfair decision of the committee led to an uproar among students and some professors.

A group of students approached a professor who was part of the committee and asked why the award was given to someone else when we all knew that Shefqet deserved it. The professor’s response was: "Please do not escalate this situation," and without hesitation, he admitted that the prize was awarded to the Bulgarian student named Ratka.

Later, the professor acknowledged the mistake and the unfairness of the decision. He then addressed Shefqet with these words: "Please forgive me for the mistake I made. I will personally give you an award because the prize should have been yours." But Shefqet, with integrity, refused the professor’s offer. Instead, he responded:

"Tell me, professor, who was truly the best student in painting? You? The committee members? Or did you give the award to someone else?"

Shefqet’s response was not out of disappointment but as a young artist with principles. He stated, "For me, what matters is that the committee recognized my work and rewarded me, even if the trophy goes to whoever they wish." He felt sorry for the disgrace caused and for what had happened to him.

However, this injustice did not stop Shefqet. His work and talent only grew stronger, and today, his paintings are valued worldwide.

Shefqet, never stop...

Shefqet knew how to present light, shadows, and tones of colors with meaning, giving life to painting. Even today, we see his work and talent displayed in museums around the world.

During our student years, we fell in love with two girls, who later became our lifelong companions. Now, we both have four children, and in this way, our friendship became even stronger. I take pride in my friend, I am proud of his talent and his paintings.

Fate has now taken him away from us, as we have been apart since before 1983, but whenever I speak about his paintings, I feel closer to him.

I have so much to say about my friend and colleague. The nation and the Albanian people should be proud of Shefqet Avdush Emini for his talent, work, and contribution to the world of art.

Greetings and respect,
Artist Veli Morina
Date: 4-5-2020