An exhibition featuring art works created by Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama opened for the public on Tuesday at Zappeion Hall in central Athens.

It was inaugurated on Monday evening, an event attended by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias, among others. The exhibition was organized by the Greek Foreign Affairs ministry, and is curated by art historian and museologist Katerina Koskina.

Speaking to Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), Rama said that he draws almost every day at his office, except during his official meetings. "Apparently, it helps me focus on my political duties," he noted, "but it was unexpected, as I did not intend for my office to become part of my artistic life."

Rama's art, as presented in Athens, comprises mixed-media works and an array of small sculptures made of baked procelain and metal. But he also sketches with markers and colored pencils on A4 papers from notes, diaries, or political documents that flood his desk and have already been used. His sketches have been printed and used as wallpaper in his office.

Rama has never exhibited his works while serving as prime minister, he noted, because he believes that he should not monopolize artistic space that could host another artist. "In this case, it's different," he told ANA-MPA. "They asked me to transfer my office here, at this show. What you are seeing here is actually my office, in a way, which is beautiful, but I will not be repeating this anywhere else."

Asked about how state leaders react when visiting his office, Rama said that "everyone reacts in their own way, but broadly speaking they are all pleasantly surprised."

Titled 'Improvisations', the wallpaper of color sketches on documents, and ceramics created specifically for Zappeio by Rama, will be on show until Friday, March 31.

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