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Bojan Adamič Mosaic in Slovenia’s leading bank NLB: A tribute to the musician and his work in Albania
9. 10. 2026
A mosaic dedicated to the Slovenian composer and conductor Bojan Adamič—who left a significant mark on Albania through his work—is displayed in the office of Blaž Brodnjak, the CEO of Slovenia’s leading bank NLB. It depicts Adamič composing at the piano and serves as an artistic tribute to his creative legacy and the pivotal role he played in strengthening cultural cooperation between Slovenia and Albania.
The mosaic was gifted to Blaž Brodnjak in Tirana in February 2026 by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Albania, Dr. Genci Likoskendaj at a ceremony marking Slovenia’s cultural holiday. Guests of honours and invitees were the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Albania, Jakob Štunf; the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Slovenia, Oljan Kanushi; the artist Saimir Strati and many more.
A Tribute to an Extraordinary Creative Legacy
The initiative to create the mosaic stemmed from a desire to preserve the memory of the profound impact and achievements Bojan Adamič attained through his work in Albania. Recognizing the significance of this contribution, the Honorary Consul—together with his family—spearheaded the creation of an artwork in the autumn of 2025 that links Adamič’s legacy to the Albanian cultural landscape.
The project derives special value from the historical dimension of Adamič’s activities in Albania. His work and achievements constitute a vital part of the cultural ties between the two nations—ties that the mosaic symbolically preserves for future generations.
Family Legacy and Historical Memory
Bojan’s daughter, Alenka Adamič, and his grandson, Gregor Makuc, viewed mosaic together with Blaž Brodnjak, NLB Chief Executive Officer in his office. On this occasion, Alenka Adamič presented her father’s work in Albania in 1947. Her presentation added both a personal and a historical dimension to the gathering. Thus, the memory of Bojan Adamič is preserved not only through his musical oeuvre but also through the accounts of his descendants and artistic depictions that highlight the broader significance of his work.
She highlighted three significant events related to her father’s work and legacy in Albania:
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May 4, 2022 – An international symposium (marking exactly 75 years since Adamič’s arrival in Albania), held at the Albanian Academy of Sciences in Tirana.
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February 8, 2024 – Prešeren Day: Presentation of the book “Composer Bojan Adamič in Albania”, held at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana.
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May 22, 2024 – A concert featuring the music of Bojan Adamič, held at the RTSH (Albanian Radio and Television) studio in Tirana, attended by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Nataša Pirc Musar, and the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bajram Begaj.
A Mosaic as Part of the Everyday Cultural Environment
Upon the handover, Blaž Brodnjak expressed his pride that the mosaic, owned by Muza Gallery, which operates within NLB, had found its place in his office. As he noted, the artwork is also admired by visitors who come to his office for meetings.
The mosaic thus transcends the role of a standalone art object; it becomes part of a space where business, cultural, and personal connections converge, serving to remind visitors of the artist who bridged the Slovenian and Albanian cultural spheres through his work.
Saimir Strati – A Master of Mosaics and Guinness World Records
Saimir Strati is a renowned Albanian artist who captivates art lovers worldwide with his originality and creativity. Using unconventional materials—such as nails, toothpicks, corks, paintbrushes, and coffee beans—he creates magnificent mosaics that combine artistic skill, patience, and extraordinary imagination.
His work has gained global recognition, including through Guinness World Records. Among his most famous creations are a portrait of Leonardo da Vinci made from approximately 400 kilograms of nails, a mosaic of a horse crafted from 1.5 million toothpicks, and the massive artwork One World, One Family, One Coffee—composed of over a million coffee beans and dedicated to the interconnectedness of five continents. In 2017, he also created a portrait of Mother Teresa using 1.5 million paperclips.
He has exhibited his artworks at numerous venues in Albania and abroad. Notable locations include the International Cultural Center in Tirana, the Sheraton Tirana Hotel, and the National Museum of Kosovo in Pristina, where his mosaic of Mother Teresa was displayed.
Through his work, Saimir Strati demonstrates that even the simplest objects can be transformed into extraordinary artistic creations that tell stories and bring people together.
The creation and presentation of the mosaic from a such a prominent Albanian artist serve as a tribute to Bojan Adamič, his creative contribution, and the enduring ties between Slovenia and Albania. The artwork will continue to preserve the memory of his legacy and the significance of cultural cooperation between the two countries.
* Photographs: Photos 1 and 2: author’s personal archive; all other photographs are sourced from the Facebook page of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tirana.
