Josef Kote

The paintings of J. Kote are symphonies of light and color. Not only are they stunning and romantic, but they are also edgy and current. Through years of experimenting to find his own unique style, Kote achieves this delicate balance of seemingly contradictory qualities through his complete mastery in technique. With the lightness of a true master’s hand, he blends classic academic and abstract elements, fusing these and letting them run into each other with full of riveting colors and light.

Kote’s trademarks are his bold brushwork and sweeping strokes of vibrant colors applied with a pallet knife. At the same time, other areas of the canvas are left monochromatic and devoid of detail creating a negative space that lets the eye drift. The results are paintings that tremble in stillness with energy and light.

Shattering Boundaries

Influenced by many places where he lived, Albanian born Kote began his journey towards artistic self-discovery in his youth. By the age of 13, he had made up his mind to become an artist and devote his life to the arts. In turn, he focused on getting into the finest art high school of his native Albania.

In 1984, Kote attended the ‘’Academy of Fine Arts’’ of Tirana, where he learned the traditional methods of the old masters. Yet even as a student, he wanted to break loose of the limitations. For example, he wanted to experiment and grow, sometimes leave paintings seemingly unfinished, shattering the rules of classic realism.

Finally, in 1988 Kote graduated with a diploma in painting and scenography. Thankfully, the years of practice and his art education prepared the young artist to pursue his life’s quest of living and breathing art. Undoubtedly, his lifelong journey to find his style had just begun.

Professional Career

Kote began his professional career as a scenographer at the Petro Marko Theatre in Vlore. Then, in late 90-s the artist decided to travel to Greece, where the warmth of the Mediterranean sun and brilliant light infused his paintings in tone and style. Ultimately, lending them a more impressionistic air.

After a very successful ten years in Greece, Kote he moved to Toronto. Already a renowned artist, Kote began to gain recognition for his snow scenes. For example, his color and style moved toward a more expressionistic feel. Furthermore, the paintings from this period are a clear indication of the continual development of Kote’s style. In turn, revealing his fluidity and growth as an artist. Thanks to a host of collectors worldwide, Kote saw his dream and years of labor come to fruition. However, this only made him strive for higher goals.

Notably, Kote’s colors grow bolder each year. In essence, this highly prolific painter is never satisfied, always seeking, always experimenting, and always growing.

Certainly, one thing holds for all of Kote’s paintings: they capture shimmering moments in time and space. In turn, light, energy, and love fill each subject he chooses to portray. In sum, Art Leaders Gallery is happy to represent Josef Kote and his stunning works of art.