As the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia meet later Monday to negotiate a peace deal, a young artist in Kosovo’s capital Pristina is likely to continue receiving threats over a painting showing the two countries’ leaders kissing .
Ermira Murati’s 3-metre-tall painting shows Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic embracing, kissing on the lips with their eyes closed.
“I see their relationship as a performance … and both peoples, Kosovo and Serbia, we are watching the same show,” Murati, known as the Orange Girl, told Reuters as she presented her painting, which shows the two men in black dress against bright orange background.
“Despite how deep the chaotic relations between Kosovo and Serbia run, I think our young people love peace more than anything else.”
Kurti and Vucic are due to meet in Brussels later on Monday, where they are expected to approve a Western-backed deal to normalize relations and end decades of hostility.
If they fail to reach an agreement, they will face international isolation and less financial aid from the European Union and the United States.
“History records the kisses of moments of pain and farewell. But history also reminds us of brotherly kisses and even betrayal. Is he one of them?” Murati wrote on his social media accounts as he unveiled the painting on Feb. 17, when Kosovo celebrated its 15th year of independence from Serbia.
Thousands of people posted comments on social media about Murati’s painting, most using hate speech and some even issuing death threats.
“You deserve a bullet,” said one user.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade has never recognized the status of its former breakaway province and still considers it part of its territory.
Source: Terra
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