Kemil Bekteši (b. 1997, Belgrade) is a Bosnian/Kosovar visual artist of Gorani origin, known for his work that engages with themes of identity, geopolitics, and nationality. His artistic practice primarily focuses on researching stereotypes, social migration, and the cultural intersections shaped by the experiences of the Kosovar diaspora. In particular, he investigates these issues through the lens of Kosovar-owned bakeries, while mapping cities he is creating intricate drawings/installations. 

Bekteši holds both a master’s degree (2021) and a bachelor’s degree (2020) from the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, where he was honored with the Golden Badge for outstanding academic achievements. In addition, he studied contemporary art at the Faculdade de Belas Artes do Porto (Portugal) during the 2018/19 academic year. His work spans a wide range of media, including objects and installations with a particular focus on site- and time-specific works.

His art reflects the cultural and political overlaps between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Kosovo — countries he has personally navigated throughout his life. Bekteši’s exploration of societal issues examines the complex relations between nations, cultures, and histories, offering a reflective perspective on regional identity through contemporary visual forms.

He has shown his work in Berlin at nGbK, exhibited throughout the Balkans, and will soon present his largest solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Kosovo (Prishtina). In 2023, Bekteši participated in the WHW Academy in Zagreb, Croatia.

Among his recent accolades, Bekteši received the 2024 ZVONO Art Award for Young Visual Artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and was a finalist for the 2022 MANGELOS Award (YVAA) in Belgrade. In addition to his artistic practice, he teaches Painting at an Art High School in Sarajevo, where he currently resides.

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