Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, is exhibiting a bronze sculpture titled *Untitled (2026)* at Art Basel's Parcours public art section. The work, placed at the end of Clarastrasse overlooking the Rhine, was created from drawings made at Albania's seat of government. Rama, who is represented by Société gallery in Berlin and Marian Goodman Gallery, also has a concurrent solo show at Société titled *Chrysalizing* (until 27 June), featuring a series of new bronze sculptures. Trained at Tirana's Academy of Fine Arts, Rama has exhibited at the Centre Pompidou and the Venice Biennale, and continues to make art while serving his fourth term as prime minister.
This matters because it highlights the unusual intersection of high-level politics and the contemporary art world, with a sitting head of state participating in one of the most prestigious international art fairs. Rama's presence at Art Basel raises questions about the separation of political power and cultural influence, especially given his controversial tenure marked by corruption scandals. It also underscores how the art market increasingly embraces figures from outside traditional artistic backgrounds, blurring boundaries between governance, celebrity, and artistic production.