Josef Kote

Trained in art in Albania, Joseph Kote relocated to Greece to further pursue his artistic endeavors. Finally he crossed the Atlantic to live in Toronto and now resides in New York leaving his impressionable mark upon the art world everywhere he has lived. He has an abstract expressive style rendered almost entirely with the strokes of a broad paintbrush that bring to life a beautiful balance of uniquely muted tones and warm brilliant highlights. Find more about him below or on our website: www.hansongalleryfineart.com.

Summertime II

In 1964, a star was born. In the scenic port town of Vlore, Albania, modern master Josef Kote emerged eager to share his unique vision with the world. Kote began a journey towards artistic self-discovery in his youth and never looked back. Discovering his artistic talent at the tender age of 14, Kote entered a competition to secure a spot at a prestigious art school. He was subsequently accepted into ''The National Lyceum of Arts” in Tirana, where he began in earnest to pursue his traditional European Art school education. He studied there for four years.

Desperate to turn his passion into a viable career, and knowing the importance of further training, Kote decided to take his talent to university. He entered another competition and was again awarded entry, this time at the “Academy of Fine Arts of Tirana.” In 1988, Kote graduated from the Academy, receiving his Diploma in Painting and Scenography. The same year, Kote also produced a small but well-received animated film entitled “lisi.”

In 1990, he relocated to Greece and began working as a freelance visual artist. In this new environment, Kote’s style evolved and flourished. During the decade he resided in Greece, Kote was acknowledged by numerous prestigious artists, as well as public and private collectors. His elevated status in the art world led to many great commissions. In the year 2000, for example, Kote was commissioned by the Greek community of Toronto to paint the likeness of the visiting President of Greece, Konstantinos Stephanopoulos. 

Always looking to widen his scope, Kote moved to Toronto immediately following the infamous Stephanopoulos commission. Toronto proved an easy transition for the artist. Not one to wait for good fortune to fall in his lap, Kote took to the streets right away, marching into Toronto’s top galleries.
For the next ten years, Kote continued to garner critical acclaim. The artist saw his dream develop before his very eyes; the fruits of decades of labor fully realized. In 2009, he began his most recent artistic and spiritual journey, and for the third time, completely uprooted himself. He landed in The Big Apple, one of the greatest hubs for cultural and artist expression there is. 

Today, Kote still resides and paints in New York City. But who knows what beautiful permutations the future holds for one of modern art’s greatest voices.


For questions or more information please email us info@hansongalleryfineart.com or call us at (415) 332-1815.