Si Okarina e Runikut, 2026

Si Okarina e Runikut, 2026, Brass, clay, resin, pigments, stone, 290 × 10 × 65 cm

Si Okarina e Runikut is a brass sculpture composed of delicate, bird-like legs that cradle stone and clay ocarinas. The work continues Petrit Halilaj’s ongoing exploration of the ocarina’s history—an instrument whose Neolithic origins trace back to his home region of Runik.

Halilaj first introduced the ocarina into his practice in 2015 with his exhibition Slip of the Tongue at Punta della Dogana. To construct these instruments, he learned traditional artisan techniques from Shaqir Hoti, one of the last Kosovar musicians dedicated to preserving this craft.