Arben Vllasaliu is a 3D artist and motion designer from Kosovo, now based in Basel, Switzerland. He is known for his enthralling animation artworks which simultaneously hypnotize and satisfy the mind. His artwork blends aspects of expressionism, surrealism and abstraction for a fully satiating effect. Experimental in nature, Vllasaliu style breaks boundaries and is constantly transforming: Sometimes subtle and soft, other times sharp with contrast and saturation.

Vllasliu’s creations have garnered international praise and he’s done a number of collaborations with huge names such as Justin Beiber and brands like Twitter Art House, Dr. Pepper: Canada Dry and more. He’s received multiple awards including TheWebby and TheOneShow / ADC Awards.

In The News

Astronone

In Astronone, digital creator Arben Vllasaliu, aka Arben1berateme, shares a story of dreams deferred while spreading awareness of the harsh realities of mental illness, bullying and other challenges today’s youth must overcome. A personal reflection and global call to action. A tale of sadness, triumph and inspiration.

Educate children properly, empathize more, respect and love each others as they are, otherwise the world will be in the absence of astronauts and dreamers of all kinds.

In this series of mesmerizing artworks, Arben reflects on his own childhood, experiences battling bullying, stress and the effects it had on his mental well being, dreams and future self.

Since before he was even born, Arben Vllasaliu’s father, an artist, dreamt of his son one day becoming an astronaut. He visualized this fantasy through illustrations he created of his son, the astronaut flying through space. A man of manifestation, Vllasaliu’s father imagined he would name his son Arben 25 years prior to his existence.


Today, Arben’s life has taken an extreme turn away from what his father dreamt and imagined it would be. On the contrary, the hardships he faced and the tolls they took on Vllasaliu were far from his father’s dream.

What happened you may ask?

It all started when young Arben began going to school. His parents had instilled in him a strong sense of kindness, empathy and compassion – unfortunately, this was not the case for many of his peers. Arben began to be bullied by other students at the school – he later realized this was likely caused by a lack of care and education at home.

As a result of this horrible phenomenon, Arben distanced himself from students at school and also avoided classes. A deep-seated need and desire to be seen as an equal to other students made him even more rude, and as a result of this struggle, he gradually begins to embark on a path of danger and the unknown, and his trauma eventually develops into a personality disorder.


Imagine how difficult this must have been to cope with as a child. But there is a happy ending to this story: Through strong will and self care, Arben has grown enough to be able to cope with and manage his emotions in a constructive and positive way. Yet still, the harsh memories of his childhood remain crystal clear.


Through this experience, Arben has learned that verbal or physical harassment are not the most dangerous factors, rather the path in which they lead is the most terrible: Suicide, self-harm, suffering, loneliness and so on.

Thankfully, Arben was lucky enough to eventually understand and overcome these challenges. He lives a good life and is in stable condition, thanks greatly in part to the art he inherited from his family. Today he uses his art to help others overcome, understand and grow. This series illustrates his story and through it, he hopes to shine a light for those on both sides of the equation.

Bullied

Editions: One
Pricing: Accepting Offers only

*A 24 hour auction will ensue once reserve price is met

Social Pressure

Editions: One
Pricing: Accepting Offers only

*A 24 hour auction will ensue once reserve price is met

Friendless

Editions: 10
Pricing: $750/edition

* Final edition will be auctioned

Anxiety

Editions: 10
Pricing: $750/edition

* Final edition will be auctioned

Deep-Rest

Editions: 10
Pricing: $750/edition

* Final edition will be auctioned

Love

Editions: 10
Pricing: $1/edition

* Raffle entry restricted to only MakersPlace collectors with at least one artwork in their collection. Entry will be open from 3:30 PM PST to 4:30 PM PST on 9/9.

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