The contemporary art exhibition "Skin of Time" represents a unique artistic event dedicated to the subtle changes that occur both on personal and cultural levels. This project, featuring seven artists from Moscow and Belgrade, showcases a diversity of artistic approaches and media, including paintings, sculptural installations, and other forms of visual art.
The central concept of the exhibition is based on reflections about the noticeable and unnoticed changes described by Erich Maria Remarque. The artists aim to express their understanding of these changes through the lens of adaptation and perception. The works in the exhibition provoke deep contemplation about what exactly has changed in the world around us and what remains constant.
One of the key goals of the exhibition is to promote cultural convergence and mutual influence. This statement is particularly relevant for Belgrade, which has served as a cultural crossroads for centuries, where the interaction of various traditions has led to both synthesis and conflict. The exhibition emphasizes that culture cannot exist in isolation; it develops and enriches through dialogue with other cultures.
The "Skin of Time" exposition allows viewers to see how personal and collective changes are reflected in contemporary art. Artists from Belgrade and Moscow offer their unique interpretations of these changes, using various artistic techniques and materials. The paintings, sculptures, and installations presented at the exhibition act as bridges, connecting the past and present, the local and global.
The works of Marija Djuricic and Sofija Milovanović, for example, demonstrate opposing approaches to the theme of changes. Marija Djuricic, using abstract forms and textures, creates works that convey a sense of the continuous flow of time and its impact on human life. Sofija Milovanović, on the other hand, explores specific moments and places, capturing them in detailed and emotionally rich canvases.
The installations and sculptural objects by Anna Koroleva explore space and materiality, offering viewers a physical sensation of interaction with a changing environment. These works are not only visually impressive but also evoke tactile and emotional responses, which corresponds to the overall theme of the exhibition — feeling changes "in the skin".
Special attention is deserved by the work of curator Julia Shlenskaya, who also participated as an artist. Her dual role added additional depth and coherence to the exhibition. Shlenskaya, in organizing the exposition, managed to harmoniously combine diverse works, creating a unified space. As an artist, she presented video art, where each participant was asked to select video materials reflecting their unique life experiences. The resulting video art encourages viewers to explore their own emotions and life experiences, prompting them to think about the connection between psychological and physical states. Shlenskaya's work invites viewers to imagine how their emotions would look if they had a physical manifestation.
Thus, "Skin of Time" is not just an exhibition but an important cultural event that promotes a deep understanding of our place in the world. It reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the need to adapt to new conditions without losing our identity. The exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to better understand the complex processes taking place in the modern world and to see how art can become a tool for their comprehension.
This exhibition deserves attention not only for its artistic value but also for its contribution to cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between different peoples and generations. "Skin of Time" successfully fulfills its task — making viewers think about the profound and often invisible changes occurring around us.
Data: 15th of May, 2023
Autor: Art critic, specialist in contemporary art and the art market,
member of Art Critics and Art Historians Association (AICA), Anastasia Sklyankina