THE EVENT OF A THREAD - PRISTHINA EDITION
National Gallery of Kosovo
29.02. – 28.04.2024
Curated by Hana Halilaj together with Inka Gressel and Susanne Weiß
The threads we all weave and spin over the years, whether material or cultural, converge to build the broader narratives of our times. Some threads tie into knots when a story concludes, and others intertwine endlessly to create a spectrum of events and allegories. With their manifold functions, textiles are the focal point of “The Event of the Thread. Global Narratives in Textiles” exhibition that blends the visual, tangible, and ritualistic aspects of this medium.
At the National Gallery of Kosovo, this touring exhibition embarks on intricately weaving narratives from various parts of the world and initiating new dialogues in the local context. Stories are deftly woven into fabrics and sculptural textiles, emphasizing the dynamic and versatile nature of fibers.
Here, threads, described by Anni Albers as “the earlier transmitters of meaning,” transcend their fundamental roles and functions, serving as a critique of the gendered roles, socio-political issues, identity politics, and overlooked histories. While some pieces hold collective cultural significance, others delve into deeply personal narratives. Alongside the distinctive features of the works, the exhibition further examines the intersection of abstract art with textiles, illustrating how dynamic relationships among abstract art, design, and craft have shaped recurring aesthetic and sculptural forms.
In this iteration, the exhibition is to imbue new meanings into themes of body, gender, relationships, materiality, and national histories through the use of textiles. Resonating with past weaving traditions while prompting contemplation of current events, the showcased artworks reimagine and encapsulate both time and memory.
Displacement and national identity are addressed in the work “Tell Me Where I Am From?” from which this text takes its title, including nine drawings and an embroidered map by the artist Driton Selmani. A large flag with the text “Gives Us Our Stars Back” by the artist David Horvitz installed in public space further questions the political denial of identity and notion of the nation-state in relation to Kosovo. The tapestries and work patch of Gani Riza examines these themes through a diasporic viewpoint. Drawing inspiration from oral histories, he merges virile and sensitive imagery to mirror the complex interplay between harsh realities and the artist’s softer, introspective approach. Further, the newly commissioned tapestry by Valbona Zherka intricately weaves together the collective experience of displacement, reflecting the uncertainty and ordeal of the journey for survival.
The delicate embroidered fabrics by Günes Terkol, allude to the social structures that shape us by emphasizing idiosyncratic figures that when presented together become a part of the community, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal stories. Identity narratives are also explored through the silkpainted scarf in which Farija Mehmeti reconstructs distinct patterns and features inspired by the Roma community. Pondering on collective experiences, Silvi Naçi considers the duality of care, power, and protection as exercised through hands. A weaved belt presented along six photographs that capture hands alludes to the biopower of states and the dominant cultures to build a better future and a new consciousness for the under-represented and oppressed groups. Barbara Prenka merges her practice as a painter and tactile qualities inherent in textiles. The quilts presented explore the symbolic significance of blankets as a source of protection. She reflects on the personal and collective narratives, addressing social inequality and historical moments like wars, where blankets signify comfort amidst conflict and destruction. Whereas Matej Rodiqi, a pioneer of textiles in Kosovo, meticulous tapestry depicts an act of love amidst a chaotic colorful setting around them. Blerim Luzha’s work, renowned for his textile and interior design drawings, are shown in the education room. Visitors are welcomed to sit on the upholstered chairs with fabric designed by the artist, newly commissioned for the exhibition. All together, presented in dialogue with the artists from the main ifa exhibition, the works examine the threads that bind diverse perspectives and transcend our understanding of the shared human experience.
Text: Hana Halilaj, Co-Curator
Link: The National Gallery of Kosovo
National Gallery of Kosovo staff members:
Alisa Gojani Berisha – Interim Director
Hana Halilaj – Curator
Naim Spahiu – Exhibitions Coordinator
Skender Xhukolli – Exhibition Technician
Enver Bylykbashi – Photographer
Engjëll Berisha – Coordinator for International Relations
Vlora Hajrullahu – Coordinator for Education, Research, and Publications
Shkamb Jaka – Coordinator for Media and Public Relations
Mexhide Maxhuni – Finance Officer
Elsa Morina – Administration Officer
Majlinda Zogaj – Legal Officer
Xhevat Rrahmani – Exhibition Hall Attendant
Valdet Syla & Mentor Abdullahu – Security guards