18/10/2007
A PERSONAL account of the experiences of war and conflict in Kosovo comes to the region this weekend.
Nine Kosovan artists bring their work to Stockport Art Gallery on Saturday, and the collection paints a stirring visual documentary of life inside Kosovo during the troubles. Often provocative, Fragile State: Art from Kosova articulates the artists' experiences of war, displacement, sexuality, death, peace, identity and belonging in strikingly different ways.
Ismet Jonuzi's work re-uses parts from old weapons to make gruesome sculptures that act as a reminder of the destruction caused by conflict, and a warning.
"The permanence of this new- found use of weapons struck me immediately," said Bronwen Simpson, from Stockport Art Gallery. "It is imposible for these guns to ever be used to kill, maim or destroy again."
Agim Salihu's etched faces show the scars of history, Fahredin Spahija's haunting portraits show the grief and outrage of today's Kosovans, while Rudina Xhaferi uses her own face and body as a canvas to explore personal and global perceptions.
"My artwork mainly deals with the themes that challenge the ethnic Albanians today," said Rudina, "confrontations, causes and effects, consequences, weaknesses and strengths."
Milosevic
The path to autonomy is proving to be a difficult one to tread for Kosovo - a country that has struggled to regain self control since its status was altered by former Serbian President, Slobodan Milosevic, back in 1989.
Conflicts in Kosovo between the country and its Serbian neighbours continue; thousands have died - many ethically-cleansed or lost fighting in the liberation army - while many hundreds of thousands more have been forced to run from their homes across nearby borders.
The exhibition is in support of Manchester Aid To Kosovo, a charity that began life in Urmston in 1999 and has gone on to take 1,000 tonnes of crisis aid to the Balkans and evacute and rehome refugees.
Its volunteer staff continue to work in the region to raise awareness and improve conditions for those affected by the troubles.
And the charity's efforts have gone full circle; one of the children evacuated from Kosovo is now studying art at Mancester and is sitting on the Fragile State curatorial team.
Fragile State: Art From Kosova is on at Stockport Art Gallery from Saturday, October 20 until Saturday, January 5.
Manchester Evening News
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