expression experiment expansion
expression experiment expansion
expression experiment expansion
expression experiment expansion
The ECHO CURVE project involves three collaborating organizations - Association of Artists "Project EXP" (Novi Sad), Association for Artistic Research and Curatorial Practices "Press to
Exit Project Space" (Skopje), and ACC "Attack" (Zagreb). It is supported by the Swiss
government, through the project "Culture for Democracy", implemented by the Heartefact
Foundation.
In the context of physics, and precisely when measuring radar level meters, the "echo curve" is a graphical representation of the signal received by the radar antenna as it interacts with the surface of the measured medium. When translated into what it can mean to young artists trying to connect and find a way to address the signals received from their immediate surroundings and the world at large, it is a specific and very abstract proposition.
So, how do young artists measure the world and convey messages through their art? How do they interact both among themselves and with the audience? How do they utilize feedback to further shape their artistic practices? The regional project ECHO CURVE aimed to initiate these questions, inviting artists from Novi Sad, Zagreb, and Skopje to explore and open up discussions on the potential of communication in art through their works.
In the context of physics, and precisely when measuring radar level meters, the "echo curve" is a graphical representation of the signal received by the radar antenna as it interacts with the surface of the measured medium. When translated into what it can mean to young artists trying to connect and find a way to address the signals received from their immediate surroundings and the world at large, it is a specific and very abstract proposition.
So, how do young artists measure the world and convey messages through their art? How do they interact both among themselves and with the audience? How do they utilize feedback to further shape their artistic practices? The regional project ECHO CURVE aimed to initiate these questions, inviting artists from Novi Sad, Zagreb, and Skopje to explore and open up discussions on the potential of communication in art through their works.
The project brings together nine emerging artists, each under 30 years of age, from three regional cities. These young creators - Manuela Pauk, Ivan Stanić, and Stela Mikulin from Zagreb; Jovan Josifovski, Hristijan Nashulovski, and Igor Tanevski from Skopje; and Mirjana Milovanović, Natalija Ranković, and Una Tomašević from Novi Sad - work across diverse media, including performance, video art, sculpture, digital art, and photography.
The thematic diversity of the artworks that participants have developed within the ECHO CURVE project encompasses a wide range of contemporary topics - socio-political issues, queer art, media influence, environmental concerns, and reflections on the status of artists in today's society. In this way, the project supports freedom of expression and creates a safe space for artistic dialogue on various relevant themes.
ZAGREB - JUNE
During their stay in Zagreb in the second half of June, the participants had the opportunity to meet in person for the first time and present their artistic practices and ideas for the ECHO CURVE project. The activities took place at the Autonomous Cultural Center "Attack!". During the mentoring sessions, mentor Yane Calovski worked with participants on developing their ideas and proposed works, facilitating group discussions that were crucial for their further artistic process. In addition to an inspiring lecture by curator Sabina Sabolović from the "WHW" collective, participants visited key cultural and artistic venues in Zagreb, including the independent cultural center "Pogon" and the "KUĆĆA" collective. These visits offered valuable insights into Zagreb’s independent cultural and artistic scene, enabling participants to explore the work and challenges faced by local artists, curators, and cultural professionals.
At the beginning of the ECHO CURVE project in Zagreb, we took the opportunity to interview our talented participants, discussing their expectations for the project, their visions for the works they aim to create, as well as the challenges they face as emerging artists in the region. They also reflected on the significance of connection, collaboration, and opportunities for informal education as tools for both artistic and personal growth.
SKOPJE - JULY
In the second half of July, participants and members of the partner organizations reconvened in Skopje, with the majority of activities hosted at the Cultural Center "Jadro." Participants had the opportunity to showcase the progress they had made since their last meeting in Zagreb. In addition to individual mentoring sessions and consultations with mentor Yane Calovski, group discussions were held, offering invaluable support in refining and finalizing their artistic concepts.
The program also included visits to prominent cultural and artistic venues in Skopje, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, where curator Bojana Šemova led a guided tour, and the independent publishing house "Private Print," introduced by one of its founders, Marija Hristova. These visits provided participants with meaningful insights into Skopje’s vibrant artistic scene. An open lecture by artist Hristina Ivanoska on artistic creation methodologies further enriched the participants’ perspectives and offered inspiration for the continued development of their works.
NOVI SAD - OCTOBER
In the final week of October, all project participants and representatives of the partner organizations gathered in Novi Sad for the closing exhibition of the completed artistic works. Jovanka Popova, the chief curator of the exhibition, also traveled to Novi Sad for the occasion.
The official opening took place on Wednesday, October 30, offering visitors the opportunity to view the exhibition at the Association of Collective Artistic Practice (SKUP), as well as enjoy a performance and the film premiere at the gallery space of Atelier 61 in the Creative District. The exhibition ran for a total of four days, concluding on Saturday, November 2, with a guided tour.
The ECHO CURVE project is supported by the Swiss Government as part of the “Culture for Democracy” project,
implemented by the Heartefact Foundation.
implemented by the Heartefact Foundation.