The Art of Breaking Borders

As an art enthusiast, I had the privilege of visiting the "A Place Without Walls" exhibition at The National Gallery of Kosovo in Prishtina recently. "A Place Without Walls" represents a space where people can come together, share their stories, and form connections with one another, regardless of their backgrounds or experiences. Which turned out to be an extraordinarily thought-provoking and mind-opening experience, featuring contemporary works from both local and international artists. In this blog post, I am excited to share my experience of this remarkable exhibition.

The exhibition presented a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and installations, each exploring the theme of borders and their impact on our world. I was struck by the diverse approaches that artists had taken on this subject, utilizing different mediums and techniques to convey their messages.

One artwork, in particular, caught my eye – a sculpture of a ladder entirely made of a gray rubber material. The sculpture extended from the attic to the second floor and the railings, all the way down to the first floor. The moment I set my eyes on it, I felt a strong connection to it as it powerfully represents the pain of leaving one's homeland for a better life. The solution may appear to be right in front of you, but taking the steps can still be challenging, as they can be slippery and feel insecure, just like the rubber ladder.

Another striking piece was a series of photographs that showcased the objects people had left behind when they fled their country. The photographs were in black and white and featured expensive items like motorcycles. This highlighted how in desperate times, people leave everything behind in search of survival.

 

The last artwork I would like to mention in my blog is an installation video by a French artist that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of foreigners in Paris. The video depicts a man who is foreign jogging in the streets of Paris. The simple act of jogging in the video highlights the idea of physical freedom and mobility, which contrasts with the concept of walls and boundaries that restrict movement even in a city as diverse as Paris. Perhaps the jogger's presence in the video underscores the challenges that foreigners face when trying to navigate unfamiliar environments or emphasizes the importance of physical activity and movement in maintaining a sense of well-being and connection to one's surroundings.

Picture taken by Gresa Gashi

Throughout the exhibition, I was struck by the theme of borders and the various ways they can impact our lives, ranging from physical barriers that separate communities to the psychological walls that we build around ourselves. Overall, my visit to the "A Place Without Walls" exhibition was a powerful and moving experience. It made me realize the importance of exploring borders and boundaries, not only in the physical sense but also in our personal lives. The exhibition highlighted how we can break down these walls and come together as a community, embracing our differences and celebrating our similarities.

                                                                     Sumeja Xhema