"Young European Heritage Makers" – An Artistic Journey at the National Gallery Chifte Hamam, Skopje

Awarded
Pays
North Macedonia
Année
2024
Mentor
Ineka Mosterman
(OOU ,,Kiro Gligorov" - Skopje)
Participants
Teodor
Martina
Maarko
Darin
Kalina
Eva
Hana
Nina
Boris
Lana
Nikolaj
Daniel
Jelena
Filip
Nikola
Jovan
Alfred
David
Konstantin
Uma
Marko
Karolina
Bistra
Mihaela
Damjan
Kalin
Ema
Ljubica
Matej
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Vue d'ensemble

We are enthusiastic 4th grade pupils from OOU "Kiro Gligorov"-Skopje, N. Macedonia, explored and contributed to the rich tapestry of local heritage. This year’s theme inspired us to engage deeply with our cultural heritage, not just as passive observers, but as active participants in the preservation and celebration of the art, history, and traditions that make our region unique. Our chosen location for this remarkable journey was the National Gallery Chifte Hamam, an iconic heritage site situated in the heart of Skopje’s Old Bazaar. Chifte Hamam, a historic Ottoman-era bathhouse, is not only an architectural gem but also a cultural and artistic hub, making it the perfect setting for our exploration of the theme. Its walls, steeped in centuries of history, have stood as silent witnesses to the stories of time. The building is now a vibrant gallery, housing contemporary art exhibitions, and acting as a bridge between past and present, a symbol of our collective memory. Our visit began with an immersive art workshop led by the celebrated artist Ibrahim Bedi, whose unique artistic vision draw from both traditional and contemporary influences. His exhibit, which showcased a fusion of styles and mediums, served as the inspiration for our pupils. We explored various artistic techniques, translating the beauty of the Chifte Hamam’s history and our personal connections to their heritage into our own creative expressions. We crafted an individual art piece that reflected our own interpretation of the heritage around us. The result was a collection of vibrant, diverse artworks, each telling a different story, yet all united by a shared connection to the place and its significance. As culmination, our artworks were showcased in the gallery alongside Bedi’s own pieces, creating an unexpected yet beautiful fusion of past and future. This integration of our creations with the professional exhibition was not only a celebration of young talent but also a statement about the continuity. We gained a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural heritage, realizing that we are not just passive observers of history, but active participants in its continuation. Simply our creative contributions to the cultural landscape were as valuable as those of the great artists. The walls became, in a sense, a canvas for both the past and the future. We delve deeper in to the history through an interactive dramatization performance. We worked together to research the origins of the building, its function during the Ottoman period, and its transformation into a gallery. Using this historical context, they developed a short performance that brought the space to life. The performance took place within the gallery itself, where the acoustics and atmosphere added an extra layer of depth to the experience. As we acted, we brought the walls to life, embodying the history that has been stored within them for centuries. A particularly magical moment of our experience was the music collaboration with visiting student musicians from Holland. Using the musical notes we learned that music can amplify the emotional and cultural connection. Together we performed a beautiful piano piece that echoed through the gallery’s vast halls. It was a form of dialogue, transcending national boundaries and cultures, and linking our shared European heritage through the universal language of sound. This centuries-old walls, became a resonating space where history, art, drama, and music converged, bringing new meanings to old traditions. Our activities were not merely about honoring the past; they were about ensuring that the heritage we cherish today will continue to inspire future generations. Through art, performance, and music, we demonstrated that cultural heritage is not a static relic, but a living, breathing part of our daily lives, constantly evolving and growing. The Chifte Hamam, in all its beauty and mystery, stood as a metaphor for continuity. In our final reflections, we shared our belief that heritage is not just a gift from the past but a responsibility for the future. The Chifte Hamam is not just a museum or gallery—it is a symbol of the creative potential we all carry within us. The art created in its halls, the performances staged within its walls, and the music played among its echoes all serve as a reminder that we, as young Europeans, are not just inheritors of heritage, but also its creators and protectors. Through our actions, we are shaping the future of our shared European legacy, ensuring that the heritage of today will continue to inspire for generations to come. In this way, we have become true "Young European Heritage Makers," not only preserving the past but contributing to its ongoing story. The Chifte Hamam, the secret keeper of time, now holds within it the vibrant creativity and hope of the future, making it a place where both history and dreams are cherished.