Intertwined

The exhibition offers a critical reflection on the role of crafts in society today, having the methodological starting point in knitting as one of the fundamental crafts. It features carefully selected practitioners, craftspeople, artists, and creatives whose work highlights the critical role of contemporary crafts in shaping a sustainable and just future. Their practices embody the values and innovations needed to rethink traditional methods while addressing present challenges.

Exhibition opens the conversation of the meaning of historical transformation, of gender, generational and utility transfer of knowledge and its role in envisioning new futures. Intentionally, the focus is placed on the meanings and possibilities that the notions of circular, sustainable and adaptability have in a locally specific context, with a wish to provide mindful translation of their meaning for the benefit of all. Unexpected forms, materials and techniques intertwine and transform what we know of crafts, heritage, and their contemporary possibilities at the crossroads of new needs, prospects, and societal demands. Transformation is understood as a necessity, with its actual path yet to be determined.

Featured works by/from:

Jovanović Atelier, Miloš Jovanović, stonemason
Miloš Jovanović’s work in masoning begins with sketching and precise delayering of marble, followed by detailed edge grinding and polishing to prevent deterioration.

Stanišić Atelier, stained glass making, restauration and installing
From sketching to kiln, Stanišić Atelier transforms glass into vivid works of art, with every piece shaped by temperature and pigment in the furnace.

Vitanov Sisters, Marina Vitanov-Jevtić and Danijela Vitanov, goldsmiths
The Vitanov sisters create one-of-a-kind jewelry using a distinctive handcraft technique, never mass-producing their designs.

Aleksandar Todorović, wool dyeing
Aleksandar Todorović is a professional conservator at the “Staro selo” open-air museum in Sirogojno, where the maintenance of buildings and objects is conducted by using traditional and old crafts as much as possible.

Mina Kaljević (Twenty Five Market), tapestry and tufting
Mina’s rug-making is a vibrant mix of tapestry needle and hand-tufting “gun” techniques, each bringing its own flair—sturdy knots or fluffy, untamed textures.

Rush Stuff – Pavle Nećakov and Maja Đurović, rush braiding
The dried rush is braided by knotting one side of the future braid to the wall or a table, while the free side is braided in one, two, three, or four thread braids.

IMGGE
Group for Eco-Biotechnology and Drug Development of the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering is focused on developing eco-sustainable processes based on microorganisms and microbial enzymes.

SOMA (White Lemur)
They create immune-supporting supplements and eco-friendly alternatives like BiosporinTM, a sustainable substitute for expanded polystyrene, using agricultural waste from mushroom cultivation.

The “Interwined” workshop
The workshop represents the joint work of two groups of young creatives, based on knitting as its methodological approach. Just as knitting can be regarded as a community-performed craft, so in the case of this workshop the very process of joint work was as important as the results we obtained. Knitting was in this case understood as a wider concept enabling the repetitiveness of intertwining forms, materials, and meanings. All prototypes were made in accordance with circular production, without applying hazardous chemical glues, while some were also based on recycling previously used materials

Squaring The Circle (From Dust to Dust We Return)
Presenting the results of the collaboration between artist James Earley and Stanišić Atelier, created during the Glass: From Heritage to Circular Economy residency. This residency highlights traditional craftsmanship while addressing the challenges facing the glass industry in the Western Balkans, with the resulting privacy screen serving as a testament to this innovative creative process.

Intertwined at Nova Iskra Website>>