Performative exhibition in Pogradec: 9 artists in a research residency

Tirana Art Lab will open a special exhibition in Pogradec bringing together nine visual artists, ATA reports.

"Performative Exhibition #5 – Lyhnida – The Lake of Light" is a project that brings to Pogradec a one-week research residency, culminating in the production of new works of art and a public exhibition at the town's art gallery.

The project brings together artists, curators and activists: Bora Baboçi, Adela Demetja, Genc Kadriu, Denisa Kasa, Anastas Kostandini, Ledia Kostandini, Mariana Kostandini, Fabio Toska and Ilir Tsouko.

The project focuses on Lake Ohrid, the oldest natural lake in Europe (with an estimated age of around 4 million years) and one of the oldest in the world, highlighting its natural and cultural values while also addressing the threats facing this unique ecosystem. Through an innovative approach, the project combines an artist residency, the creation of new works and a public presentation to promote sustainable artistic practices and raise awareness of the need to protect this UNESCO-protected ecosystem.

The name of the project refers to Lychnidos (also written Lyhnida or Lychnida), the ancient name of the town of Ohrid, now in North Macedonia. The word Lychnidos derives from the Greek lychnos, meaning "lamp" or "light", referring to the clarity and brilliance of Lake Ohrid, on whose shore the town stands, ATA reports.

"Performative Exhibition" is a format created by Tirana Art Lab – Centre for Contemporary Art, which aims to deconstruct the exhibition format and make artistic and curatorial processes public through performance. The concept seeks to include the means and conditions of artistic production beyond the exhibition event itself, proposing new ways of exhibiting and working together.

The project will be inaugurated on 26 July and will be open to the public from 27 July to 5 August at the Pogradec Art Gallery. The project has also received the support of the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation.