kosovan pavilion: the filigree maker at venice biennale

the republic of kosovo makes their first appearance with the kosovan pavilion at the 13th international architecture exhibition in venice. used in traditional jewelery techniques, filigree is the main component used within the installation to represent the cultural revival occurring within the country. weaving the arsenale’s room with screens projecting images on the walls and floor, the web of wires hangs from the ceiling and strings together representations of past and future goals of kosovans. contributions from the country about streets, buildings and cities will give guidance to architects and urban planners. colored lights create a network of glowing strands.

strands of filigree span the room within the arsenale image © designboom (also main image)

a band wrapping the space displays a collection of messages sent from the people of kosovo and visitors to the biennale can share tweets, text messages of emails, creating a data record and common ground between the distant locations. this information may later inform decisions for legislative laws in the realm of architecture and planning, becoming inherent filigree makers.

text messages, tweets and emails are displayed within a band which wraps the room image © designboom

image © designboom

an example of metal weaving: ‘university library of prishtina’ by andrea mutnjakovic, 1982 image by fitim mucaj

concept sketch of installation by perparim rama

video courtesy of the kosovan pavilion

credits:

commissioner: bekim ramku curator: perparim rama collaborator: winy maas scientific committee: eliza hoxha, teuta jashari kajazi, valdet osmani assistants curator: agron mjekiqi, fitim mucaj, david beer, miguel fonseca, desariot ademaj, valon jashari, besjana krasniqi, alush gashi, albian gagica, D-line, with the support of: ministry of culture, youth and sports-republic of kosovo