MICHAL SIAREK //
LODZKIE,POLONIA
PROJECT: ALEXANDER
The very first thing that I saw in Skopje was the construction of a 25-meter tall figure of a warrior on horseback which, from what I later found out, was the statue Alexander the Great.
In 2010 the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia started an extensive project to revamp first the capital and then the entire country into the sense of connection with its alleged ancient roots. Alexander the Great, one of the most recognised and powerful rulers in the history was acclaimed the father of present Macedonian nation. However, modern Macedonia is a young post-Yugoslav, poorly developed country.
Greece was strongly opposing any claims of the piece of history that, they believe, is exclusively greek heritage.
Western countries constituted national states two centuries ago, therefore Macedonia becomes the laboratory of the historical process behind establishing nation-creating myths. With the capacity of the topic I decided to focus on exploring the inner conflict between visual representations, political narration, land and customs of this particular nation in relation to the ancient foundation, which is also the cultural core of the West.
Although we know the tragic destiny of the hero and the futility of his actions, surrounded by the monumental decorations made of plaster, we keep waiting for the catharsis.
