Through the Lens of Makedonida

29.5.2025 | Museum of City of Skopje

Photography Exhibition “Through the Lens of Makedonida”
Organizer: Gordana Velkov, Art Historian – Association “Makedonida”
Expert Collaborator: M.A. Vladimir Tanevski, Art Historian
Photographer: Dr. Misko Tutkovski, Archaeologist
Museum of the City of Skopje, May 29 (Thursday), 8:00 PM
The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The exhibition “Through the Lens of Makedonida” presents photographs from the archive of the Association “Makedonida,” created for the books: Seven Mediaeval Churches in the Republic of Macedonia, Seven Churches in the Regions of Pelagonia, Mariovo, and Prespa, and Seven Churches in Ohrid. The significant cultural heritage that Macedonia possesses is the result of centuries of intersection between various civilizations. Naturally, the care for and promotion of Macedonian cultural heritage is our commitment for today and the future. In terms of artistic quality in visual production, the medieval period is the richest. The exhibition showcases the development of Christian iconography, artistic expressions, stylistic features, and the skill and dedication of icon painters (zographs) from the 11th century to the beginning of the 19th century. The evolution of fresco painting is presented through the most significant fresco ensembles—from the cathedral church of the Archbishopric of Ohrid, Saint Sophia, to the Monastery of Saint Naum on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Each photograph of the churches speaks to the living history and spirituality embedded in the walls of these sacred places. This visual scene, which belongs to Christian art, marks the beginning and testifies to the continuity of Macedonian art. The unique churches and monasteries, which still function as spiritual sanctuaries of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archbishopric of Ohrid, are woven into the Macedonian identity.