Dear members of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts,
Dear lovers of the art of painting and admirers of the work of Jordan Manasijeski,
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Over the past two months, three captivating exhibitions have graced the art salon of MANU. These include the Ad infinitum showcase, featuring works by esteemed fine artists who are members of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts. Additionally, there was the From the Artistic Heritage of Debar-Mijak Painters exhibition, and today, the exhibition and promotion of the monograph dedicated to Jordan Manasijeski by Professor Dr. Vladimir Velichkovski.
The monograph being presented today spans 480 pages, adorned with over 300 color reproductions. It includes bilingual critical reviews from eminent art historians hailing from Italy, the USA, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Macedonia, presented in both Macedonian and English. Professor Dr. Ivica Djeparoski, our distinguished promoter, will delve deeper into the details of this remarkable book.
We live in turbulent times, when as Petre M. Andreevski eloquently stated, ‘Macedonia is in a cauldron, and all the devils play around it.’ King Solomon’s wisdom reminds us that there are times for everything. So, what is our current time for? According to the ancient Greek view, there are three concepts of time—linear (Kronos), subjective (Kairos), and universal (Ion)—mirrored in the deities associated with them. Kronos represents the linear and the chronological, passing, transient nature of time. Kairos personifies opportunity, luck, and auspicious moments. In essence, it enables the ‘correlation between subject and situation.’ On the other hand, Aion is a deity intricately linked with time. Aion’s domain encompasses the universal circle, incorporating the zodiac, symbolizing an eternal, limitless, ritualistic, and cyclical aspect of time.
Inspired by the timeless art of the painter Jordan Manasijeski and the extraordinary monograph that is being promoted today at MANU, I would like to convey my message regarding three things related to Kronos, Kairos and Ion. Firstly, to withstand the transient nature of time, Kronos, I propose that science becomes a genuine guide for the future of Macedonia. Secondly, in order to adapt to Kairos and seize opportune moments, I suggest fostering a consensus for the survival and sustainable development of Macedonia. This consensus should be supported by relevant political entities consistently, regardless of whether they are in power or opposition. Thirdly, considering Aion and the eternity reserved for the gods, I propose that, given our small and transitory existence, our eternity finds embodiment in the artistic universe. It is within this realm that the spiritual and artistic light persists in our ‘eternal darkness,’ never losing its brilliance. Thus, while science is undoubtedly vital for our future, art remains essential, as without it, we risk fading into oblivion, and at the same time, unification is imperative for our survival.
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I extend my wishes for good health and many more creative years to the artist Jordan Manasijeski. His visions, ‘laying the foundations of new contemporary art’, will forever stand as a testament to Macedonian art.
Warm regards,
Academician Ljupcho Kocarev
President
MANU
Skopje, November 22, 2023