At the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU) Art exhibition hall, a significant event, promotion of the monograph Jordan Manasijeski authored by prof. Dr. Vladimir Velichkovski, happened today in the presence of a distinguished audience, including foreign guests and members of the diplomatic corps in Macedonia.The inaugural address was delivered by the president of MANU, Academician Ljupcho Kocarev, the promoter prof. Dr. Ivica Djeparovski, Ljupco Zhupan from Bukefal gallery, the organizer of the event, and prof. Dr. Vladimir Velichkovski, the author of the monograph.
This substantial work spans 480 hardcover pages and boasts more than 300 color reproductions, accompanied by bilingual text in Macedonian and English. It features critical reviews from various prominent art historians: Salvatore Russo – Italy, Ruthie Tucker – USA, Sanda Stanachev Bayzek – Croatia, Dragan Jovanovi? Danilov – Serbia, Bisera Valeva – Bulgaria and Macedonian critics and lovers of art Nikola Nikolovski, Zekman Rakipovski, writers Kiro Donev, Trajan Martinovski and journalist Milcho Jovanoski.
This edition serves as an epilogue to Manasijeski’s extensive artistic journey so far, documenting events from both the domestic and international art scene including promotions, exhibitions, participation in International Art Salons for modern art and received awards. A significant focus is also placed on his contribution to the world of comics, which has been a substantial part of his artistic career. The monograph also presents a glimpse into his vast portfolio showcasing a fraction of his over 2,000 creative design solutions. The preparation of the monograph lasted for more than 6 years, with technical and graphic design executed by Bobi Kjosev, while the editorial role was undertaken by Ljupcho Zhupan a longstanding advocate of Manasijeski’s work on the global stage.
In 2009, Manasijeski was honoured with the special drawing award of the Osten World Drawing Gallery. In 2010, he participated in the prestigious Big Stars of Tomorrow Salon, at the Louvre Museum in Paris, showcasing his painting Prayer for Joy, and earning a special award from the Japan Association for Contemporary Art. One of his most famous paintings Vision of Joy secured his victory with the jury at the Eighth International Biennale in Florence in 2011. That same year his painting Friends of Light was exhibited at ARTAGE in New York, as well as at the Charity Exhibition supporting children orphaned by the tsunami in Japan.
In the expressionist painting of this eminent artist, a profound sense of liberation from the constraints of reality is evident, marked by a crafted artistic manuscript. The artist’s expansive brushstrokes, evident across various motifs and settings, bear witness to his painterly depth—a testament to his intimate, internal evolution. Few painters can claim such a remarkable creative evolution in their creative endeavors. ‘Such an exhibition is a truly heroic act because he has absolutely succeeded surpassing himself’, says Prof. Dr. Vladimir Velichkovski about Manasijeski’s artistic career.
(Dalibor Stankovic , The text was published in print edition newspaper Nova Makedonia, November 22, 2023)