East meets West

This  months cover by K.K.W,
with layout by Aleksandar Ares. 

Inside the project ['East meets West']. By K.K.W

In the course of history, cultural exchange has always lead to manifestations 

of new ideas, innovations, vibrant creativity, and eventually greater understanding between those involved. With all the technology and improvements in the world, there is still so
much we don't know about the impact and influence we have on each other. Often enough that gulf separating us is, in-fact, an invitation to cross it via the bridge we cannot see, but slowly begin to feel.  

Kenzo Tange Architecture team.
It was their plan that won the open competition 
for the rebuilding of Skopje,
after the earthquake of July 1963.   

Its an historical fact that Western civilization has generally been at odds with Eastern civilization. And yet the various ways in which the two connect, interact and influence one another is at times, amazing.

Even more amazing is how little many people know of this, on both sides, depending on which part of Eastern civilization you consider. For me, I've always been interested in history as much as art. Maps fascinated me, and I wondered about Eastern Europe a great deal.    

John Coltrane by Natalia Kiceec.
She is an artist from The Republic of Macedonia. 

Its obvious that Western civilization [The U.S, UK, Western Europe] has impacted Eastern Europe [& elsewhere] in many ways, creating social and cultural influences. However, a distinct lack of contemporary cultural influence and exchange, from Eastern Europe [especially South Eastern Europe] is quite plain and clear.

Skj_c.i#6 [reflection
in a puddle of water, after the rain. Skopje, city center.
Spliced with and image from "Blade-Runner"].
By K.K.W

Skj_c.i#30 [worn posters of Prime Minister Gruevski.
One vandalized with a Hitler mustache. A torn street-art
poster from NYC & H&M video-screen ad].
by K.K.W

And, after twice traveling to The Republic of Macedonia, I've seen the marks & signs of free-market consumerism and the embracing of Western pop-culture adoration. And yet there's a serious yearning to introduce their art & culture to the West.

Ad for the HBO series "Girls", seen from a city bus
. Photo by K.K.W

Western couple on a vintage poster for Turkish cigarette's. 

British Soldier with little boy, after
the 2001 insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia 

East meets West is an attempt to creatively explore the connecting points, exchange ideas, and increase understanding between people in both hemispheres, and promote greater cultural balance and exchange.  It will also try to highlight the juxtaposition, and at times the severe imbalance of cultural & economic exchange between both areas. The exhibition will be curated by Kerwin Williamson, with artists from The Republic of Macedonia, and take place there at the youth cultural center in Skopje. The date of the opening will be October 3rd 2015. 

If you would like to know more, go to:www.facebook.com/pages/East-meets-West/1570273436587392?ref=bookmarks. And to see more of K.K.W's artwork, go to:www.fotoblur.com/people/kerwin 'Art is the reason, art is the way'