Bedi Ibrahim – From the Hamam`s Stories

Bedi Ibrahim – From the Hamam`s Stories

Chifte Hammam, Opening, September 3th, 2013, 8 p.m. (03-16.09.2013)

Chifte Hammam, one of the three objects of the National Gallery of Macedonia, a facility built in the mid 15th century, originally used as a bath, later adapted into a gallery, has always been to contemporary artists a challenge for exhibition, and often an inspiration for their work. Bedi Ibrahim has been inspired by this wonderful object for his project for the latest exhibition titled “From the Hammam`s Stories.” In fact, this is his penetration into in his own history and tradition, a quest for the roots. The exhibition is a continuation of his previous projects or their unification, which, during the period from his appearance on the art scene, has made a recognizable  visual expression that has gained value in Macedonia and beyond.

Bedi Ibrahim uses unconventional materials in creating his work and combines them to create ambient installations with a symbolic message. For this show too, rummaging through his memories for stories of Chifte Hammam, he creates a personal story that will be a new recount and a story for future generations,  but also an awakening of the memory and discovery of a new and previously undiscovered symbolism for those for whom this object is a part of history, as well as of the present.

With this exhibition, artist Bedi Ibrahim pays his respect to the builders (it is assumed that Chifte Hammam had been built according to the designs of one of the greatest designers from the Ottoman period – architect Mimar Sinan, or according to his school), but at the same time honors his own tradition and history.