Michał Siarek: Alexander

Macedonia is a small country of two million inhabitants, formed after Yugoslavia dissolved. A new country needs a link, a founding myth, and what could be better than a myth of an ancient conqueror, the ruler of half of the world? The reconstruction of this myth has been the work of the state, setting up monuments made to look ancient and buildings that recall theater decor. Alexander the Great has been declared the father of the nation.

What happens when another state believes its myth has been stolen, as is the case with Greece? A crowd takes to the streets, protesting against their neighbor usurping the right to their symbols. The Greeks believe that this small Slavic nation has unlawfully appropriated their ancient hero. The dream of former glory has stoked emotions on either side of the border.

Do historical figures and symbols truly belong to a single nation? To what degree is it possible to build a national identity out of concrete and bronze?

Macedonia delves into the past of the empire, surrounded by monumental decorations. Questions concerning what is Slavic and what is Hellenic remain unresolved for the time being.

Curator: Agnieszka Rayss

Michał Siarek (1991, Białystok) is a documentary photographer and a student of the Photography Department of the Łódź Film School. Fascinated by the problems of the Balkan Peninsula, he has devoted three years to his debut essay, Alexander, focused on the myths, identity, and nationalism in one republic. He is a co-founder of Paper Beats Rock publishers.