Art Installation "Skin" by Maja Kirovska: A Translucent Homage to Growth

Iron A' Design Award Winner Maja Kirovska's Ethereal Sculptures

Maja Kirovska's art installation, "Skin," presents a trio of human-sized figures that evoke a sense of both absence and presence. Crafted from the delicate skeletons of tree leaves, these sculptures capture the eye with their transparent, costume-like forms. The installation, which garnered the Iron A' Design Award in 2024, is a testament to Kirovska's innovative approach to material and form. The figures, devoid of limbs and heads, are reminiscent of ancient sculptures while simultaneously suggesting the discarded skin of a snake—a symbol of growth and transformation.

The uniqueness of "Skin" lies in its use of natural materials to create an ethereal experience. The leaf skeletons, typically serving as the circulatory system for leaves, are repurposed to accentuate human anatomy. The installation's three-dimensional net-structure is held together by a transparent fast-drying glue, allowing the sculptures to maintain their shape while appearing to float in space. The result is a visual dialogue on the human form, its impermanence, and its capacity for change.

Realized through a meticulous process of material testing and prototype development, Kirovska's work challenges the conventional boundaries of sculpture. The technical specifications of the three pieces—ranging in size from 140cm to 165cm in height—underscore the human scale of the installation. The sculptures are suspended at the height of an average person, creating an immersive experience that invites viewers to contemplate their own physicality in relation to the artwork.

Displayed at the thematic exhibition "Regeneration" alongside fellow Macedonian artists Ana Ivanovska and Hristina Zafirovska, "Skin" resonated with audiences at the Youth Cultural Centre in Skopje. The installation's dynamic nature, with figures that sway gently with air currents, echoes the theme of the exhibition, emphasizing the continuous cycle of growth and renewal.

Kirovska's "Skin" not only reflects her artistic vision but also her dedication to exploring new techniques in art-making. The installation's success at the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award is a recognition of her ability to create meaningful, innovative work that pushes the boundaries of traditional sculpture and engages viewers in profound ways.

In conclusion, Maja Kirovska's "Skin" is a powerful representation of the human condition, encapsulating themes of vulnerability, transformation, and resilience. The installation invites reflection on the nature of our existence and the beauty inherent in the process of change. As an award-winning piece, it stands as a significant contribution to contemporary art, demonstrating the potential of natural materials to convey complex, universal concepts.