Artist Review: Mila Dobrevska’s Escapism at Macedonian National Gallery “Mala Stanica”

We’re thrilled to share our thoughts on Escapism, an exceptional exhibit by rising talent Mila Dobrevska, on view at Mala Stanica, Skopje, through Sunday, December 22. This exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in Macedonian customs and the oro — a traditional round dance — as a way to escape the burdens of reality and rediscover joy in everyday life.

Mila Dobrevska’s works transform everyday customs into vivid artistic expressions, encouraging reflection on how we create moments of enchantment and escape. As Stefan Aleksandar Jovanovski notes, Escapism inspires us to rediscover joy and beauty in the rituals of daily life.

Her works celebrate tradition, while also questioning its relevance in modern-day life. In carefully layering symbols, textures, and colors, Mila captures the fluidity of identity — the interplay between past, present, and future.

Makedonka

The installation features a large-format painting in a non-conventional form, representing the body of the figure. The legs, crafted from braided recycled materials, resemble “kalci” — traditional Macedonian woolen socks. The head, also made of braided recycled textile, depicts a serene, sleeping face — a signature element in Mila’s work — portraying the Macedonian woman as a strong, yet calming presence.

“This duality celebrates her role as a pillar of culture and tradition, while reflecting the dynamic, evolving potential she embodies — renewal and connection,” says curator Stefan Aleksandar Jovanovski.

Oro

This piece comprises nine Murano glass mosaics, each portraying a unique, daydreaming face that reflects a different emotional solace.

It captures the essence of dance as a collective release of energy and emotion, where movement becomes a powerful act of liberation.

In this dynamic interplay, each individual transcends personal boundaries, interlacing with the rhythm and energy of the group. The vibrant compositions convey a shared moment of freedom and connection, bringing out the transformative power of communal expression through motio