250°C
02.12.2024 / 18:00 – 21:00h/ Galeria 17
“250°C” is a reflection on labor, migration, and society’s valuation of work. Installation created from the baking pans my father uses as a baker, preserves the grease and pastry marks left by years of use. These traces bear witness to the physical and emotional toll of manual labor, often overlooked despite its essential role in sustaining society. The title refers to the temperature at which bread is baked, symbolizing the daily grind of my father’s work. The piece also addresses the stereotype of Kosovo men working in bakeries across Europe—a narrative that shaped my upbringing. It explores how labor becomes tied to identity, particularly for migrant workers who are often reduced to simplistic labels. Gold leaf covers the traces of labor, elevating the ordinary into something valuable. Traditionally associated with wealth, gold prompts questions about what society recognizes as worthy of acknowledgment.
Kemil Bekteši (b. 1997, Belgrade) is a Bosnian/Kosovar visual artist. In his artistic practice, he often deals with topics related to identity, geopolitics, and nationality. His artistic practice employs a range of media, including performances, works in public spaces, objects, and installations, often site/time-specific.
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Pop-up Art Week 2024 is supported by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and SMART Balkans.