Review of the Opening of the Art Exhibition “Golden and Woolen Gaitania with Twisted Golden Cords”

The opening of the group art exhibition “Golden and Woolen Gaitania with Twisted Golden Cords”, curated by archaeologist and art historian Iris Kritikou, was held with great success and a warm public response on Friday, February 13, 2026, in the exhibition spaces of the permanent collection of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.

Starting from authentic Macedonian traditional costumes, jewelry, folkloric objects, and historical heirlooms from the collections of the Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA), 39 contemporary visual artists engage in dialogue and reinterpret Macedonian history and tradition, “not as something static or museum-bound, but as a living source of inspiration,” as noted in her address by IMMA Director, philologist and museologist Athena Pavlidou.

She also referred to IMMA’s multifaceted programming, which systematically serves the study, documentation, and dissemination of the modern history and cultural heritage of Macedonia as living material for dialogue with the present and the future, consciously investing in the design of contemporary visual art exhibitions.

The Director of the Center for Research on Macedonian History and Documentation of IMMA and Professor at the University of Macedonia, Stavroula Mavrogeni—who was also inspired to create the exhibition’s title as a variation of a traditional folk song—spoke enthusiastically about her acquaintance and creative collaboration between the Foundation and Iris Kritikou, as well as with the outstanding artists who offer a fresh perspective on the Museum’s rich collection, extending her warm thanks to all.

Visibly moved, the exhibition’s curator, Iris Kritikou, shared with the audience the birth of the exhibition’s idea nearly six months ago, emphasizing the historical and artistic value of curating visual exhibitions that reinterpret History. She highlighted the impressive result of the organic harmonization between the Museum’s historic space and the artists’ inspiration, with whom she shares long-standing collaboration and trust, placing from the outset the core of her approach in the concept of diachrony—as lived experience and as a scholarly stance.

She then guided attendees through the exhibition space, offering them the opportunity to meaningfully experience the content and references of the works. The dialogue that developed confirmed the exhibition’s dynamic impact and its significance as a cultural event for the city.

The event brought together representatives of the artistic and academic community, people of letters and the arts, as well as a large number of art enthusiasts who honored the exhibition’s opening with their presence.

Participating Artists

Christina Athanasoula-Mantzavinou, Eirini Arabatzidou, Lela Arvaniti, Ariadni Vitastali, Mary Galani-Kritikou, Tania Dimitrakopoulou, Maria Diakodimitriou, Ismini Douzeni, Christina Douzeni, Eirini Zaimi, Katerina Kalitsounaki, Despoina Kalliga, Vaso Kaloudioti, Georgia Karakousi, Vasilis Kilitslis, Anastasios Madamopoulos, Varvara Maltezou, Lydia Margaroni, Minas Mavrikakis, Giotis Balodimos, Manos Batzolis, Rouli Boua, Aleka Myrilla, Dionysia Papadopoulou, Marietta Papacheimona, Vangelis Polyzos, Michalis Sakalis, Katerina Sarafi, Ifigeneia Sdoukous, Zoe Sekleizioti, Eleni Siousti, Chrysa Skordaki, Katerina Stathatou, Marina Stellatou, Konstantina Tzavidopoulou, Zefi Tiftiktsoglou, Nikos Triantafyllou, Klairi Tsalouchidi-Hatzimina, Argyris Hatzimallis.

Exhibition Information

Duration: February 13 – March 13, 2026
Organized by: Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA)
Curator: Iris Kritikou, Archaeologist–Art Historian
Coordination: Athena Pavlidou, Philologist–Museologist, Director of IMMA
Admission: Included in the Museum’s general admission ticket