ARTIST EXPLORING SPIRITUAL DUALITY THROUGH SYMBOLIC NARRATIVES: MEET ANGELKA BASHESKA

Angelka Basheska is a Macedonian contemporary artist whose practice is deeply rooted in spiritual inquiry, symbolism, and the eternal dialogue between good and evil. Born into a literary and cosmopolitan family, her creative sensibility was shaped early through exposure to poetry, theater, and intellectual discourse. Trained in costumes and textiles, with a strong foundation in painting, sculpture, and historical costume studies, Angelka’s work unfolds as layered visual narratives that transcend time, bridging past, present, and future. Her art serves as a conscious, meditative expression of faith, love, and moral struggle, inviting viewers into a space of introspection where symbolism, color, and form become vessels of spiritual truth.

Interview Questionnaire:

Who are you?  I'm Angelka Basheska, an artist from Macedonia. I was born in 1970 in the family of a father who was a great poet, writer and world traveler. I have been endowed since birth with a refined artistic experience and expression, a constant visitor to the theater, the promotions of literary works. Beautiful expression and writing took me to the waters of radio, where I was a columnist and host for several years. I am the mother of a beautiful daughter who was brought up in the same cosmopolitan spirit and a lover of art and writing.

How would you describe your artwork?  What led you to pursue a career in art? I describe my works as the voice of the spirit within me, striving to reveal itself through me to those open to receiving its selfless and thoughtful energy. These are multi-layered stories that span the past, present, and future, unwavering in their focus on the absolute force that drives our existence: the love known as Jesus Christ. My journey into the art world began in my early years, sparking my decision to enroll in an art-focused high school. My chosen path led me to the Department of Costumes and Textiles https://lazarlicenoski.mk in Skopje, Macedonia, where my education included not only painting techniques, but also sculpture, drawing and a comprehensive study of historical costumes. This trip illuminated the ways in which art seamlessly intertwines with clothing, allowing me to tap into self-expression. Through the intricate crafts of tapestry and weaving, I discovered the transformative power of art, which has the capacity to enhance every aspect of life.

What themes or concepts inspire your artwork the most? The fierce and constant struggle between good and evil, both in the world and the ether, is the central theme of my life. My challenge is to expose the lies that have ensnared humanity since its creation, even in a time when we believe almost everything has been discovered. Within this struggle, I always emphasize the triumph of good over evil, acknowledging love as the ultimate victor in all conflicts, including the struggle for our soul.

Could you walk us through your creative process, from ideation to execution? Of course. I always begin with an initial idea that appears to me as a clear story waiting to be told. Most of the time, I don't immediately start working on it. Instead, I let it sit for a few days, allowing the idea to mature within me, along with the tonal scale and boundaries within which it will be expressed. During this period, I turn my attention away from painting until I reach what I call "the unbearable of existence," a moment when I must pick up the canvas and start painting. Throughout the process, I take breaks, sometimes for several days, to research, read, and delve into the topic of interest. Occasionally, the story veers in a completely different direction from the initial idea, but one thing remains constant: the story is never the random outcome of a thoughtless movement of the hand and brush. It is a conscious narrative told through colors, with careful attention to symbols and the symbolism of color and form.

Who are some artists or movements that have influenced your work? Under the mentorship of our professors, who are top artists known throughout Europe and each with their own distinctive style, we were guided to build a personal treasury of good taste by viewing and studying the works of artists from around the world. Naturally, some artists unconsciously shaped our sense of beauty, while others did the opposite. However, the fundamental direction set by our mentors, which I continue to follow today, is maintaining a constant connection with myself. This ensures that my painting and expression are not mere copies of others. It is futile to know all the painters of the world if you do not know yourself; you are here to leave your unique imprint on the soul, not to merely excel in someone else's taste and thinking.

Of course, I have influences, and a knowledgeable art historian or connoisseur of styles would likely be able to discern them in my work, which would be a great pleasure for me. To give you precise information and to pay tribute to my favorite teachers, Žarko Jakimovski visit the link https://hart.mk/en/product-category/holy-art-en/painting/zarko-jakimovski/ , then Dimitar Manev, https://www.facebook.com/dinitarmanev

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey? Certainly! I have been honored to receive recognition as an artist and have been awarded certificates of artistic achievement in both 2022 and 2023 by The Pinacothèque, a private museum in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Its president and founder, Hervé Lancelin, is among the most influential art collectors in Europe. https://www.luxembourgartprize.com/en/pinacotheque-en/

What projects are you working on currently? And what is your dream project? After finishing my first solo exhibition in the culture center in my city Prilep, Macedonia, I started preparing the second exhibition, which I wanted to be well thought out. In the meantime, I had a break in my work due to health reasons, and I moved to Dubai, where I continued to work. So, apart from continuously working on my solo exhibition, I participate in several international exhibitions and art competitions in Dubai and abroad, which of course I will announce precisely when the time comes. And my dream project... may it remain an open desire that will mature and grow along with my maturity as a human being and an artist to the glory of God who created me and blessed me with the gift.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their journey?  For budding artists embarking on their journey, I would advise them first and foremost to be deeply honest with themselves. This means acknowledging that the desire to become an artist should stem from a genuine calling, a deeply personal and existential need of the soul, rather than simply following a trend or seeking the glamorous side of being an artist. Secondly, before making any firm decisions, they should seek guidance from established artists, learning about their life paths and the challenges they faced along the way. Thirdly, mastering the art of drawing is crucial; it serves as the fundamental tool without which one's artistic expression may lack the necessary freedom to convey personal insights and inner explorations effectively.

The artistic journey is not just about studying the artistic traditions and values of the world; it's also about discovering, embracing, and cherishing personal diversity. Through painting and creating, artists grow, mature, and evolve into better individuals and artists, all while being fully aware that challenges and struggles are an integral part of their artistic lives, needing to be managed and overcome at every step of the way.

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