Macedonian Icons -----

Far from people and hustle of big cities met artists from around the world.(...) International Painters Meeting took place between 3-14 July with lots of painters, sculpters attending. The only artists representing Poland in such a distinguished field was city of Świnoujście’s own Tadeusz Zielinski. While visiting Świnoujście Teresa Prokopowicz-Saurek was intrigued by the style of Mr. Zielinski’s icons. Thanks to her people of Macedonia had the opportunity to invite him to visit Macedonia. At first, Mr. Zielinski had doubts about attending. Problems with finances, unknown situation in neighbouring Kosovo were just few of them. However, thanks to stuberness of the Macedonian organisers and local authorities Mr. Zielinski went to Macedonia. Kiczewo is the closes city to the meeting. It is a city of contrast where wealth meets poverty. One side of the street with glass and steel hotels faces shanties and city venders on the other side. The most important thing about the meeting was the opportunity to meet with artists from other countries. For 14 days the ancient monastery with the surrounding areas became one big artist workshop. Mr. Zielinski for his workshop has chosen an old belfry. The surrounding fence created an aura of intimacy yet togetherness with the rest of the artists. He has painted four paintings that he has left in Macedonia. (...) In the International Painters Meet took part about 50 people. They have left in Macedonia about 200 pieces of art. Of course during evenings the artists sang and talked around a campfire. Mr. Zielinski has left some of the marketing material about Świnoujście for the other artists. They all liked the city but had a problem with pronouncing its name. The organizers of the meet send all of the artists on a couple of excursions to the surrounding cities as well as to a monastery where lots of original frescs still exist.

Macedonia is a wonderfull example of Europe and Asia meeting in one place. It’s a little exotic but strangely familiar-says Tadeusz Zielinski. The organizers were shocked by the icons that he has left for them. They were surprised thet they were painted in the Macedonian style.

Never in my life have I met such a wonderfull people-says Tadeusz Zielinski.

Aga