The exhibition titled “Walking on thin lines” reflects on mental health – an issue that remains widely overlooked and yet is as pressing as ever in this complex post-Covid world. One in which we are connected more than ever but often deprived of human contact. In which challenges including wars, climate change and inequality exert great pressure on individuals. In which statistics show that one in four people will be impacted by mental health issues in the course of their lives, that suicide is the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 years, and one in which the vast majority of people with a mental condition experience stigma and discrimination.

This text should not give away how the exhibition unfolds. Except to say that in addition to artworks exploring different aspects of mental health (by artists Dijana Tomikj-Radevska, Marija Trajanovska, Luciana Ampeva, Kasiopeja Naumoska, Ema Petrova, Nikola Pijanmanov, Toni Popov, Sasho Blazheski and Trajche Chatmov, and from the Psychiatric Clinic in Demir Hisar, curated by Jasmina Kotevska), it features an interactive performance (directed by Jovan Ristovski). The performance makes mental health conditions palpable. It appeals to our empathy, but also to our honesty, courage and determination to speak out – at home and in public. As a way to start coping with the problem, to raise public awareness of mental health issues, and to help rise above the traditional prejudices that surround them.

This exhibition – the fifth in the past four years at the residence of EU Ambassador David Geer – will be open for the public until 31 May 2024. In the meantime, related workshops will take place concerning mental health issues at Europe Houses around the country.

Book a slot to visit the exhibition via Europe House’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EuropeHouseSkopje.