Free Flight – Maga Magazinović – Through Temporal and Spatial Dispersion (March 7–31) is a transmedia project focusing on the life and work of Maga Magazinović (1882–1968), a reformer, dance theorist, philosopher, activist, feminist, choreographer, and founder of the School of Rhythmics and Plastics.
In the first half of the 20th century, in patriarchal Serbia, Maga fought against conventional stereotypes of women and their roles in society, advocating for the free and emancipated woman and the importance of physical culture in shaping a well-rounded individual and their relationship with the environment.
Maga represented an extraordinary figure of her time, standing out with her vision, actions, and education. She introduced modern dance to Serbia, emphasized the importance of physical culture, and promoted the development of a balanced personality.
Her ideas spanned many areas: she was a fighter for the modern, educated, liberated woman, a dance theorist, a choreographer who viewed dance as a means of human communication, and the first female journalist and philosopher. She also adapted and stylized traditional dance through bodily expression.
Maga believed that a well-rounded personality required a balance between physical and spiritual aspects. Her avant-garde views opened new paths and perspectives toward a different and broader world. Her life, work, and activism are interpreted through video and sculptural installations, creating a visual and auditory environment where the narrative about Maga unfolds, along with performative segments and workshops.
The exhibition seeks to establish a dialogue between past and present, virtual and real, and explore the cultural transfer between Belgrade and Berlin, the Balkans, and Europe.
Exhibition credits:
- Author of the project and exhibition setup: Gordana Kaljalović
- Co-author: Branka Pavlović
- Author of video works: Branka Pavlović (featuring Milica Tančić and Mariana Hilgert)
- Camera: Tanja Drobnjak, Madž von Mathiesen, Branka Pavlović
- Archival material: Yugoslav Film Archive
- Photography and visual design: Đorđe Odanović
- Photos courtesy of the “Maga Magazinović” collection of the Museum of the City of Belgrade
- Professional support: Velja Vukićević and Milorad Panić
- Master workshop: Dragan and Lazar Lovčević
Biographies:
- Gordana Kaljalović: Born in Belgrade. Graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts and holds a master’s degree from the Faculty of Philology (English Language and Literature). Served as curator at the Gallery of the JNA House (1978-1993) and professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad (1993-2016).
http://www.gordanakaljalovic.com [gordanakaljalovic.com]
- Branka Pavlović: Editor and video artist. Graduated in Film and TV Editing from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade and holds a master’s degree from the University of the Arts Berlin (UdK Berlin). Works as an editor, video artist, and educator on documentary film projects, theater, and participatory projects.
http://www.brankapavlovic.com [brankapavlovic.com]
