The Echoing Silences of Metal and Skin

Artists

Doruntina Kastrati

Press release

National Participation - Kosovo (Republic of)

Doruntina Kastrati’s sculpture installation The Echoing Silences of Metal and Skin, Kosovo’s presentation at the 60th International Venice Biennale, addresses feminized labor and workplace inequities.

The deindustrialization of the economy and deregulation of the labor market in the aftermath of the 1999 War in Kosovo, generated opportunities for light industries (e.g., production of food, paper, plastic etc.) to flourish. This situation created a demand for low-paid and flexible female labor. Engaging in waged labor has granted women a measure of financial independence and social participation. Far from emancipatory, the feminisation of labor in light industries has kept traditional gender roles intact, and by involving little or no upward mobility, has rendered women economically vulnerable and politically marginal.

Commissioner: Hana Halilaj, National Gallery of Kosovo
Curator: Erëmirë Krasniqi