The story

The grape draws its strength and ripeness from the daylight, under the sun. Symbolically, the exhibition “Story of Stanushina: The Soul of the Grape” will open at noon – 12:00, at the House of Aroma and Taste – Museum & Gallery Kavadarci.

The exhibition is organized by the Museum & Gallery – Kavadarci, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of North Macedonia, as part of the national interest and cultural significance program for 2025.

Grape No'I

*“Grape I” tells a reflection of the land and experience — created from steel wire rope, each grape is like a moment of patience and dedication. Resting on an old concrete block taken from a vineyard, the sculpture unites strength and delicacy, industry and nature. It reflects endurance, life, and the roots that keep us connected to the earth.

Grape no"II

*This work continues the exploration of the grape and vine, but its expression is altogether different. Positioned vertically, the stainless-steel grape cluster does not rest but ascends—an emblem of striving, vitality, and transformation.

The rough concrete block, again drawn from vineyard soil, now reads less as a relic and more as a foundation from which new life emerges. The addition of a green wire leaf introduces a vital counterpoint: organic softness, freshness.

Grape no'III

*The sculpture "Grape no'III", crafted from stainless steel wire rope, a concrete post, and a marble base. The chaotic structure of the wires and loose tendrils hint at the complexity and untamed nature of the cluster, preserves a fossils essence of the grape.

Grape No'IV

*The primary material, steel wire, is transformed through skillful manipulation—twisted, knotted, and woven—to mimic the natural irregularity of a grape bunch and the veined texture of a leaf. This industrial medium, known for its durability, contrasts with the ephemeral nature of living grapes and foliage.

The wire’s chaotic yet deliberate arrangement, likely achieved through hand-sculpting or minimal welding, captures the organic chaos of a ripening cluster and the delicate asymmetry of a vine leaf, with stray tendrils adding a sense of movement or growth.

The white marble slab serves as both a base and a reflective surface, grounding the sculpture with its classical elegance.

Grape No' V

*“Grape V” invites viewers to explore the themes of decay and memory through its delicate wirework and abstract form. The sculpture's balance between fragility and strength encourages contemplation, evoking the rich complexity of aged wine. Soft lighting highlights its textures, creating an intimate space that reflects on the enduring beauty of nature.

Grape No'VI

*The sculpture “Grapes VI” from the “Soul of the Grape” series is an artistic expression that combines steel rope and lilac epoxy resin to create a stylized grape cluster with a glossy, organic charm. Unique within the series, it balances industrial texture with natural beauty, elegantly set on a white marble base. A harmonious fusion.

Grape No'VII -Grape and three leaves-

*This piece merges wire-formed grapes with three leaves, a spectrum of colors capturing transformation and ripening. This version includes three leaves made of steel rope, with stems that have been burned to add warm brownish-green tones contrasting the metallic shine. The violet shades of the grapes evoke the ripeness of each berry. The sculpture represents the cycle of growth.

Grape No'VIII

*The sculpture “Grape VIII” offers a fresh experience with its green glass base, whose glow reflects light and adds an ethereal dimension. The grape cluster, made of steel wire, remains bright and textured, while the leaves are enriched with green shades that merge with the base, creating a harmonious natural effect. The form and reflections of the glass bring modern elegance, inviting reflection on the cycles of nature and its vital energy.

Grape No'IX

*A sculpture made of burned wire that merges industrial roughness with organic grace, where metal surrenders to alchemical transformation through fire. The violet hues, born of flame, symbolize the cycle of creation and destruction.

Grape No'X

*This work reflects the subtle beauty of minimalist art, created solely from pure steel wire without any additions. The horizontal composition flows with organic grace, highlighting the natural texture and structure of the material. Through its simplicity and harmony, the piece evokes tranquility, focusing on the essential elegance of form—ideal for contemplation and appreciation

Grape No'XI

* “Grape No. XI” explores fragility and resilience through wire-formed grapes. The violet accents and minimalist black plexiglass base highlight the interplay between natural forms and industrial materials.

Grape No 'XII

*This sculpture was created together with all the visitors of the exhibition. Materials were prepared, small modeled spheres were provided, and instructions were left, allowing visitors over the course of the two-week exhibition to experience the material firsthand and engage with the process of creating an artwork. This cluster is the result of the collective experience of the exhibition visitors and represents one of the most free-form compositional works created in this series.

The Soul of the Grape – A Story of Stanushina

The grape is not merely a fruit, but the beginning of a much longer story. From its ripeness, from the richness of its berries, and from the care with which the vine is nurtured, wine is born – a creation that carries the imprint of tradition, labor, and love for the land.

In this exhibition, sculptor Maja Taneva transforms the vine and the grape into sculptural form, inspired by the indigenous grape variety Stanushina – a symbol of the Tikveš wine region and its centuries-old tradition.

The sculptures, modeled berry by berry, are crafted from steel ropes and resilient materials that evoke durability, perseverance, and strength – just like the vine itself. Taneva transforms cold metal into organic forms and striking shapes that tell a story of fertility and the bond between humankind and nature.

With this exhibition, the artist not only elevates the aesthetic value of the grape as a motif but also inscribes Macedonian wine tradition into contemporary artistic discourses.

“The Soul of the Grape” is a story of identity, roots, and pride – transposed into sculpture.

Curator: Zorica Tashovska Ilova

 Kavadarci, September 2025