Serbian author and visual artist Dejan Atanacković was among the distinguished participants of the "Tirana Gate 2024" International Literature Festival, engaging in a thought-provoking art panel focused on politics. For Atanacković, politics is not just a space for power struggles but also an emotional landscape that deeply affects society and culture.
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| Dejan Atanacković at "Tirana Gate" |
A bold voice in Serbian literature, Atanacković stands out as one of the few Serbian writers who has openly advocated for his country to recognize Kosovo’s independence. His work often stirs controversy, as he frequently tackles sensitive political and social issues, challenging the status quo and sparking debates about the direction of Serbia and the wider Balkans.
During the festival, Atanacković did not shy away from offering sharp criticism of Serbia’s current political and cultural situation. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of defining Serbia's position in relation to Europe and Kosovo, particularly in terms of culture and values.
“We must determine Serbia’s place in relation to Europe, to Kosovo, and we must define Serbia’s stance toward culture. I have never been an advocate of violence, and what I’m saying here, I have said in my own country as well. But I know that the regime is prepared for violence; I know the regime is perpetuating violence against us, the citizens. The response we need to give must be appropriate,” he said.
Atanacković expressed concern that current political trends are driving Serbian society toward isolation and parochialism, undermining democratic traditions and preventing meaningful progress. “Politics in our countries is fostering closed societies and provincialism, hindering the development of democratic traditions,” the writer added, highlighting the need for cultural and political openness.
Atanacković is also a celebrated novelist, with his acclaimed book "Luzitanja" exploring the intriguing intersection of history, memory, and madness. The novel intertwines the story of a British ship with a psychiatric hospital in Belgrade, offering a deep meditation on identity, trauma, and the human condition.
The Tirana Gate festival, an annual gathering that celebrates literature's power to reflect and critique contemporary life, brought together 11 international authors and more than 20 Albanian writers in its 2024 edition. Through discussions, panels, and readings, the festival delved into the complexities of modern human experience, politics, and the role of literature in shaping public discourse.
Atanacković’s participation in the festival was a powerful reminder of the role that artists and writers play in pushing boundaries, questioning power, and fostering dialogue across borders. His presence and words resonated not only with his fellow Serbs but also with the broader international audience, underlining the festival's goal of creating a platform for critical reflection on today's most pressing political and cultural challenges.