"Old Blood" is a public performance, specifically taking place at the Institute for Blood Transfusion of Serbia. It delves into the geopolitical situation in the Balkans, particularly questioning and commenting on the relationship between Serbia and Kosovo. I was born in Belgrade, where I attended primary school, hold Serbian citizenship, and am proficient in reading and writing Cyrillic. Does that not make me Serbian? However, my parents are originally from Kosovo, which attests that pure Kosovo blood runs through my veins. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17th, 2008, through a declaration adopted by the Kosovo Assembly in Prishtina. Serbia still regards it as its autonomous province, albeit recognizing its institutions in the 2013 Brussels agreement. Kosovo and Metohia hold significant positions in Serbian secular and ecclesiastical history and are inevitably intertwined with narratives of Serbian heroism and suffering. Kosovo blood symbolizes prestige and serves as a significant signifier of Serbian national identity. On paper, with all these elements, I am someone whose blood carries this "special significance," yet not all Kosovo blood is held sacrosanct. It must meet certain criteria to attain its "true value." What are these criteria, and who determines them? Through a simple and humane act—donating blood, which I did for the first time in my life—I sought to ascertain whether my Kosovo blood would be deemed suitable for Serbia, whether they would embrace it as their own. "Old Blood" flows within me, a pivotal aspect of Serbian history. This marked my initial attempt to donate my Kosovo blood to Serbia, which they declined. This endeavor persists and will continue until Serbians accept the blood they so eagerly desire.
Performance
2021 - ongoing
First attempt: 07. 09. 2021.
Photo-documentation: Adna Muslija
Second attempt: 04. 06. 2022.
Photo-documentation: Luka Milanović
Third attempt: 04.12.2023
Photo-documentation: Ajla Salkić
Blood Transfusion Institute of Serbia (First and Second attempt)
Faculty for Special Education and Rehabilitation (Third attempt)
Belgrade, Serbia