Last week, the BLAGO Fund had the opportunity to present their work at the international online conference organized by the University of Bamberg. The two-day conference, entitled "Islamic Medieval Wall Paintings: Towards an Interdisciplinary Approach," brought together scholars and professionals from diverse disciplines and fields, covering a wide array of topics concerning monuments from different cultures and geographic areas. Our associate, Dr. Ivana Lemcool, delivered a presentation on the second day of the conference as a part of the third podium discussion dedicated to "Role of digitization in research of wall paintings: challenges and perspectives". The discussion, moderated by Dr. John Hindmarch, a research associate working at Digital Technologies in Heritage Conservation, University of Bamberg, also included presentations by Dr. Ines Konczak-Nagel and Dr. Erik Radisch on Buddhist Murals of Kucha on the Northern Silk Road.


 



Dr. Lemcool gave a presentation on "Digitizing Fresco Paintings in the Balkan Area- Issues and Perspectives in Digital Preservation of Monumental Heritage in Multi-faith Environments". After giving a brief overview of the sparse Islamic elements in medieval and early modern Serbian art, Dr. Lemcool discussed the material evidence of interactions and reception of Serbian art among the local Muslim population. She demonstrated and reflected on the effects of interreligious conflicts throughout the centuries on the sacred monuments of the region and later challenges in their restoration and conservation. Highlighting the importance of digitization for the future and adequate interpretation of these monuments, Lemcool went on to describe the past, ongoing, and upcoming projects of the BLAGO Fund focused on the monumental heritage in religiously diverse regions of Raška, Kosovo and Metohija, and North Macedonia. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A at the end of the session. 



The conference was a wonderful opportunity to exchange insights and gain novel perspectives and knowledge on different artistic traditions, conservation practices, and digital humanities projects. Our special gratitude goes to Dr. Ana Marija Grbanovic, from the Centre for Heritage Conservation Studies and Technologies (KDWT), University of Bamberg, for inviting us to participate in this online event she co-organized.