My work is closely connected to the region I live in and to its history. This region is one that has been a part of many nations during its turbulent history; it has been inhabited by quite a few ethnic groups, as it is a place where various religions and languages have appeared, disappeared and coexisted. Historical periods replaced one another – at one point, the region drew immigrants, then, more recently, it produced them. Each ethnic group brought something of its own culture, language, religion, and this formed very unique mixtures and parallels. It is no wonder, then, that significant breaks can be seen in the region’s identity. The period between the second half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century is considered to be one of the golden ages of the region. I attempt to outline the region’s identity (or its lack of identity) using this period as a historical reference point. I also hope that this will aid in pinpointing the individual’s historical and regional identity. The Industrial Revolution and the social, economic and other reforms it brought with it appeared in this region as well. The agricultural working class and its culture were joined by the bourgeois, which resulted in significant cultural changes as well. This process gained momentum in the second half of the nineteenth century. I focus on these social changes in my work. The most visible evidence of this period observed today can be found in architectural buildings (public buildings, churches and private residences) that remain. Elements from the then-popular neobaroque, neoclassical and art nouveau styles can be found on the facades of these buildings. The evidence of these styles was not only visible on the outside of these buildings and homes. The decoration of the interior, the furniture and everyday personal items also reflected the inhabitants’ social status. Aside from masterpieces, one could also find paintings, tapestries, decorative items, utensils, etc., which would today be considered “kitsch,” as they were often the adapted versions and provincial transcriptions of works and items from larger cultural centres. I make allusions to pseudo-versions of these items in my work. My attitude toward them is complex. At times I treat them with melancholy by projecting utopian views of the past, the “good old days.” Anachronisms can also be found in my work. They are present with copious amounts of cynicism – many of the older pieces seem humorously naive when viewed today through our perspective. I attempt all this in the language of contemporary art, to which I incorporate elements from street and pop art, thereby drawing parallels between time periods and the effervescence of trends.
EDUCATION
2004-2008 Master of Fine Arts (Painting)
Academy of Fine Art University of Novi Sad
Novi Sad, Serbia
2006-2007
Postgraduate Studies in Fine Arts
L'Ecole Cantonale d'Art du Valais
Sierre, Switzerland
2000-2004 Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting)
Academy of Fine Art University of Novi Sad
Novi Sad, Serbia
AWARDS/PRIZES
2011 Forum Prize
Prize for visual artist from the Forum publishing house - Novi Sad, Serbia
2008 Crystal
Globe
Hungarian College for Higher Education in Vojvodina - Novi Sad, Serbia
2005 Merit Award for the best student of the Academy
University of Novi Sad - Novi Sad, Serbia
2005 Prize from "LITTLE PRINCE" found - Novi Sad, Serbia
2004 Annual Award for painting, Academy of Fine Arts - Novi Sad, Serbia
2004 Award for exceptional academic succes, Academy of Fine Arts - Novi Sad, Serbia
2004 Award for academic succes, Academy of Fine Arts - Novi Sad, Serbia
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2015 Gallery ULUV - Novi Sad, Serbia
2014 Than Memorial House - Bečej, Serbia
2013 Center for Hungarian Culture - Subotica, Serbia
2010 Museum of Senta - Senta, Serbia
2010 Krug Gallery - Bečej, Serbia
2009 Albion - Guelph, Canada
2008 Gallery Ben Akiba - Novi Sad, Serbia
2008 Gallery Tableau - Novi Sad, Serbia
2007 Gallery Ben Akiba - Novi Sad, Serbia
2006 Gallery ULUV - Novi Sad, Serbia
2006 Gallery Ben Akiba - Novi Sad, Serbia
2005 Theatre of Subotica - Subotica, Serbia
2004 Art Clinique - Novi Sad, Serbia
2004 Cultural Center of Senta - Senta, Serbia
2001 Gallery of the group PAAD - Novi Bečej, Serbia
1999 Gallery Sipos - Bečej, Serbia
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2015 ART MARKET BUDAPEST - Millenaris cultural center - Budapest, Hungary
2014 ART MARKET BUDAPEST - Millenaris cultural center - Budapest, Hungary
2011 Celebrating Hungarian Painting - Malom Gallery - Szentendre/Budapest, Hungary
2009 Refuge Rights Art Exhibition - Toronto City Hall - Toronto, Canada
2007 ”Devenir animal”- Arsenic - Lausanne, Switzerland
2007 Portraits - An exhibition of 11 contemporary Serbian Artist - Novi Sad/ Subotica, Serbia
2006 SWITCH - Budapest, Hungary
2005 Exhibition of new members - "SULUV" Gallery - Novi Sad, Serbia
2005 Exhibition of awarded students of the final year - "PODRUM" Gallery - Novi Sad, Serbia
2004 Exit festival - Novi Sad, Serbia
2004 Exhibition of perspective students of the final year -"ART KLINIKA" Gallery - Novi Sad, Serbia