The exhibition Prostranstva (Expanses), by artist Ognjen Milošević, has opened at the Sreten Stojanović Gallery in Prijedor, presenting an interdisciplinary exploration of the relationship between humans, nature, space and memory through photography, cyanotype, video art and spatial installations.
Milošević thanked the Republika Srpska Ministry of Education and Culture for its support and the Sreten Stojanović Gallery for hosting the exhibition.
He described the project as a complex artistic undertaking that required considerable time and dedication to complete.
Exploring the connection between nature, memory and art
Exhibition curator Isidora Živković explained that the displayed works include a drawing Milošević created during his childhood together with his grandfather.
She emphasized that this early artistic experience connects with the photographs and other works inspired by the artist’s travels through mountains and natural landscapes.
“From that childhood drawing to all the photographs Ognjen took during his journeys through mountains and nature, these are scenes and motifs he encountered along the way. They all become part of the expanses he creates through his artistic works,” Živković explained.
The Prostranstva project combines several artistic techniques to examine how personal experiences, natural environments and memories shape an individual’s perception of space.
Republika Srpska supports young visual artists
Tanja Đaković, Assistant Minister for Culture of Republika Srpska, highlighted the importance of institutional support for emerging artists.
Speaking at the exhibition opening, she explained that the Ministry launched a program last year designed to help visual artists under the age of 35 realize their most ambitious creative projects.
According to Đaković, the initiative provides young artists with essential resources and professional opportunities.
“Above all, they need trust, followed by financial resources, mentoring support and an opportunity to present their work to the public,” Đaković stated.
She recalled that the first of two selected artistic projects was presented earlier this month in Trebinje, featuring the work of artist Pavle Golijanin.
The exhibition in Prijedor represents the second selected project, showcasing the work of Ognjen Milošević.
“Two young visual artists, two completely different artistic expressions and two cities that understand contemporary art and provide it with the space, recognition and attention it deserves,” Đaković emphasized.
Institutional support essential for artistic development
Đaković stressed that cultural institutions have a responsibility to recognize talent and promising artistic ideas and ensure that they can be realized to the highest possible standard.
She noted that the exhibitions in Trebinje and Prijedor mark the conclusion of the program’s first cycle, rather than the end of institutional efforts to support young artists.
“This is only the conclusion of the first cycle. We have many young artists and talented individuals, and the responsibility of our institutions is to support them in gaining recognition and developing their artistic careers,” Đaković concluded.
Source: RTRS
