Time passes, but not art. It survives transience and transcends borders. It connects cultures and views. That's how creativity is. Frida Kahlo, whose life and expression resonate strongly. The echo was heard and presented in her own way by a young artist from the Faculty of Fine Arts (FLU) in Cetinje, Ines Radovic.
Her poster “70 years since the death of Frida Kahlo” was selected in the competition of the Biennial in Peru, for which 22.256 applications were received in various categories. 560 works were selected for the exhibition, and it opened on December 2024, XNUMX at the Peruvian Aviation Museum in the capital city of Lima. The poster was created during the last academic year at the Faculty of Fine Arts as part of regular assignments in the Graphic Communications II course. The student mentor was Assoc. Prof. Adela Zejnilović.
“70 Years Since the Death of Frida Kahlo” exudes timelessness and combines different representations - contemporary art and traditional painting by Frida Kahlo, “Broken Column” and universal symbols, the work of a Mexican woman and the young student's own creativity, both visual and conceptual... and now people on the other side of the world can see this for themselves.
Radović reveals more about his success, work, talks about Frida Kahlo, graphic design and how he experiences it for "Vijesti".
How did you find out about the Peru Biennial competition and what motivated you to apply?
I found out about the competition through the website PosterTerritory, which regularly publishes international graphic design competitions. The motivation was the opportunity to present my work on a global level, but also the challenge of reflecting on a significant historical figure such as Frida Kahlo through design.
How does it feel to be chosen among 560 works out of over 22.000 applications?
Honestly, incredible! The fact that my poster was selected from so many entries was a huge surprise and confirmation that my work has value beyond the local context. The feeling that something I created communicates with people in a completely different cultural context is truly special.
Can you tell us more about the concept of the poster “70 years since the death of Frida Kahlo”?
The main reference for the poster was Frida’s painting “The Broken Pillar”, which depicts her tortured body with cracks and metal supports, symbolizing her physical and emotional pain, but also her unwavering strength. Inspired by these motifs, I decided to make the central element of my poster a human skeleton, to emphasize Frida’s endurance despite suffering. Additional elements, such as the flowers covering the skeleton, symbolize the life, art and passion that defined her. The color palette also reflects her visual identity - the dominant blue is reminiscent of the walls of her Casa Azul, while the red and pink bring out the strong emotions that were present in her work. Her artistry, authenticity and personal story guided me in the process of creating this poster.
What does Frida Kahlo represent to you?
Frida is a symbol of authenticity, courage, and artistic honesty. Her life and work are an inspiration because they show how art can be a means of self-exploration and resistance.
Can you describe the process of creating the poster and collaborating with your mentor?
The process of creating the poster was challenging and inspiring. I focused on the symbolism and message I wanted to convey, researching Frida's life and work to find the right visual approach. Professor Adela Zejnilović was a significant support during the work on this project. Her advice and corrections helped me to further think about the composition and concept, which resulted in a poster that communicates with the audience in a visually powerful way.
How much has the Faculty of Fine Arts influenced your style? Where do you generally draw inspiration for your style?
The Faculty of Fine Arts had a great influence on my development, not only through technical knowledge, but also through the way I think about design and visual communication. Through working on different projects, I learned how to conceptually approach design and find the right balance between aesthetics and the message I want to convey. I draw inspiration from everyday life, but also from various literature, art and works of various graphic designers and various other artists. All of this influences my style, which I continue to develop through new projects and challenges.
How do you view this success in the context of your further progress? That is, what does it mean for you?
This success is a great encouragement and confirmation that I should continue. It opens doors to new opportunities and gives me the confidence that my work can be recognized beyond the borders of our country. It also motivates me to continue exploring design as a means of communicating important topics.
What advice would you give to other young artists who want to apply to similar international competitions?
The most important thing is that they believe in their work and are not afraid to apply, even when the competition seems overwhelming. Every application is an opportunity to learn, regardless of the outcome. It is also important to explore topics that are close to their hearts and find authentic expression.
What do you like most about doing within graphic design?
I am most attracted to the combination of the visual and the conceptual - I love when design carries a message and provokes a reaction. Posters and visual identities are particularly interesting to me, because they represent a combination of the visual and the conceptual - they allow me to convey a clear message through design, evoke emotion or encourage thought.
Does this success motivate you to devote yourself even more to international competitions and exhibitions? Do you already have any future plans?
Definitely! This success is further confirmation to me that it is worth applying to competitions and exploring new opportunities for exhibition. I have already participated in the Ecuador Biennial, in Novi Sad, as well as in several group exhibitions, which allowed me to present my posters to a wider audience and gain new experiences. I believe that such exhibitions not only contribute to personal and professional development, but also open up opportunities for new collaborations and projects. I plan to continue in this direction, exploring new opportunities and further developing my expression in graphic design.
How do you see the role of graphic design in contemporary society? Do you think it can also have an important social or activist role, like the work and activities of Frida Kahlo?
Absolutely! Graphic design is a powerful tool for communication and can be a powerful force for change. It can be used to spread socially important messages, raise awareness of issues, and inspire people to take action - just as Frida expressed her political and personal views through her art.
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