An intriguing and special personality. An artist who, no matter how much critics tried and strived to mold and fit him into certain styles, directions and ways of working, they never succeeded, which is an indication that this should not be done. That is Nut.
Thus, one of the greatest Montenegrin painters and artists in general, Miodrag Dada Đurić An art historian briefly describes the news Mirjana Dabović Pejović, curator the impressive exhibition "Angels from Montenegro", which opened on Monday evening at the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts (CANU).
"This exhibition alone shows how diverse his work is, how fresh, intriguing and attractive it is, open to new interpretations and understandings, and how much work still needs to be done to research it, contextualize it, and perhaps understand it in a new light," summarizes Dabović Pejović.
The exhibition was officially opened in front of several hundred visitors from all walks of life by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, after the President of CANU addressed the attendees. Ljubiša Stanković and curator. The exhibition was realized in cooperation with the “Luča Artis” Foundation, from whose collection the presented works originate, and the collection in question was created with dedication and passion. Novica Jovović, President of the Foundation.
Dabović Pejović pointed out that Novica Jovović's great passion for art, and especially for Dado's work, stemmed from the desire to "provide this true genius with the place he deserves in the history of Montenegrin art," which resulted in a collection that includes more than a hundred items.
The exhibition presents around 55 of Dado's works, which provide insight into almost all of his creative stages and media, so that fans of his work in Montenegro finally have the opportunity to encounter this unique work that leaves no one indifferent, whether it causes discomfort or admiration, added the curator.
“The central space of the gallery mainly contains paintings arranged in a way that provides a kind of staged view of these, let's call them, phases of Dado's creativity, although it is difficult to call it that. Especially for this occasion, the gallery hall was included, which is integrated into the gallery space, as an equal. In the hall are large-format works that are difficult to accommodate, that require their own space, which is why this story simply imposed itself as completely justified. On the other hand, in the gallery space we created two cabinets to accommodate works on paper and collages, precisely with the idea that this story about cabinets, the story about researchers, about naturalists who inspired him for, say, the "Bifon" series or many other series, that when you enter those cabinets you feel a kind of anxiety or unease, and that in fact Dado's work takes hold of you from all sides and that this strong emotion embraces you and that you face it alone, and how you experience it, each for yourself,” says Dabović Pejović, leading you through the exhibition.
The curator expressed her hope that this would be the first step towards returning Dado Đurić to his rightful place in Montenegro, and among others, there is also an initiative to make this collection a public good, which Milatović welcomed.
"Concrete steps for this, at the beginning, should be aimed precisely at presenting this collection permanently, in the form of a public foundation that is an opportunity, or rather a place, to make these works available to art lovers, researchers, theorists, for educational purposes, but also to, thanks to such a rich collection, establish a connection with similar institutions, not only in the region, but also in France, since France has long cherished and respected Dado's work." "To begin with, and in a longer perspective, it is necessary to make great efforts, to gather professional, relevant theorists, researchers, and experts on Dado's work who will work together on a serious publication, not to mention a monograph, that would finally unify this work, at least as much as possible, considering that it is scattered all over the world and that this opus is so large that it is difficult to count it," the art historian highlights, emphasizing that the works should not be purchased, because Novica Jovović has been carefully collecting them for several decades with the desire for them to remain in one place, to remain (in) Montenegro and, if circumstances allow, to become permanently available to the Montenegrin public.
The fact that Dado's works are sporadically represented in collections, exhibited in Montenegrin museum displays, and that no comprehensive analysis of his work has been published in Montenegro, raises a difficult question, Milatović notes.
“Was the attitude of the state of Montenegro towards Dado's work adequate? Without pretending to give an answer to this question, which I believe is important not only for Montenegrin culture but also for our entire society, I invite everyone to think about it. Dado, with his impressive oeuvre, reached the highest levels of creative expression, and with his name, made our country famous throughout the world. And for that, Montenegro will be eternally grateful. But, dear friends, it is truly time for us to repay him as he deserves.
"His name and his work deserve it," Milatović emphasized, expressing his wish that Montenegrin educational and cultural institutions would continue to study and promote the works of Miodrag Dado Đurić with greater dedication in the coming period.
CANU President Ljubiša Stanković recalled the rich biography of Miodrag Dado Đurić, emphasizing that this exhibition is an opportunity to pay tribute to his life journey and unique contribution to the world of art.
“We have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a part of Dado’s world, to explore the shifting details of his compositions, to decipher the symbolism embedded in his paintings, and to grapple with the profound questions Dado raises about life, death, and the nature of existence… Dado’s art can be unsettling, even, and it is this unease that makes his work compelling. It confronts the dark aspects of ourselves and the world around us, forcing us to look beneath the surface and engage with the long, often uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface. Dado’s work is profound, it is an expression of his personal and unique perspective, a window into his inner world, a world inhabited by both beauty and horror. It is a world that is both captivating and unsettling. A world that stays with you long after you leave the gallery,” said Stanković, adding that the exhibition “Angels from Montenegro” is yet another testament to Dado’s lasting influence on the art world.
Exhibition of photographs by Domingo Đurić at the “F64” gallery
Curator Mirjana Dabović Pejović reminded that the exhibition is open to visitors until April 24th, and that various accompanying programs will be organized during the following period.
"Among other things, there is also a photography exhibition Domingo Đurić", Dada's stepson. The exhibition will open in early March at the F64 photography gallery, where we will have the opportunity to see Dada from a different angle, not only through his portraits, but also through photographs of the studio in Héroult, life and that certain energy that was inherent in that entire space," she announced.
The exhibition was realized in cooperation with the “Luča Artis” Foundation, from whose collection the presented works come, and the collection in question was created through the dedication and passion of Novica Jovović, who heads the foundation.
Bonus video:
