They say that many of us are born to be creators, creatives, innovators. Anja Pavićević was undoubtedly all of that. Although she is no longer with us, her works continue to breathe in her place, their future is in fact the future of her essence and spirit...
Words are art historian and curator Iva Vukotić on the occasion of the exhibition "Can You See Me" by the young, but untimely deceased, artist Anja Pavićević.
The exhibition was opened to a large audience at Kuslev's House in Podgorica, on Tuesday evening, April 15th, in which the director of the Public Institution Museums and Galleries of Podgorica found special symbolism, Ivana Nina Vukčević Ćupić.
"Today is World Art Day, the day when the famous Leonardo Da Vinci was born, and a few centuries later, our dear Anja Pavićević. I would not call this fact a mere coincidence, although it seems that way. Anja was a talented, promising, ambitious, young artist who had a lot to offer. The potential she undoubtedly possessed easily translated into works into which she poured all her love and energy. She was loved and respected, both in her profession and in her family. We hope that this exhibition will provide peace and hope to those who knew her that the art she lived for will not remain hidden from the public eye, which is the goal of every young creator. We all wish that this event be interwoven with positive thoughts, as much as possible, because I am sure that Anja can feel our affection and the attention we have devoted to this exhibition. Thank you for every canvas, drawing, smile and hug," said the director at the opening.
Vukotić added that through Anja Pavićević's work, although cut short too soon, we gain insight into the potential for creating new, original artistic solutions.
"Anja's works, even from her high school days, abound in childlike naivety and sentimental values that bring deep emotion to her drawings. Caricatures, comic book motifs, and numerous elements from popular culture were the basis of her research work. She had an exceptional talent for drawing, while her technique was very academic. However, like every young artist, she aspired to break out of those frames and tried to rise above them. Surreal characters, deformed figures, fantastic creatures, a "Dali-esque" blurring of forms, and expressive colors filled the canvases, which emerged from a sea of drawings and sketches. Their strength and impact were so great that they could easily be imagined as graffiti or printed on bags, T-shirts, or badges," said Vukotić.
There are many drawings, sketches, and unfinished paintings left, which speak of Anja's talent and tireless desire for progress, believes Vukotić.
"As I leafed through these works, I realized that I was actually putting together a puzzle of her desires, ambitions, memories, and emotions. I felt the enthusiasm, energy, and creativity that is characteristic of young creators who struggle to stand out from the crowd and become recognizable, free, and proud of everything they have managed to achieve in a relatively short time. The aesthetic she cultivated was restless and chaotic, reflecting her inner struggles, surfacing through innovative artistic solutions, imbued with emotions and personal experiences," she noted.
Anja Pavićević was born on April 15, 2003 in Belgrade. She spent a large part of her childhood in her hometown, and as she grew up, she completed her primary and secondary education in Podgorica. After the third grade of high school, as a gifted student, she enrolled at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje, majoring in painting. During her second year of studies, she received an Erasmus scholarship, so she spent the fourth semester in Lisbon, at the Faculdade de Belas Artes (Faculty of Fine Arts). The newly acquired experience and culture of Portugal further contributed to her character and artistic expression.
A great role model and influence on her creativity were pikaso i Botero. She continued her third year at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje, where she actively worked and developed her style. Unfortunately, she passed away at the age of 22, on July 17, 2024, in Belgrade.
The exhibition will last until April 30th.
Bonus video:
