The selection of Darja Bajagić as the representative of Montenegro at the 60th International Biennale in Venice represents a significant contribution to the promotion of Montenegrin culture and art at the global level, said the Minister of Culture and Media, Tamara Vujović.
In the presence of the Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Montenegro (MSUCG) and Commissioner of the Pavilion of Montenegro, Vladislav Šćepanović, she hosted Darja Bajagić and expressed her satisfaction that her work will represent our country.
As announced by the Ministry of Culture and Media, Vujović pointed out that the approach to the artist selection process was transparent, and the jury was international, with clear rules and standards for applying to the competition.
"We are proud of the way the competition was conducted, and the return of established artists like Darja from abroad to Montenegro is a signal of confidence in the bright future of Montenegro and its presentation to the world," emphasized Vujović.
According to the press release, Šćepanović indicated a new approach in the procedure for the Biennale, stressing that it was distinguished by the democracy and independence of the jury.
"This approach made it possible for artists like Darja to apply, contributing to diversity and inclusiveness," Šćešanović added.
Bajagić thanked for the support and expressed satisfaction that she has the opportunity to represent Montenegro.
The artist said that she is satisfied with what Montenegro offers and that it makes her proud that she can contribute to the country by representing it at the Biennale, but also further establish her career, because the Biennale is the world's largest art exhibition.
Vujović, commenting on the theme of Bajagić's work, pointed out that the theme "It takes an island for such a good feeling" is conceptually interesting and that she is satisfied that the theme of Mamule Island will be presented to the world audience, in the innovative space for the Montenegrin pavilion, starting this year Ospedaletto complex.
"This is an opportunity to represent Montenegro at the world level, and Darja is a worthy representative of our art scene," Vujović said.
Bajagić was born in Podgorica, grew up in Egypt and the USA, and her first meeting with the Montenegrin public was at the Montenegrin Art Salon in 2020.
The project "It takes an island to feel this good", which will present Montenegro, combines the past and the present, exploring the culture of memory and promises to provoke attention and open dialogue on relevant topics that art can articulate.
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