Cetinje diary from an intimate perspective

Originally announced for today, the opening of the exhibition "Diary of a City 2" Igor Benić has been postponed due to the declared Day of Mourning in Montenegro. The new opening date of the exhibition is Monday, August 18, at 20 p.m., in the gallery of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje.

The exhibition features a series of photographs that capture everyday life, the people and the streets of Cetinje, from an intimate and authentic perspective.

"Through the lens, the author reveals details and moments that often go unnoticed, creating a kind of visual diary of the city. This project is a continuation of the successful solo exhibition "Diary of a City" from 2023, held at the Matica Crnogorska in Cetinje," the statement said.

Speaking about that exhibition by Igor Benić and the “first part” of Cetinje’s “Dnevnik”, art historian Ljiljana Zeković She pointed out that Benić, "with the camera lens/eye, which is a reflection of his soul and feelings, managed to capture moments that are more eloquent than any verbal expression and as real as reality itself."

"The characters from his gallery who are part of our lives, acquaintances and those we meet in the parade like Lesov "The 'shadow people' have their own story that we intend, but they also convey it convincingly: with facial expressions, body positions, actions they perform; expressing their current mood: empathy, deep resignation, joy, happiness, mental fatigue. Namely, a luxurious kaleidoscope of familiar and unfamiliar faces alternates before us: children, young people, elderly people, families, Cetinje originals who give a unique image and personal touch to the city," noted Zeković.

She also notes that, in addition to immanent portraits of people with a clear or hidden identification code, narratives play a crucial role as dynamic elements that situate them in an urban environment: on the street, in the market, in windows, in parks...

"The above premises could apply to all cities in the world. However, Benić, who feels the pulse of the city and lives in its rhythm, managed to convey in his photographs the unique atmosphere, the 'poetry of life' of Cetinje as a magical world of silence, light and shadow," Zeković pointed out earlier...

Igor Benić was born in 1990 in Cetinje. He graduated in graphic design from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje, and gained professional experience at international art residencies, including the prestigious GLO ART in Belgium. Since 2021, he has been active in the field of visual media, working as a cameraman, editor, and director of photography.

During his career, he participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Montenegro and abroad.