Strong lines Pablo Picasso, surreal visions Salvador Dali, playful colors and shapes Juana Miroa..., will be shown in Cetinje, as part of the exhibition "Spanish Masters" which will open on Monday, May 11, in the gallery of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje.
"Seeing the works of such great artists live, right in Cetinje, in the Royal Capital, means having a rare opportunity to encounter art directly - through a series of serigraphs that bear the authentic stamp of their creativity. Although it is a graphic technique, these works still strongly convey the poetics and recognizable expression of the artist, which makes them an extremely valuable experience for the audience," the director of the Center points out in an interview for "Vijesti", Jelena Milosevic who, in the continuation of the conversation, reveals what the audience can expect, and how the process of organization and realization went, announcing accompanying programs.
The exhibition brings together works by three greats of world art, with a focus on graphics as a medium through which the most important artists of the contemporary era expand the boundaries of their own artistic sensibility. The exhibition will feature 30 graphic works from private collections, providing the audience with a rare opportunity to see the diversity and strength of expression of these authors in one place, announce the organizers from the Center for Culture of the Royal Capital of Cetinje.
"Three artists, representatives of different artistic movements of the 20th century, meet in this exhibition through related graphic techniques, intaglio and flat printing, which they use in accordance with their own aesthetic principles. Despite differences in poetics, their works share a common creative frequency, although each author's authentic and recognizable expression stands out," the announcement states.
The Center recalls that Picasso (1881-1973), one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, left an indelible mark as a painter, sculptor, draftsman and graphic artist, redefining the boundaries of modern art. Miró (1893-1983), a Catalan artist of lyrical expression, is recognizable for his abstract surrealist forms and rich interdisciplinary oeuvre, while the great master of surrealism, Dali (1904-1989), with his works pushed the boundaries of imagination and visual perception, confirming his status as one of the most creative artists of his time.
Milošević points out to "Vijesti" that the exhibition "Spanish Masters" is only the first in a series in which the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje brings great names in world art to Montenegro, and announces two more significant exhibitions planned for the coming period. The first of them is the exhibition "The Magnificent Seven of France" where it will be presented Manea, Monea, Renoara, Sezana, Gofena, Matisa i Coconut, in October this year. At the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027, the public will have the opportunity to see the exhibition “Couples in Love”, which displays thematically specific works by great artists such as Šagala, Cocteau, Matisse, Miro, Picasso, Rodin, but and Dada Đurić.
The exhibition “Spanish Masters” in Montenegro presents the works of great world artists Picasso, Dali and Miro. Why is this exhibition important for the Royal Capital, but also for the country and the cultural scene in general?
The exhibition “Spanish Masters”, which includes serigraphs and lithographs by the aforementioned authors, is truly a special cultural event. We can safely say that this event goes beyond the local level and gains national significance. We rarely have the opportunity to see the works of Picasso, Dali and Miro, not only in Montenegro but also in the region; this exhibition in Cetinje further strengthens the mission that the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital should be mapped into the center of state cultural policy. I outlined this mission in a four-year plan when I took office as director. And I think that now, three years after the launch of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital Cetinje, it can be concluded that we truly have national recognition, originality and that the goal, for the youngest cultural institution in the country to leave its mark on the cultural life of Montenegro, has been fully achieved.
The focus is on graphics, the announcement states. What does the exhibition include and can you tell us more about which works the audience will have the opportunity to see and how they will learn more about the personalities and work of these three great artists?
The exhibition includes carefully selected serigraphs and lithographs by great names in world art, which provide the audience with an insight into their distinctive styles and creativity through graphic form. The focus of the exhibition is on graphics, so the audience will have the opportunity to see works that encompass various techniques - from lithography to serigraph. Through these works, one can clearly follow the way in which these artists thought, experimented and developed their distinctive expression outside of classical painting.
Although they are graphic works, these works very authentically convey the spirit and style of each of them - whether it is playful lines and symbolism, surreal motifs or a specific relationship to form and color. It is through these works that the audience will have the opportunity to get to know their artistic style more closely and understand how innovative and influential they were.
To what extent does this exhibition draw on previous presentations, as well as the exhibition of the same name held in Budva in 2013? What makes the exhibition unique and exclusive, regardless of what has been “already seen”?
This exhibition partly builds on previous presentations of these artists in Montenegro, including the 2013 exhibition in Budva, in the sense that the audience once again has the opportunity to encounter their work. However, it is essentially a completely new and different exhibition.
What makes it unique is the fact that it comes from a different collection, with a new selection of works and a different curatorial concept. This gives a completely fresh approach and a new reading of the same artists, which allows the audience to experience them from a different angle. It is this new selection and the exclusivity of the collection that give this exhibition a special character and set it apart from previous presentations.
How does the exhibition communicate with the local cultural and artistic context and how do the “Spanish masters” communicate with the Montenegrin masters?
The exhibition naturally enters the local cultural context because it brings great names in world art to the Royal Capital, where art has always had a multicultural character, which is experienced with special care and respect.
“Spanish Masters” and Montenegrin artists meet precisely through the idea of an artistic language that is universal - regardless of the environment, themes such as freedom of expression, identity and emotion remain common. In this way, this exhibition does not stand in isolation, but rather builds on what already exists in our artistic tradition.
What is important to emphasize is that, despite the presence of big names on the world art scene, domestic authors at the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital have priority and form the backbone of the program policy. Special focus is directed at the affirmation of young creators, but also at the continuous presentation of established domestic artists. I believe that cultural institutions, in addition to international exchange, must first of all develop and support their own scene, because otherwise we fail to valorize our own potential. Montenegro has quality artists who need to be provided with space for development and visibility, in order to participate equally on the international scene, and often surpass it.
You said that it is a rare opportunity to see the works of these great artists live, why shouldn't you miss it? What are your expectations regarding the event itself and have you planned any accompanying programs during the exhibition?
Seeing the works of such great artists live, right here in Cetinje, in the Royal Capital, means having a rare opportunity to encounter art directly - through a series of serigraphs that bear the authentic stamp of their creativity. Although it is a graphic technique, these works still strongly convey the poetics and recognizable expression of the artists, which makes them an extremely valuable experience for the audience.
We expect great interest, both from Cetinje, and from all over Montenegro and the region, because such events naturally attract attention and arouse interest. For the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, this is another confirmation of what we always strive for, which is to offer the audience quality and valuable content. Such exhibitions enrich cultural life, strengthen the visibility of Montenegro and show that we can be part of the great world cultural trends.
During the exhibition, accompanying programs are also planned - expert guided tours, educational content and activities that will further bring the works closer to the audience and complete the entire experience.
After this, what awaits us in the future, i.e. what are the key directions of development and program policy of the Center and what are the plans for the future?
The key directions for the development of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje are focused on the continuity of a high-quality and diverse program, strengthening the festival scene, and bringing significant artistic content to the Royal Capital.
In this regard, we would like to highlight the upcoming Fun Fest Cetinje 2026, which will be held at the Summer Stage from June 12 to 21, the tickets and program have already been published so that readers can already reserve their seats for the festival. Fun Fest Cetinje is already recognized as an important part of our annual program, and this year we have a small anniversary, three years since the festival was founded.
In addition, I would like to highlight the first of three exhibitions of famous world authors that will be held this year from May 11 to June 3 in the gallery of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, namely the aforementioned exhibition "Spanish Masters", which confirms the ambition for Cetinje to be a place of meeting with great names in world art.
After that, the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy two more exhibitions from this year's cycle, which are:
"The Magnificent Seven of France" exhibition will be held in October this year, also in the Center's gallery, where we will have the opportunity to see works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Goffin, Matisse and Cocteau.
Then, the exhibition “Couples in Love” will be held at the end of the year and the beginning of the next. There, the audience will be able to see thematically determined works by Chagall, Cocteau, Matisse, Miro, Picasso, Rodin, as well as our own Dado Đurić.
In the coming period, the plan is to continue in the same direction - to strengthen existing programs, but also open up space for new content, with a constant striving to offer the audience quality, diversity and cultural programs that leave a mark. Also, in cooperation with the Royal Capital of Cetinje and the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature, in 2027 we will host the World PEN Center Congress, which represents an extremely important step and great recognition for Cetinje and Montenegro.
On the other hand, how would you describe the current role of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje in the cultural life of the city and the country? What would you single out as the greatest success in the past period?
The Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje has become much more than a local cultural institution in the past three years; it has become a place of meeting, creation, and a vibrant cultural pulse of national importance. Today, it is clearly recognized as an important part of the cultural identity of the city and the state.
What we are particularly proud of is the continuity and diversity of the program. The most significant is Fun Fest Cetinje, the first comedy festival in the country, which has been held for the third year in a row, and which brought special energy and smiles to Cetinje, a city that, after everything it has experienced, needed a smile more than anything else. There are also exhibitions by eminent artists, which have positioned the Royal Capital on the cultural art map, but also what is especially important to us - support for young and unestablished creators, to whom we try to open the door and give them space to be seen and recognized and to take their first creative steps right here in Cetinje.
Would you like to add something?
On the occasion of the opening of Fun Fest Cetinje 2026, an exhibition of caricatures by our famous artist will be opened in the Center's gallery on June 15th. Luke Lagator under the title "Award-winning cartoons", which further enriches the art program and brings contemporary, humorous and engaging artistic expression. In this way, we continue to build program continuity and content that makes Cetinje a vibrant and open cultural space.
The costs are considerable, but the organization is demanding.
How did the exhibition come about and the works for the exhibition itself were secured? Who is the curator of the exhibition?
This realization came about through previous long-term cooperation with partners, thanks to which the opportunity opened up to organize this exhibition and secure works from private collections. Such cooperation was crucial for the trust and accessibility of the works.
The exhibition will have a curator who will expertly design the display and monitor its content, while the team of the Cultural Center of the Royal Capital of Cetinje is behind the implementation, with the support of associates and partners who participated in the organization.
How challenging is the organization itself in institutional and logistical terms?
Organizing an exhibition of this type is a demanding process on many levels - from agreements with the owners of the works, through transport and insurance, to the display itself, which must meet certain standards. It is especially important to take into account safety and the conditions in which the works are exhibited, which requires serious logistics and good coordination of the entire team.
How much does the complete organization cost? Did you receive support from any institutions and which ones?
When it comes to costs, they are not small, but the most important thing is that we managed to provide quality and valuable content for the audience. For the implementation of this project, we expect support from the Ministry of Culture and Media, through a competition in which we are participating, but which is still ongoing. We also had indispensable support from the Royal Capital of Cetinje, which was crucial for the implementation of such a project. Without the support, cooperation and understanding of these institutions, it would be almost impossible to organize such an exhibition.
Limited space, modest budget, but great interest
What are the biggest challenges in the work and functioning of the public institution you head so far?
The biggest challenges in the work of a public institution are, first of all, limited space and a modest budget, which largely determine the scope and type of programs that we can implement. Often, much more creativity and organization are needed to implement ideas within the existing conditions. However, despite these limitations, we try not to compromise when it comes to quality. We are always looking for ways to offer the audience content that has value and to use the space we have in the best possible way.
What is the interest in the work and programs of the Royal Capital of Cetinje?
Interest in the Center's programs is growing with each new program, which is especially important to us. Audience development was another mission that is slowly being fulfilled. Audience development is always a long and exhausting process, and this problem is not only faced by us as a small local community, but today it is a problem throughout the world. However, we can boast that in just three years we have a permanent audience that follows us, recognizes us, and with the increase in the number and quality of programs, this interest is multiplying. This gives us additional confirmation that we are going in the right direction and that we are building each other together with our audience.
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