The exhibition "Angels from Montenegro", by one of the greatest Montenegrin painters and artists in general, Miodrag Dado Đurić, opened tonight at the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts (CANU) in Podgorica in front of several hundred visitors from all spheres of society - from numerous renowned artists and experts of all generations, to art admirers and lovers, representatives of the Government of Montenegro, current and former officials from various political parties, to members of Dado's family and his daughter Amarante Zidon (Amarante Szidon), to whom the artist entrusted the care of his works. All together in one place in celebration of the unique Dado and his creativity.
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, the president of the Foundation.
"This exhibition is an opportunity to pay tribute to his extraordinary 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 intricate 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...", said CANU President Ljubiša Stanković at the very beginning.
The curator of the impressive exhibition is art historian Mirjana Dabović Pejović, who 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 objects.
"A special quality should be recognized in the fact that these works provide an opportunity to gain insight into almost all the creative stages and media that Dado dealt with throughout his entire career. Fans of his work finally have the opportunity to encounter this unique work that leaves no one indifferent in their soul through this representative selection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, collages and prints. Whether it causes discomfort or admiration, one thing is certain: Dado's art arouses interest, intrigues and remains remembered in everyone who encounters it, even for a short time. I hope that this is the first step towards returning Dado to the place he belongs, and that the initiative to make this collection a public good will receive adequate support from all relevant donors," said Dabović Pejović.
The curator reminded that the executive producer is Lazar Pejović, and the media partner is Radio Television of Montenegro, and added that this is a kind of overture to mark the 100th anniversary of Dado's birth in 2033.
The exhibition was officially opened by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milotović, who also welcomed Jovović's dedication, but also his intention to make the collection public.
"On this occasion, we are uniting two important topics for Montenegrin culture - the affirmation of the creativity of a great Montenegrin artist and the potential of private art collections. Therefore, at the very beginning of my address, I would like to emphasize Mr. Jovović's diligence in building a private collection of works of art, the value of which is best evidenced by the exhibition for which we have gathered tonight. I would especially like to praise Mr. Jovović's intention to make the collection public. The state must, through institutional support and legal protection, have a serious and responsible approach to this initiative, because the possibility of a collection like this becoming publicly available can change the cultural map, not only of our capital, but of the entire Montenegro," he said, emphasizing that the institution of the President of the State and he personally always have sincere support for any initiative aimed at the development and promotion of Montenegrin culture.
Stanković recalled Dado's life journey and pointed out that his art can be disturbing, but it is precisely this unease that makes his work convincing.
"It confronts the darker 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 disturbing. A world that stays with you long after you leave the gallery. This exhibition is another testament to Dado's lasting impact on the art world. His work continues to inspire and challenge artists and viewers, pushing the boundaries of what art can be and what it can achieve," said Stanković, emphasizing that events like this are CANU's mission.
Milatović added that "among the constellation of greats who represented Montenegro as a country of painters, Dado stands out in that his professional affirmation first occurred abroad, and only then here in our country." For decades, Đurić's work has been represented in the most important literature on 20th-century art, but, Milatović believes, Montenegro has yet to repay its great creator.
"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... 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 he 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," Milatović said.
He congratulated everyone who took part in organizing this event, with the hope that Montenegrin educational and cultural institutions will continue to study and promote the works of Miodrag Dado Đurić with greater dedication in the coming period, as well as to encourage artistic creativity.
The monumental space of the new CANU building exuded magnificence and grandeur, in keeping with the occasion. The exhibition "Angels from Montenegro" will be open to visitors until the end of April.
Bonus video:
