Lola B. Wolf: POTRAGA ZA ODGOVORIMA / SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

Cynicism - that is the first thing that strikes us when looking at this artwork - the author portrays her strong need to defend herself from th echallenges of life, which has its roots in deep, subconscious fears.

The author is represented metaphorically - embodied in the form of a fork with sharp dents, which brilliantly depicts her aforementioned character trait: ability to reject and destroy each and every opportunity in life out of fear, before even attempting to live it fully.

What we see here is a lonely island in an ocean of life's opportunities, which, like amorphous bubbles (the bubbles represent unrealistic illusions) float all around it.

The sharp fork can pierce the bubbles, and that is, in fact, all that it knows how to do - she cannot go against her own nature, just like the author herself is unable to fight against the self-destructive needs trapped inside of her...as much as she is trapped inside of them as well...

Ciničnost – to je ono prvo što primjećujemo u djelu – autor portretira svoju snažnu potrebu da se obrani od životnih izazova, koja svoj korijen ima u dubokim, podsvjesnim  strahovima.

Ovdje je umjetnik prikazan metaforično – utjelovljen je u  formi  viljuške oštrih vrhova, čime se sjajno dočarava njegova već  pomenuta osobina  – da svaku životnu priliku iz straha odbaci i uništi - i prije nego što pokuša da ju proživi.

Ovdje, on je usamljeni otok u moru životnih prilika koje poput nepravilnih balončića (baloni predstavljaju iluzije) lebde oko njega.

Viljuška  svojim oštrim vrhom može probosti mjehuriće iluzije, to u stvari jedino i zna - ona ne može protiv “svoje prirode”, kao što se ni sam autor ne može izboriti protiv autodestruktivnog nagona koji je zarobljen u njemu…

i on njime….

Saša Drenski: MOLITVA BOGU KAOSA / PRAYER TO THE GOD OF CHAOS

Duality of reality...

This is a depiction of the male and female principles, in their infinite play and mutual chase of one another, in the search and desire of understanding... The merging of the two (especially the sexual kind) is only secondary here - the author focuses more on the feelings based on tenderness, on the observation of the two opposites which do not understand each other, but feel each other instead.

Those two inadvertantly, due to their curiosity and ignorance, begin the cyclical course of events which bring about chaos, which, in time, transforms into an endless source of creative energy. Those are the two extremes that never truly get to know the real nature of the other side, nor the duality of reality in which they exist, and which is defined precisely by male/female principles.

Dualnost stvarnosti…

Ovo je prikaz  muškog i ženskog principa, u beskonačnoj igri  i natjeravanju, u potrazi i želji da se shvate… Spajanje, (posebice seksualno), ovdje je u drugom planu – autor se više zadržava na osjećaju baziranom na nježnosti, na posmatranju dviju krajnosti koje se ne shvaćaju, ali se osjećaju.

One nehotično, svojom radoznalošću i neznanjem započinju ciklični tijek događaja koji donose kaos što se vremenom transformira u nepresušni izvor stvaralačke energije. 

Dvije su to krajnosti koje nikada suštinski ne spoznaju pravu prirodu druge strane i dualnost stvarnosti u kojoj žive, a koja je u potpunosti definirana upravo muško-ženskim principima. 

Olga Lech -Troupova: NE! / NO!

The first thing we notice about this composition is that it strongly reminds us of a page of an unwritten book.

'NO!' ambiciously urges us to ponder the problems of language and communication - what is necessary in order to convey a message? How is the transfer of information influenced by its form, intensity, or colour?

'NO!' offers an abstract, minimalist, yet legible description of rage which whiters down to exhaustion and surrender.

Magnificent.

Primjećujemo da je kompozicija takva da nas djelo asocira na stranicu neispisane knjige.
“NE!” nas ambiciozno tjera na promišljanje o jeziku i komunikaciji  - šta je potrebno da bi se prenijela poruka? Kako na prijenos utječe njena  forma, intenzitet ili boja?

“NE!” kroz apstraktno, minimalistički i čitko opisuje bijes koji se pretvara u iznemoglost i predaju. 

Maestralno.

Lea Mimica: NIJEMI KRIK / SILENT OUTCRY

A precise dissection of a relationship in which one of the persons involved is the constant victim of the passive-aggressive behavior of the other. Notice how one of them is trying to reach the other, only to be left withot a response. The icy coldness of the one side, and complete despair of the other, are excellently conveyed by this image.

In addition, their unbreakable bonds (most likely, family ties) is also creatively represented by the tangled 'knitwork of life', made of prejudice as well as pride - which keeps them tied down, trapped and unable to find freedom from the vicious circle... 

Seciranje odnosa u kojemu  je jedna od dviju strana izložena konstantnom pasivno- agresivnom ponašanju onoga drugoga. Primjećujemo kako se jedno od njih pokušava obratiti drugome, pri čemu odgovor izostaje. Ledena hladnoća sa jedne i potpuni očaj sa druge strane ovdje su odlično prikazani. 

Uz to sve,  maštovito je oslikana i njihova neraskidiva (najvjerojatnije porodična) veza –  nerazmrsivo “pletivo zivota” satkano od predrasuda i ponosa – koje ih drži zarobljenima i bez mogućnosti pronalaženja izlaza iz začaranoga kruga...   

Stanislav Obradović: SEĆANJE NA RAĐANJE SVEMIRA / MEMORIES OF THE BIRTH OF THE UNIVERSE

This intriguing piece of artwork very graphically tells the story of creation and development of a system which, although very close to us, remains misterious and unknowable to us. This is actually a story about our inner universe - its complexity and beauty - as well as its secrets which will stay forever out of our reach, and the answers to its questions will eternally be the objects of our desire and passionate inspiration...

Ovo  zanimljivo ostvarenje vrlo plastično nam pripovijeda o nastanku i uređenju jednog sistema koji nam jeste blizak, ali kojega istodobno uopće ne poznajemo.  

To je priča o našem unutarnjem svijetu - njegovoj kompleksnosti i ljepoti – kao i njegovim tajnama koje će za nas uvijek ostati nedokučive, a odgovori na njih predmet naše stalne čeznje i strastvene inspiracije…

Erik Vellmar: MOJA BAKA JE ODLIČNO PRIČALA VICEVE / MY GRANDMA WAS EXCELLENT AT TELLING JOKES

When it comes to this photograph, it is very true that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Right away, even if we are not familiar with the title, we can tell that this artwork was inspired by an elderly person. Notice how the dominant element, which takes up the central space in the composition (the chili pepper), symbolizes the old, wrinkled skin by its texture.

We also discover that the chili pepper has, in spite of everything, retained its bold colors - which tells us that the person that this artwork is referring to has also succeeded in retaining her youthful spirit.

Furthermore, the pepper is curved - which clearly indicates that we are dealing with a rebellious person which does not conform to the rules of society.

And finally - the fact that it is a chili pepper - reveals that we are to find inside the portrayed subject is a very focused and strong intellect which is able to (due to its rich life experience and lively spirit) easily define and approach all of the possible life situations in an appropriate way.

A grand portraiture with the use of minimalistic style.

Applause!

Za ovu sliku doista vrijedi pravilo da govori više od tisuću riječi. 

Odmah, čak i ako nam njen naziv i nije poznat, mi znamo da je ovo djelo inspirirala starija osoba. Opažamo kako dominantni element, koji zauzima centralno mjesto u kompoziciji (papričica), svojom teksturom savršeno podražava izgled stare, smežurane kože. 

Otkrivamo i da je papričica, uprkos svemu, zadržala svoje žive boje – što nam govori da je pomenuta osoba također uspjela očuvati svoj svježi, mladalački duh.
Nadalje, papričica je zakrivljena – što poručuje da imamo posla sa buntovnom osobom - za koju pravila ne važe.

I na poslijetku – to je ljuta papričica – što će reći da je unutar portretiranog subjekta koncentriran jak intelekt koji može, zahvaljujući njegovu životnu iskustvu i bistru duhu, jako lako definirati i prići na pravi način svim životnim situacijama.

Majstorsko portretiranje u minimalističkom stilu.

Aplauz!

Olivera Davidović – Vučković: DANAS SAM DOBRE VOLJE / I'M IN A GOOD MOOD TODAY

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'I'm in a good mood today' is an artwork that simply radiates optimism. The atmosphere is fully charged with positive energy. The artist has skilfully set up the composition in a way that gives us the feeling that the structure shown in the photography will, in a matter of moments, burst out of its frame and engulf us in joy.

It is the very same feeling of the infinite inspiration which I recognize in the marvelous painting by Jackson Pollock 'Mural on Indian Red Ground' (shown below for those of you not familiar with it).

'I'm in a good mood today' is a true refreshment, and honestly, I would like to have it in my collection.

“Danas sam dobre volje”  je uradak potpuno protkan optimizmom.  Atmosfera  je nabijena pozitivnom energijom. Umjetnik je majstorski postavio kompoziciju tako da dobijamo osjećaj da će se struktura sa fotografije svakog trena, doslovice, izliti i preplaviti nas ugodom.

To je isti onaj osjećaj bezgranične inspiracije koji prepoznajem i na sjajnoj slici Jackson Pollocka ““Mural on Indian Red Ground”. (niže prikazano, za Vas koji niste upoznati s dotičnim djelom)

“Danas sam dobre volje” pravo je osvježenje i iskreno – volio bih ju imati u svojoj kolekciji.

Jackson Pollock, 'Mural On Indian Red Ground'

Lavinija Erdinger: OTETO / RAPTURED

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What is immediately obvious here is the author's contemplation of the question - 'is there a life after death'.

We clearly see the notions of forgiveness, reconciliation and letting go of the toxic fear of tomorrow, pain and existence. Lavinija has surrendered after a futile struggle and refusal to confront the complexity of life's situations which grind her into dust and demand a constant war with the inner hell and its demons. The ability to believe and to hope - even to be afraid - have been taken away from her.

This is an extremely strong and intimate confession...

Odmah se može uhvatiti zamisao autorice koja kontemplira nad pitanjem   - postoji li život nakon smrti.

Ovdje jasno iščitavamo oprost, mirenje i opuštanje nakon grčevitog straha od sutrašnjice, boli i bitka. Lavinija se predala nakon uzaludne borbe i odbijanja da se suoči sa kompleksnosti životnih situacija koje ju melju i traže svakodnevnu borbu sa unutrašnjim paklom i demonima.

Njoj je oteta mogućnost da vjeruje i da se nada - čak i da se plaši. Ovo je izuzetno snažna i intimna ispovijest...  

Nikica Drogbaba: KAD JE JUNG SREO FREUDA / WHEN JUNG MET FREUD

The two phallusoid vertical objects which symbolize Jung and Freud have been skilfully juxtaposed with the passive, feminine openness of the horizontal lines, barely visible in the background.
The pulsating Eros is almost tangible here, mixed with a sense of guilt - simmering hypnotic sexual desire that regularly gets repressed during the upbringing, which is irresistible as much as it is threatening, capable to annihilate the laws of behavior and living and bring confusion and pain due to overpowering change and penetration of the unknown - which is something that the Western civilization (which we are a part of) is genuinely terrified of.


Falusne vertikale - kojima su ovdje simbolički prikazani Freud i Jung majstorski su povezane sa pasivnom ženskom otvorenošću horizonatalnih linija, ovlaš naznačenih u pozadini.

Tu se naprosto može napipati pulsirajuća erotičnost pomiješana sa osjećajem krivnje – tinjajuća hipnotička seksualna želja  koja se redovito potiskuje zbog odgoja, a koja je neodoljiva i ujedno prijeteća, sposobna razoriti zakonitosti  ponašanja i življenja te donijeti  pometnju i bol zbog nastale promjene i ulaska u nepoznato - čega se duboko u sebi Zapadna civilizacija, (koje smo i mi dio), iskreno užasava.

Galina Ivanov: REMINISCENCIJA / REMINISSENCE

This artwork demands an in-depth study of itself. The artist is trying to mislead us - by offering us, at first glance, a sappy emotional story.
However, 'Reminissence' is everything but - it tell the story of enslavement caused by inescapable attraction. The addiction (in this case, I personally believe it is the addiction to narcotics) is powerfully incarnated in the given symbols. Magnetically seductive and ominous it (the addiction) is in conflict with symbolically represented author that yields to it, although she knows it is the path to annihilation.
Thanks the schizoid atmosphere of this artwork, we can literally HEAR the outcry of her lost, abused soul begging for help.
In short - this is an extraordinary depiction of the fall and self-destruction and the inability of the natus to resist it...

Ovaj rad zahtijeva studiozan pristup. Umjetnica želi da nas zavara - nudeći nam, na prvi pogled, sladunjavu priču.

A "Reminiscencija" može biti sve ali samo ne to - ona pripovijeda o ropstvu izazvanom neodoljivom privlačnošću. Ovisnost (intimno, smatram da je ovdje u pitanju ovisnost o narkoticima) je ovdje tako moćno otjelovljena.

Magnetski privlačna i zlokobna ona (ovisnost) je suprotstavljena simbolički predstavljenoj autorici koji pristaje na nju - iako zna da je to put uništenja.

Zahvaljujući šizofernoj atmosferi, ovdje naprosto možemo ČUTI urlik njezine izgubljene, zlostavljane duše koja poziva u pomoć.

Ukratko - ovo je izuzetan prikaz pada i destrukcije i nemogućnosti natusa da se tomu odupre...

Strahinja Kovač-Bitanga: STUDIJA BOLI / STUDY OF PAIN

Znak PITANJA je ovlaš naznačen - čisto da se nasluti i kroza nj pronikne u simboliku izopćeničkog života ljudi na marginama društva, koji rasipaju fragmente svoje ličnosti kroz borbu sa okruženjem izazvane strahom od iskazivanja vlastite seksualnosti. 


Strahinja Kovač-Bitanga

The QUESTION mark is barely/loosely formed  here - it serves only as a notion through which we are to take a peek into the symbolism of  the renegade and outcast lifestyles of people living on the margins of society, who scatter away the fragments of their shattered personalities during the course of struggle with their surroundings, caused  by fear of expressing their own sexuality.


Strahinja Kovač-Bitanga

Strahinja, izuzetno zanimljiv rad...ta predstava praiskonskog grcevitog i anksioznog trzaja destrukcije kojim se odlucuje prekinuti tisina koja raste i gusi ljude u nedefiniranim odnosima... zaista izuzetno... 

Extraordinarily interesting piece of work, Strahinja...this display of primal, spastic, anxious strike of destruction which decides to end the growing silence which suffocates people stuck in undefined relationships...truly extraordinary...