Bogdan Đukanović
By looking at the atmosphere of the society and surroundings in which I find myself, I aim my artistic practice at creating scenes that, in all their material presence and the correlations of their symbolic meanings, reflect the character of the everyday.
Bogdan Đukanović (1996, Aranđelovac) completed his Undergraduate and Master’s degrees at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Belgrade, under the mentorship of Professor Mrđan Bajić and Professor Radoš Antonijević. The first semester of his fourth year was spent at a bilateral exchange in China, at the Academy of Fine Art in Si’Anu. He is currently in his first year of his Doctorate studies at the same faculty. He took part of the first “COMMONS” residency, with the working title “Imagining Institutions of the Future”, actualized throughout 2021, as part of the creative platform of the Goethe Institute in Belgrade, under the name “NEXT GENERATION”.
What is the language in common for the young people today?
Connection, collaboration, enthusiasm and the wanting to change a stagnant system.
What does the process of making one of your pieces look like?
I walk through the streets and observe, later I articulate that which I saw. Simple, isn’t it? 🙂
Which challenges have you faced while making art as you know it?
I don’t know, maybe someone from the side has clearer vision?
Do you consider yourself an artist, and what does that word mean to you?
I am an artist. 🙂 Another invitation that helps society familiarize itself with the world that surrounds it. (For now, my assurance about that is changing).
What is your escape from reality? Do you even have a need to escape from something?
I don’t have a need to run from reality, it’s far too inspiring for me to run from it.
What does the word innovative mean to you?
A new observation on the old “problem”
Do you have a plan for the future? Where can your artistic practice take you?
I have goals, and my plans accommodate to them. As for where my artistic practice will take me? We’ll see!
What made the biggest influence on you to become what you are today and do what you do now?
Many factors, since childhood up until today. Most of all the carefreeness afforded to me by my family’s support and the support of close friends. Constant doubt has also influenced me, much like the constant questioning of personal beliefs, boundaries, shortcomings… My first talks on art with the artist Vladan Martinović as well as the friendship I have with Slobodan Trajković.
How would you describe Serbian (Balkan or European-depends on where you live and work) contemporary cultural scene?
The will is there! Is it enough? 🙂
In which way does your creative process shape you or changes you as a person, if it does at all?
Each day pushes me to leave my comfort zone, a zone I like. It pushes me to develop critical thinking and to assess everything I see but don’t understand.