Jelena Milićević
Jelena Milicevic was born in 1992 in a small mining town in Central Serbia. Therefore, she thought that it was logical for her to seek financial independence and stability in the field of art, which can rightly call her balance into question. After completing her undergraduate and master studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Belgrade, she acquired the necessary and desired title and the title of master artist and was transferred right from the University to the Belgrade windstorm and uncertain future. The situation suddenly improved when he started working at the Center for Graphics and Visual Research as a master of printing in the technique of lithography. There, he will gain experience and lifelong friends and stomach ulcers from curatorial desires, but he will continue to trust curators more than his own eyes. He tries to create and draw next to work, he occasionally exhibits, although he doesn't like crowds, but everyone carries their own cross. For more boring details, contact the artist by e-mail or letter.
No games allowed
Since 2015, the artist has been interested in the topic of interpersonal relationships and tries to bring all variations of them closer to herself, and then to others through a drawing that is later the basis for graphics. As we all found ourselves in a situation that took us off our usual paths of everyday obligations, on this occasion, Milićević imagined to complement the drawing as a hand of friendship towards a neon light installation. In this piece, a hug and a kiss are presented as something we took for granted, and at one point the law prohibited us from physical contact with the introduction of new measures due to the pandemic. On the other hand, neon lighting is an association of going out and having fun and unforeseen situations that give charm to weekend parties, people, and crowded spaces.
Interview
What is the language in common for the young people today?
The desire for change and independence.
What does the process of making one of your pieces look like?
Usually, the idea of a drawing gets stuck in my head and occupies all my attention until I implement and realize that idea. It comes as an unexpected flood from which I don't know how I will get out, but in the end I always swim to the shore.
Which challenges have you faced while making art as you know it?
The only kind of challenge or obstacle I encounter may be financial in nature, the rest I think goes the natural way.
Do you consider yourself an artist, and what does that word mean to you?
I consider myself an artist, sometimes I think it is more of a diagnosis, and sometimes an integral part of every person. It all depends on which foot I stand on.
What is your escape from reality? Do you even have a need to escape from something?
Drawing and any kind of physical activity. I would not say that it is an escape, but a lever for lifting a heavy object that you have to remove from your path and continue on, and our everyday life is not always rosy and everyone must have their own pacer or stomach medicine to digest everything.
What does the word innovative mean to you?
Thinking with your head is enough to start any fresh collaboration and creativity.
Do you have a plan for the future? Where can your artistic practice take you?
When it comes to artistic practice, I have always wanted to have a studio in the mountains, with lots of books and animals, crowds and awards are not my target group. I think that the best business plan and financial stability in our country is the opening of a roastery in Dorcol.
What made the biggest influence on you to become what you are today and do what you do now?
Sometimes I think that I did not even choose this invitation, but I surrendered to that current that threw me into various fields of life. I allow myself the luxury of never questioning my decisions but enjoying the sweet or bitter fruits. And certainly the most influential in the first years of life was the collection of comics that my father owned, and I still look forward to buying those small, black-and-white pages, filled with the righteous actions of the main characters.
How would you describe Serbian (Balkan or European-depends on where you live and work) contemporary cultural scene?
Sometimes I think that I did not even choose this invitation, but I surrendered to that current that threw me into various fields of life. I allow myself the luxury of never questioning my decisions but enjoying the sweet or bitter fruits. And certainly the most influential in the first years of life was the collection of comics that my father owned, and I still look forward to buying those small, black-and-white pages, filled with the righteous actions of the main characters.
In which way does your creative process shape you or changes you as a person, if it does at all?
NI don't know if it changes my personality, but I know that I sleep better at night when I create. I consider drawing to be mental hygiene.