Galerija Bel Art proudly presents a new exhibition from the cycle “From the Treasury of Vojvodinian Art.”
For this exhibition, works by nine of the most prominent Vojvodinian artists who worked in the second half of the 20th century have been selected. The exhibition includes Milan Kečić, Ankica Oprešnik, Boško Petrović, Milan Kerc, Stevan Maksimović, Branislav Vuleković, Milivoj Nikolajević, Milan Konjović, and Jovan Soldatović — artists whose names are indispensable in the art history of our region.
Although they share a similar generational background, each of them enriched the Vojvodinian art scene with a distinctive personal mark, introducing contemporary aesthetic principles and connecting local art with the broader currents of Yugoslav painting.
The oldest member of the group of artists is Milan Konjović (1898-1993), who is considered one of the most prolific Serbian painters. His rich oeuvre, filled with anthology works, shaped nearly the entire century of Serbian fine art. Through various phases of artistic development, the landscape became the key expression of his creativity, as he developed a recognizable style marked by an expressionist temperament and a sumptuous color palette. The exhibition also features a work by Boško Petrović (1922-1982), one of the most prominent painters from Vojvodina. His versatility encompassed various artistic disciplines, including mosaic, watercolor, drawing, and collage, while he devoted particular attention to tapestry, demonstrating deep artistic commitment and engaged innovation. Milan Kečić (1910-1998) presents works inspired by the plains landscape, in which he reveals the hidden beauties of nature. His ability to recognize complex emotions within simple landscapes reflects a profound connection with his surroundings. The artist himself once said: “There is a world that is blind to the beauty of the plains, yet to the painter the plains offer themselves in many forms. If he dares to paint only bare, ploughed land with the high sky above it, that is for him the greatest hardship, a challenge for a demanding artistic duel.”
Ankica Oprešnik (1919-2005) brings an authentic expression that critics have described as expressive lyricism. Her skillful treatment of surface, line, and color creates harmony within her graphic compositions, leaving a powerful impression on viewers. Her husband, Milan Kerac (1914–1980), represents an artist of the first postwar generation, whose works are marked by a diversity of styles, ranging from Impressionism to associative Expressionism. His paintings, often infused with motifs of bulls, carry memories from childhood and convey deep emotional introspection.
The only sculptor among these artists, Jovan Soldatović (1920-2005), is known for his bronze sculptures and public monuments. His works not only bring significant historical figures to life but also raise profound questions about identity and collective consciousness. Milivoje Nikolajević (1912-1988) represents an artist whose development evolved from Post-Impressionism to associative abstraction, captivating audiences with his ability to capture the essential associations of nature. Stevan Maksimović (1910-2002) bears the distinctive mark of refined lyricism, where restraint and geometric forms intertwine with the emotional strength of his landscapes and figurative compositions. His works transcend the mere description of nature, becoming visual symbols and resonant metaphors.