Elevate 341

Promo | 81 Beograd je bio i ostao mesto na koje smo se uvek vraćali u našoj potrazi za inspiracijom Belgrade was and remains the place to which we have returned time and again in our search for inspiration between the two capitals come about? „In recent years we have worked all over theworld. Andwe continue to do so. However, Belgrade was and remains the place to whichwe have returned time and again in our search for inspiration. At somepoint, “returning”hasorganically become “creating together”.“ As a communications expert, you work with brands, corporations, municipalities and even politics as a trusted partner. At the same time, you are considered the “enfant terrible” of the Berlin art scene. How does that fit together? „It´s a wonderful fit. The “enfant” always tells the truth and the “terrible” tells it inan excitingway. Whatelsewouldbethealternative? No one wants to hear dull untruths. Besides, they bore me. I have the peculiarity that one-dimensional issues bore me very quickly. Then I run away, because life’s too short to dip your brain in an acid of monotony.“ You recently opened your gallery “Monolog” in Belgrade. What made you take this step? „It wasn’tme alone, but togetherwithmy co-curator JanGustav Fiedler. Andbecausewe’re both insane.“ Because of Belgrade? „No. Because of the gallery.“ In the past, however, you have achieved spectacular sales. That doesn’t sound like insanity. „But it was never primarily about the money. I work with artists all the way to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan-andIdon’tknowmany colleagues who undertake such journeys in search of talent. I’m less interested in the art market bubble. It boresme.The search for the muses is what drivesme. So when I come across exceptional artists and works, it’s easy to communicate them as such, because that’s what they truly are. Exceptional.“ What is currently on display at the Monolog gallery? „The wonderful world of Dea Džanković in an exhibition titled “Suzovača”.“ Can you name one Serbian artist that you do not represent, but whose work we should buy? „You should buy works by all Serbian artists. Don’t wait forever fortheperfectworkofart.Otherwise it will never come and you will die. Just start. And never underestimate the energy of the art you will surround yourself with. Declare collecting amission that goes beyond pure investment. Then it gets really exciting.“ You´re avoiding the question. „Not at all.Thequestionofpurchase is difficult to answer with a single name. Culture is a collective experience.“ But what about the question of extraordinary talents that are currently occupying you? „Then I have to make at least two out of one andmentionBranislav Jankić andMarinaMarković. Marković is a tornado that sweeps over all prejudices and barriers with an unbelievably deep lightness. Jankić is a storyteller of the best kind. His poetry can cut your fingertips. Generally, we must realise that Belgrade is at the forefront of a contemporary generation that has immense potential.“ What is the best way to activate this potential? „Who says that Basel has amonopoly on art?“ So are we expecting some kind of “Art Belgrade”? „I’mjust saying that if there is a metropolis in the Balkans that has the infrastructure, educational facilities, creative scene, size and soul for something like that, itwould be Belgrade.“

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExMjc5