As the holiday season approaches, Belgrade’s art scene is buzzing with extraordinary exhibitions that showcase the city’s cultural vibrancy. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking to experience something unique, here are three must-visit exhibitions happening in December. These events promise to enrich your understanding of art while highlighting the depth and diversity of artistic expression. Dive into art in Belgrade in December 2024 and make the most of your cultural journey.
1. The Duality of Milena Pavlović Barili
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Belgrade
When: Until 17.3.2025
This retrospective exhibition celebrates the life and work of Milena Pavlović Barili, one of Serbia’s most influential modernist painters. The exhibit highlights her contribution to both Serbian and global modern art during the interwar period. Through 150 works, including paintings, drawings, poetry, and fashion illustrations, visitors can explore Barili’s unique artistic duality.
Her creations merge rationality and emotion, blending classical aesthetics with contemporary surrealism. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in her introspective world, where art transcends boundaries to unite innovation and tradition.
2. Making Out on the Battlefield
Where: Hestia Art Gallery, Belgrade
When: December 21st 2024
Randolph Lamonier
Curated by: Anja Obradovic, Neva Lukic
The works of Randolpho Lamonier are based on the images shaped by the horror vacui of today’s information age, which the artist deepens through iconographic and iconological references to the history of art, often employing a somewhat surrealistic approach that delves into the dreamlike and personal. Lamonier’s images, according to W.J.T. Mitchell’s classification, can be divided into graphic, mental, and verbal images, and they are manifested through mixed mediums such as assemblage, collage, and readymade, as well as other mediums like painting, tapestry, photography, and video work. These pieces emanate contemporary visual culture; for example, in some installations and assemblages, the artist shows and appropriates various branded products such as Colgate, Listerine, Calvin Klein, and New Balance, where public and private iconography overlap, as do graphic and verbal images, ultimately giving the readymade its painted reflection. The essence of today’s time is crystallized, revealing that we remain deprived of symbolism, or rather, our symbols, dreams, and fetishes predominantly express a consumerist nature.
On the other hand, the exhibition at Hestia takes us back to the symbolism of Eros and Thanatos, expressed through its almost oxymoronic title “Love on the Battlefield.” It features works from earlier phases, including three series of photographs (“Balaclava,” 2013; “Burning Diaries,” 2014; “Ave Guerrilla,” 2014) and the video work “Doom” (in collaboration with Victor Galvão, 2019). It also showcases new works created during the residency at Hestia, such as the continuation of the “Bittersweet Haiku” series, where the artist pairs each still life created using a combined collage technique with Japanese short-form poetry – haiku.
Neva Lukić
Support for the realization of the exhibition: 60th October Salon and Cultural Centre Belgrade
3. Richard Deacon: An Artist’s Journey
Where: DOTS Gallery, Belgrade
When: Until December 7, 2024
Explore the groundbreaking work of Richard Deacon, a celebrated figure in contemporary sculpture. This exhibition at DOTS Gallery presents a curated selection of his iconic pieces, blending abstract forms with a mastery of materials like wood, metal, and ceramics. Known for his innovative approach and exploration of space, Deacon’s sculptures challenge conventional perceptions of form and structure.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the works of one of the most influential sculptors of our time. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or new to his art, the exhibit promises an enriching experience.
Discover Belgrade’s Art Scene This December
Dive into the worlds of Milena Pavlović Barili, Randolpho Lamonier, and Richard Deacon as Belgrade’s vibrant art scene unfolds this December. With each exhibition offering a unique perspective on art and culture, there’s no better time to explore the city’s creative pulse. Make sure to include these exhibitions in your plans and let the richness of Belgrade’s artistic offerings inspire your winter journey.
For more updates on art, culture, and events in Belgrade, stay connected to our platform. Let Art in Belgrade in December 2024 guide your next cultural adventure!
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
