In our column Meet a local we present interesting individuals from different professional fields living in Belgrade. The idea is to get to know some locals and their favorite neighborhoods and venues in the city.

Please introduce yourself to our readers:


We are brothers, Andreja and Sergej Krstić, born in Belgrade, Serbia.
Andreja: I am an abstract visual artist, expressing myself in different artistic media under the artistic name Chenipe. While creating I rely on my imagination and intuition, letting myself be inspired by my surroundings. Abstract composition gives me the freedom to focus strongly on the aesthetic value of the piece, leaving a possibility for it to evoke a persona reaction in each viewer while crafting the piece in a harmonious relationship with its surrounding fulfills me.
I obtained a Master’s degree in Wall painting from the University of Applied Arts in Belgrade in 2017.

You can follow my work here:
https://www.instagram.com/chenipe239/


Sergej: I am a student in the sixth and the last year of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine but animals aren’t my only passion. From an early age, I’ve been exploring and digging different music genres merged with one motive – emotions. Since 2019, I’m channeling my energy through dynamic DJ sets full of soul, boogie, disco as well as eclectic dance rhythms.

You can follow my work here:
https://soundcloud.com/sergejkrstic
https://www.instagram.com/sergejkrstic/

Has there been a new project lately?


Andreja: At the moment, I’m working on new series of large-scale paintings, preparing for the group expo with Hesoyam collective in June. As well, I’m traveling to Portugal for street art and Vortex project in July, and in the between scouting for “blank” walls around Belgrade.

Mural in Cetinjska St.

Sergej: Right now I’m focused on completing the university degree and developing my own enterprise, but besides that, I was honored to record a set for the radio show “Invitation to love”, by Andrej Micajkov on Belgrade and Berlin-based radio “D59B”.

Check it out here:

What do you like about Belgrade?


We love this city because it gives the possibility for everyone to express themselves in the way they feel. Belgrade has a vibrant energy, something is always happening, and you can find space for yourself, from parks and outdoor activities to many unique places and parties. Definitely, you will never get bored.

Where do you like to go out?

We strongly believe that Belgrade’s variety is also reflected in its nightlife. In our minds, Cetinjska street stands out as a blueprint.
From tollgate to its vibrant energy, this urban quarter stimulates every sense. We found it as a cozy, home-like atmosphere where depending on your mood, you can stay until the closing or it can be a good warm-up for the rest of the night. Occasionally our nights end at the 20/44 boat or club Drugstore.

Name 3 of your favorite restaurants in the city?

Since we are always on the move, priority is something fast, something for the road and Belgrade is well known for its street food diversity.
But if we have to choose, here are our top three:
Andreja: Hanan, Pizza Bar and Srpska Kafana.
Sergej: Hanan, Ćevabdžnica Goja and Stara Hercegovina.

Where do you drink coffee?

Sergej: The first cup of coffee is after breakfast, at home. The second and last depends on where friends are already sitting, but usually, it’s Belgrade Bistro & Vinyl shop.
Andreja: I never managed to fall in love with the taste of coffee, cacao or tea are my hot drinks. I like to surprise myself with the new places, but tea in the Dvorištance bar had made an impression.

Where do you spend your leisure time?

Andreja: Climbing on Kalemegdan, Košutnjak or in gyms such as Prva beogradska gmnazija, going to our weekend house in Višnjica, walking from 25th Maj sports center to the Gardoš tower and back.


Sergej: Most of my free time I spend walking with my dog Nola in the area of Kalemegdan old town, Zvezdarska šuma, and the pedestrian area from Ušće to monument Večna vatra.

Name your 3 favorite locations in Belgrade and justify your choice.

Belgrade


Andreja: Višnjica is pure wilderness just a few kilometers away from downtown. With hiking trails close to the weekend house, it’s a perfect place to wander around when you need to chill out from the city vibes.
Kalemegdan gives me a similar feeling to the hideout place. Situated in the heart of the city with many places to chill and great viewpoints on the Sava and Danube rivers, the fortress is also suitable for climbing so you can often spot me hanging out on the wall ripping my fingers off.
Beowallz shop – a candy land for visual artists.


Sergej: 1. The area around Kula Nebojsa, the park under Kalemegdan fortress, place where Nola can run around freely.

Kinoteka – Unique environment for movie-goers, low ticket prices with a great repertoire.

Hidden, a little-known place with a sentimental value near Belgrade airport – alongside the runway, ideal for plane spotting.


Photos: Lazar Kostić – https://www.instagram.com/lazarxkostic/