This exhibition, entitled “Faces Between Charm and Harm”, brings 37 papers that through opposition, but the complementary artistic expressions of the two authors investigate similar humanistic topics, relevant to modern social context.
Hadžić through a sarcastic and critical approach explores the contradictions of modern society and the neglects of progress, relying on the symbolism of the traditional Bosnian house. This motif, often associated with warmth home and past times, to Hadzic takes a new meaning – becomes a space of reflection on the values that are lost in the modern world. By combining a classic architectural structure with elements of popular culture, an artist in ironic way raises the question: how much is the progress really progress?
On the other hand, Haračić deals with the internal world of an individual shaped by mass media and global information flows. His characters, at first glance clearly, exude deep internal unrest, reflecting contradictions and the paradox of today. Through subtle visual signs, the artist examines the boundary between the actual identity and that imposed with external influences. His work explores universal topics such as alienity, consumerism and insecurities that permeate modern society.
Amer Hadzic says that he was born and grew up in Sarajevo, a city where the meeting of different cultures is specially documented through architecture, and for him, the Bosnian house has a solid role in terms of belonging, nostalgia and identity.
– While my earlier work visually and technically focused on this idea through the graphics, it is still intrigued through painting today. Also, I realized early that the house itself has no significance without the context of its builders, inhabitants or passers-by. It exists as a historical document, and that document is in a constant state of transformation. Humanity leaves its marks in resident. This form silent and very indirect existence is something I want to put focus on. He is present through various traces and textures on the walls, and is especially charming in the forms of very superficial and banal records, graffiti and illustrations that refer to pop culture. Given the recent history of Bosnia and Herzegovina and severe structural damage that is inherent, such occurrences of human interactions alleviate the seriousness and provide an unexpected meaning that is tragicomally, and above all, close to the basic human level. We all have the need to express ourselves and we all have the need to be documented. I like to play with this idea of presence and an unexpected context, in spaces that act long-forgotten and abandoned – said Hadzic.
Hadžić also states that in his technical and visual approach to painting, texture, mostly pierced colored background, and in different uses to highlight visual information, and builds their images through different layers, always treating the entire surface As a balanced space that receives its final touch in the form of graffiti, inscription or illustration.
– The structure is an important part of my visual narration, I want to emphasize that my work rely on strong drawing basics, which stems from my graphic experience. This initial structure is supported using different wall materials in combination with color, creating surfaces that carry the illusion of three-dimensionality and depth. To a certain degree, my work structurally sets into the area of relief, allowing a simple and clean pallet without losing details and texture. This approach allows me to communicate – to tell unexpected stories of one city, a living organism, and at the same time I remain associated with artistic and visual values that drive me as a painter and a visual artist – Hadzic said.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by numerous art enthusiasts, including the representatives of the Viennese art scene, cultural workers of that diaspora from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The audience had the opportunity to talk to the authors and hear their thinking about the concepts behind the works.
Amer Hadžić and Denis Haracic recently exhibited as part of the Contemporary Bosnia exhibition in the New York Gallery of Jutt, where the works of seven modern artists from Bosnia and Herzegovina are presented. This exhibition in Vienna was organized in cooperation with the company Splitart, which represents Haracic and Hadžić, and is another significant step forward in the international promotion of Bosnian contemporary art.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
