The Crnogorska akademija nauka i umjetnosti (CANU) is set to launch a significant exhibition titled “Ad Iuventas,” showcasing the contemporary works of young Montenegrin artists. This exhibition will open on March 15, 2024, at 19:00 in the CANU Gallery. A panel of experts from CANU’s Department of Arts will select the best piece, awarding the winning artist a prize of 2,000 EUR. This initiative aims to further encourage and recognize the creative potential of emerging artists.
Visitors will encounter works from fifteen young creators, including Jovana Vujović, Milica Živković, Jovana Vujanović, Stefan Delić, Milka Delibašić, Milena Vukoslavović, Srđa Dragović, Željka Jovićević, Luka Mrkaić, Ana Novaković, Maša Laković, Ivana Mašanović, Marko Kilibarda, Mijat Bojović, and Sandra Đurović. The exhibition not only serves as a platform for these artists but also represents a robust institutional commitment to fostering their authenticity and creative expression.
Pavle Pejović, head of the CANU Gallery, emphasized the importance of supporting young artists. He noted that CANU has long been home to a Center for Young Scientists, which has played a vital role in nurturing talent. “The Academy must focus on youth, just as it has done in science for some time,” Pejović stated. “With this exhibition, we open the doors of the Academy wide for them, making it a regular part of our activities.”
Exploring Identity and Artistry
The central theme of the exhibition revolves around the exploration of contemporary experience and identity, as well as how art can reinterpret reality. The concept, labeled “4 / Meet,” signifies four encounters among four artists, each presenting distinct ideas. “Despite their different mediums, they share a research-oriented approach and sensitivity to personal and societal issues,” explained Maša Vlaović, one of the curators.
Each artist brings a unique voice to the exhibition. Vujović utilizes introspective body imagery to express inner conflict, while Vujanović critiques everyday life through playful interaction. Delić incorporates symbolic meanings, and Živković investigates women’s identity at the intersection of tradition and modernity. Together, these artists create a dialogue that reflects social commentary, playfulness, and symbolism.
Vlaović noted that the exhibition raises questions surrounding identity, gender roles, and symbolism through various artistic approaches. These range from the exploration of the body and emotions to depictions of the modern individual ensnared in the routines of daily life. “The exhibition invites the audience to critically reflect on their role and responsibilities within the community,” she added.
A Commitment to Authenticity and Growth
The selection process for the five featured young artists—Željka Jovićević, Milka Delibašić, Milena Vukoslavović, Srđa Dragović, and Luka Mrkaić—was not dictated by any specific curatorial theme. Instead, it was driven by their individual poetic expressions and youthful enthusiasm. Ljiljana Karadžić, another curator, highlighted that the chosen artists demonstrate a fresh perspective and serious research in their work.
In a text accompanying the exhibition, Karadžić discusses the relationship between “security” and “freedom” in art. She argues that true artistic freedom involves embracing uncertainty and the potential for unexpected discoveries. “In this space of uncertainty, significant breakthroughs occur,” she stated, emphasizing that young artists are redefining the boundaries of contemporary artistic expression.
Svetlana Racanović added that her selections included works that go beyond traditional artistic mediums, highlighting installations and videos that reflect authentic engagement with current impulses and impressions. “The works I’ve chosen are fluid, ever-changing, and open,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of capturing moments in time through art.
The exhibition will remain open until the end of February 2026, offering ample opportunity for the public to engage with the innovative expressions of Montenegrin youth. Pejović concluded by suggesting that such exhibitions should be organized every three years to maintain high-quality presentations and avoid repetition. “We believe it is an honor for young artists to exhibit in our gallery,” he stated, reaffirming CANU’s commitment to supporting the next generation of creators.
