The incoming exhibition by Nebojša Despotović at Boccanera Gallery is simultaneously a continuation and a fracture of the investigation into both formal and conceptual aspects of painting, that the author has been preoccupied with during his artistic trajectory. While in Velvet Glove (2010), his previous exhibition at the same space, Despotović was dealing with infant subjects, outdoors and vibrant colors, Silent Fracture presents a certain maturity, with all contradictions it embodies. Mature, almost mystique subjects and darker enclosed interiors are an effect of the meditation on the personal experience, as well as an investigation of its form in terms of reaching more abstract solutions in his visual regime.

Silent Fracture can be understood as a metaphor of the cultural aspects of Despotović’s artistic identity - an artist who has been, due to his origin, labeled as Eastern European, has actually acquired his formal education in Italy, and is currently based in Berlin. Being detached from the cultural contexts of his formation, Despotović is inspired by specific niche that is a result of these fractures (from the the text by Maja Ćirić).

Released for the opening the exhibition catalogue, in Italian, English and Serbian, with the curator essays and the works’ on show images.

Born in Belgrade (SRB) in 1982. Lives and works in Berlin, Germany. In 2006 he obtained a bachelor degree in painting at Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia and in 2011 he graduated in Visual Arts and Discipline of Spectacle at Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. In 2011 he moved to Venice as artist in residence at the ateliers of Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation and has been inviated at the 54. International Art Exhibition - Venice Biennale / Arsenal - Accademy of Fine Arts. In 2012 he won the Euromobil Under 30 prize at Artefiera Bologna and the Mango Young Artist Award of Swab in Barcellona.

Nebojša Despotović thoroughly exploits the collective iconograhic heritage recycling old photographs and images, newspapers, books, handbooks and magazines, which are the starting point for the artist to create his pantings.

Despotović’s research, which pays particular attention to the definition and representation of the concept of identity, only apparently saves these images from the oblivion of time: covered and altered with painting they acquire an indefinite and outdated character which takes them back to a remote past. In his portraits and paintings - characterized by gloomy colours and thick brush strokes – the protagonists’ features, as well as the details of the landscapes and of the scenaries, are just hinted at.

The attention is not focused on the detail but on the evoked atmospheres recalling ages, lives, stories and events which do not exist anymore and of which the viewer can perceive the distance and loss.

Galleria Arte Boccanera
Via Milano, 128
Trento 38122 Italy
Tel. +39 0461 984206
info@arteboccanera.com
www.arteboccanera.com

Opening hours
Monday – Saturday
From 10am to 7pm or by appointment

Related images

  1. Nebojša Despotović, Salone di mia madre, 2013, acrilico su tela, 140 x 180 cm
  2. Nebojša Despotović, Plates, 2013, ricamo su juta, 40 x 60 cm
  3. Nebojša Despotović, Graveyard Picnic, 2013, oil on canvas, 198 x 272 cm