Artists in Casa
Magritte. Matisse. Kahlo. Rodin. Dalí. We ask you, what comes to mind when you see this impossible to grasp equation? We will tell you what we see. Genius minds, distant lands, obscene colors, vivid expression, unattainable imagination, all the wonderful simplicity. And a desire to see it all unravel before our eyes. So, we did.
With the challenging two years of the pandemic, with mobility restrictions, protective gear and limited proximity to people, it is safe to say that we have not been able to enjoy art in the manner in which we were accustomed. Encouraged by morsels of normalcy that we are now facing, as art enthusiasts and proponents of cultural upliftment, this year as part of our efforts to contribute to the development of our community’s creative awareness, we decided to launch our Artists in Casa project. On that note, we have invited distinguished artists from Montenegro to stay and create in Casa for a period of time, all for the purpose of promoting their creative expression. Our aim was to support their vision by making available the premises and the ambience of Casa del Mare, as well as the community that we have been building and fostering over the years. In that context, the core of this initiative is its residential component, allowing the artists to truly feel at home, derive inspiration from a new environment and create something of value. The pieces that were created in that process, along with additional ones made available by the artists, will be showcased in our hotels and available for purchase.
With the stunning Boka bay surrounding us, we are aware that residing in such beauty is both a privilege and responsibility. For this reason, when we choose projects to support, we always opt for those which, in a tangible way, contribute to the prosperity of our community. In that respect, we acknowledge that art and culture are a means to public dialogue, potent tools with which to engage communities in various levels of change. Engaging in these topics allows us to go back to the beating heart of our social milieu – its people and affairs that concern them. As a family run company, it is of immense importance to us to lead by example and convey that joyous feeling that results from dedicating time to worthy causes.
It is with a profound appreciation for their respective artist-centered philosophies and a deep commitment to their individual creative processes that we express gratitude to our first round of artists that have decided to embark on this journey with us.
Gordić. Rastoder. Lazović. Petrović Njegoš. Remember these names.
Adin Rastoder
Born in 1985, in Podgorica, Adin graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje in 2010, Department of Sculpture.
“As someone whose art has greatly been influenced by the Montenegrin tradition and culture, I feel privileged to have gotten the chance to, creatively speaking, immerse myself in this new setting, and be inspired by the wonderful nature of our Boka Bay.”
His work has been showcased during numerous solo and group exhibitions across the region, but also internationally. Adin’s flair for traditional art was also recognized when he participated at the renowned Venice Biennale, as part of the Montenegro Pavillion in 2017.
Tijana Gordić
Born in 1986 in Bijelo Polje, Tijana Gordić studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cetinje, Montenegro, Department of Painting, where she completed her studies in 2009.
With her energetic personality, Tijana’s temperament is best showcased through her vivid paintings, which are said to exude both romantic nuances and cheeky whims of phantasy.“As a colorist and a harmony seeker, in my attempts to illustrate the ways I see the world, I am always looking for visual stimuli as means of inspiration. And from where I am standing, very few sights come close to those of our Adriatic coastline.”
Her work has been showcased during numerous solo and group exhibitions, regionally and internationally. In 2011, together with Adin Rastoder, she represented Montenegro at the Biennial of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean.
She works and creates in Cetinje.
Marko Petrović Njegoš
Montenegrin sculptor, Marko Petrović Njegoš, was born in 1980 in Nikšić, Montenegro. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cetinje, Department of Sculpture.
His work was showcased in numerous sculpture symposia, domestically and internationally, gaining several awards throughout, among which one from the INAMI International Wooden Sculpture Camp (Japan) and the International sculpture symposia (Budva, Danilovgrad, Skadar).
In his creative process, Marko also dabbled with recycled material and sustainability as such plays a big part in his perception of art. “With elements found in nature being integral parts of my creative endeavors, creating in this ambience was an organic fit for me.”
He was also engaged in the theater in making scenography and costumes for plays and actively participates in sculpture workshops engaging people with disabilities.
Dijana Lazović
Born in 1984 in Cetinje, Dijana graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy. Her work has been showcased during numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and regionally.
Inspired by freedom in a philosophical sense, by using animal motives and dark tones in her drawings, Dijana explores the complex world of human emotion. “On this quest, as an artist who predominantly uses a white background, I am glad to be, for a change, exposed to such colorful sights and in this spiritual ambience, provided by our hosts in Casa del Mare.”
Dijana lives and creates in Budva, Montenegro.