The Crnogorska akademija nauka i umjetnosti (CANU) is set to inaugurate a prominent exhibition titled “Ad Iuventas”, showcasing contemporary works by young Montenegrin artists. The event will take place on February 23, 2024, at 19:00 in the CANU Gallery. A professional jury, composed of members from the CANU Department of Arts, will select the best artwork, awarding a prize of €2,000 to encourage and recognize the creative potential of emerging artists.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the works of fifteen talented authors, including Jovana Vujović, Milica Živković, Jovana Vujanović, and Stefan Delić. During a recent visit to the exhibition’s preparations, Pavle Pejović, the gallery director, alongside curators Ljiljana Karadžić, Svetlana Racanović, and Maša Vlaović, expressed that the exhibit exemplifies strong institutional support for young artists, emphasizing their authenticity and potential to address significant social and personal themes through modern artistic expressions.
Pejović highlighted that CANU has long established a Centre for Young Scientists, which has served as an excellent foundation for nurturing talent. “At one point, as secretary of the Department of Arts, I proposed transforming this center into a hub for young scientists and artists, a move that received support,” he noted. With the new building housing a representative gallery space, it became a matter of scheduling to find a time for the exhibition amid a busy calendar of various commemorative events. He firmly believes that the Academy must focus on youth, mirroring its longstanding commitment to science.
Vlaović elaborated on the central concept of the exhibition, focusing on the exploration of contemporary experiences and identities, and how art can reinterpret reality. The concept titled “4 / Meet” signifies four encounters, four artists, and four distinct ideas converging on a shared path of reflection. “Even though Jovana Vujović, Jovana Vujanović, Stefan Delić, and Milica Živković work in different media, they are united by their investigative approach and sensitivity to personal and social themes,” said Vlaović.
The exhibition delves into questions of identity, gender roles, play, and symbolism through various artistic methodologies. This includes the exploration of the body and emotions, representations of modern individuals trapped in the routine of daily life, and symbolic objects that invite introspection. Notably, the exhibition challenges viewers to consider how individuals maintain their voice and autonomy within a society that often imposes speed, superficiality, and social distance.
“This exhibition invites the audience to critically reflect on their role and responsibility within the community while providing an opportunity to recognize new approaches and possibilities for changing their experiences through art,” Vlaović explained. The common thread throughout the exhibition is the transformation of individuals, encouraging attendees to take initiative, question established patterns, and become the change they wish to see.
The selection of five young artists—Željka Jovićević, Milka Delibašić, Milena Vukoslavović, Srđa Dragović, and Luka Mrkaić—was not based on a predetermined curatorial theme but on their individual poetic expressions, youthful enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and serious inquiries. “We placed our trust in their growth potential, which is why they were included in this selection,” Karadžić stated.
In the accompanying text for the exhibition, Karadžić discusses the relationship between “safety” and “freedom” in art. “If safety in art means solidifying established positions and operating within confirmed practices, then freedom is the permanent expenditure of oneself and a leap into the unknown,” she noted. This selection of young artists embraces freedom, arising from a desire for the risks that bring satisfaction, surprise, and new discoveries.
Racanović’s selection includes artists Ana Novaković, Maša Laković, Sandra Đurović, Ivana Mašanović, Marko Kilibarda, and Mijat Bojović. She clarified that her chosen works do not align with traditional artistic media typically associated with educational programs. “Artistic media do not dictate my curatorial choices; rather, it is the openness and skill of the artists to define compelling concepts that synchronize with the media where these concepts become manifest or enigmatic,” Racanović explained.
She emphasized that her curatorial selections have not been driven by the need to capture a “snapshot of the scene” or to identify possible trends within the local or broader artistic landscape. “While I predominantly work on conceptual exhibitions, in this case, there was a clear idea from the organizers for three curators to select works by Montenegrin artists under 40 years old,” Racanović said.
The exhibition, running until the end of February 2026, represents a significant opportunity for young artists to gain exposure and validation. Pejović concluded by stating that such exhibitions should be held every three years to ensure high-quality presentations, noting that more frequent exhibitions could lead to repetition. He reinforced the Academy’s commitment to providing a prestigious platform for young talents and ensuring quality presentations through the publication of a representative catalog and the establishment of the CANU award.
The exhibition promises to be a landmark event that not only showcases the talent of young artists but also opens up vital discussions on contemporary issues, encouraging a new generation of creators to continue pushing artistic boundaries.
