The series of artworks titled “The Cycles of Gaia” embodies a tribute to Mother Nature, Gaia, through the utilization of natural materials. These works specifically incorporate wheat as a medium, building upon the foundation established in my previous series, “Tat tvam Asi – You are that.” Through this artistic progression, I strive to evoke a sense of individual empowerment and agency in our modern world, emphasizing the importance of personal determination to enhance and preserve the environment. By intertwining the symbolism of wheat and the concept of interconnectedness, these works seek to foster a deeper appreciation for the cyclical nature of life and our harmonious relationship with the Earth.
The planet Earth, with its inherent qualities, resembles a living organism undergoing periodic changes. The entire ecosystem emerges and undergoes infinite metamorphoses, with these cycles playing a crucial role in maintaining a stable equilibrium for all living beings. These cycles, present throughout the Earth, actively support and sustain life. This implies that Earth possesses the ability to create and sustain life within itself. In my artistic practice, I engage in a dialogue with various materials, portraying Gaia as both a female and a male principle, as both are essential in the creation of life. Our relationship with Gaia necessitates nurturing, yet we find ourselves facing an irresponsible approach in contemporary times.
In my work, I adopt a research-oriented approach, utilizing materials in their raw forms such as flour, earth, sand, wax, and recycled papers. One significant element I incorporate is the wheat seed, which holds historical and existential symbolism. By integrating the wheat seed within the paintings, it becomes an inseparable part of the entire artwork, representing the course of development and transformation. To document this process, I employ digitization techniques. The “Cycles of Gaia” series encompasses artworks across various mediums, including drawing, photography, digital imaging, video, installation, and objects. Through these diverse artistic expressions, I aim to explore and convey the interconnectedness between humanity and the Earth, highlighting the significance of nurturing our relationship with Gaia in today’s world.
(Photography: Izabela Mašić)
From the series Cycles of Gaia – The third element (Unconventional materials 100 x 200 cm)
In an ironic twist, the organic material hemp, traditionally employed in rope making, finds itself presented within the confines of an indoor gallery space. Each piece of rope undergoes an intervention, featuring the addition of gauze that symbolizes vulnerability. These ropes can be observed collectively as a unified whole or individually as distinct entities. The work itself serves as a metaphor, encapsulating the essence of humanity and our tendency for self-sabotage due to our historically irresponsible and disconnected relationship with nature, a dynamic that persists to this day.
Photography: Katarina Ćirković “That is Life..”2019.CITY GALLERY KC GRAD, Beograd, Serbia
Drawings
Triticum Aestivum (Wheat seed), Mixed media, 42 x 29cm, 2017/2018.
