Montenegrin artist Miomir Vemic is making a powerful statement with his latest exhibition titled “Reaction to Emptiness,” which is currently on display at the Crowne Plaza Podgorica until December 25, 2023. Vemic, known for his unique ability to intertwine life and art, uses his work to address the pervasive sense of emptiness in the contemporary world.
In his studio, color transforms into resistance, and lines become cries for help. The horse, a central figure in his paintings, serves as a conduit through which Vemic reflects the often wild and terrifying nature of life, while also invoking tender memories of his childhood in the Sinjajevina region. The title of the exhibition acts as both a metaphor and a profound commentary on the challenges facing society today.
Art as a Response to Modern Challenges
In an interview, Vemic explained his motivation behind the exhibition. He articulated a feeling of despair within a world that seems increasingly apocalyptic and hopeless. “The modern world is sinking into oblivion. We witness various conflicts, biological and political contamination, and I hope not nuclear threats,” he said. Vemic perceives his artwork as a “silent scream” that documents this tumultuous era.
Vemic’s artworks are not simply visual expressions; they are deeply personal interpretations of his own emotions and experiences. He emphasized that artists should not align themselves with specific movements but instead express their unique perspectives. “An artist must carry their own ideas and express them on canvas, rather than conforming to modern or classical art labels,” he noted.
The political and social realities of Montenegro, while impactful, do not dictate his creativity. Vemic prefers to retreat to his studio, where he paints what he feels rather than succumbing to societal pressures. “I do not want to be categorized into any option. There is much trend-following in Montenegro,” he remarked.
The Symbolism of the Horse
Vemic’s recurring motif of the horse symbolizes energy, resistance, and an inner cry. He describes his exhibition as an autobiographical portrayal, asserting, “The horse is not merely an animal; it is a being.” This connection to the horse is rooted in his childhood, where he experienced the thrill of riding and the haunting call of his grandfather’s horse, which still resonates in his work today.
Reflecting on his formative years in Dragosevac, Vemic shared, “That horse was black as coal. Its cry echoes in my memories and serves as a driving force in my art.” He recalls stealing horses as a child, which he describes as formative experiences that shaped his artistic journey.
Through his paintings, Vemic strives to capture the essence of this powerful creature, transforming it into a reflection of his own emotions. “The horse chases me to paint and explore further, to delve into the secrets of movement,” he explained. This pursuit of freedom is evident in his work, where the horse is portrayed as a being striving to escape the demons created by humanity.
Vemic’s commitment to capturing the spirit of the horse and its symbolism of freedom resonates with his beliefs about art and its purpose in society. He believes that every artist must engage with their work meaningfully and not merely paint for the sake of painting.
As Vemic continues to explore the depths of his artistic expression, he remains dedicated to the idea that art should reflect both the individual and the collective experience. His exhibition “Reaction to Emptiness” invites viewers to confront their own feelings of despair while also offering a glimpse of hope through the power of artistic expression.
The exhibition is a testament to Vemic’s unwavering dedication to his craft, as he encourages both himself and his audience to embrace the complexities of life through the profound language of art.
