Novi Lorenco 2019

Editor: This is "Novi Lorenco," a mixed-media painting by Dragan Ilić Di Vogo, created in 2019. The image is dominated by this ethereal horse surrounded by what appear to be colorful planets. It has a very dreamlike, almost surreal quality to it. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It strikes me as a potent symbol of freedom constrained by the weight of representation. Consider the horse – historically a symbol of power, virility, and untamed spirit, particularly within patriarchal structures. Yet here, its form is almost dissolving, fragmented by vibrant, planetary-like shapes. Do you see how this disruption challenges the traditional heroic narrative often associated with the animal? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It's like the painting is deconstructing the horse as a symbol. Curator: Exactly. The vibrant colours, reminiscent of planets or even cells, can be seen as forces both internal and external, constantly shaping and redefining the horse's identity. Are these planets liberating, allowing new perspectives, or are they oppressive, dismantling the very essence of the animal? And whose gaze is at play here? Is the artist inviting us to reconsider how we've historically viewed figures of power, and by extension, power itself? Editor: So, it's not just about a horse; it’s about questioning power structures and representation through a gendered, historical lens. That's a fascinating way to approach it. I initially saw it as beautiful and surreal, but there's a clear activist stance when you consider its cultural context. Curator: Precisely. And art like this compels us to not just admire, but to interrogate. What does freedom mean when identity is a kaleidoscope of ever-shifting influences? It challenges us to confront how historical narratives intersect with contemporary realities. Editor: I am so glad you shared that perspective. I'll definitely be thinking about that as I continue to explore art.