Bori se Borise 2011

Dragan Ilić Di Vogo made this painting called, ‘Bori se Borise’ with what looks like oils, and maybe some acrylics too. Look at the way the statue of Perseus seems to emerge from this fantastical landscape, it's like the paint itself is taking on a life of its own! I see a tension between the classical figure and the surreal, almost cartoonish elements surrounding it. The juxtaposition of textures and colors – the smooth sheen of the statue against the rough, jewel-like encrustations on the rocks – creates a really strange visual experience. And what's with the drips? Those little red dots allude to something that might be dripping with a thick consistency, like maybe blood? Which takes us back to that chopped head in Perseus's hand. The checkerboard pattern down at the bottom right is very interesting, it’s a formal device but also looks like the bottom of a rabbit hole. Di Vogo’s work reminds me of some of the weirder, more hallucinatory aspects of Dalí. The way Di Vogo balances classical imagery with this almost punk, DIY sensibility makes his work really stand out. Art is such a strange conversation across time, isn't it?