Igrac i borac 2021

Editor: This is "Igrac i borac" by Dragan Ilić Di Vogo, from 2021. It’s a mixed-media piece, and my first impression is of a contemplation of conflict and peace. There’s a beautiful contrast of soft and harsh imagery, with the angel and the boxing gloves. What do you see in this piece from your perspective? Curator: From a historical point of view, it feels like a visual essay on the tensions inherent in societal values. Consider the title – "Player and Fighter." The angel figure, reminiscent of classical sculpture, appears contemplative, perhaps representing intellectual or artistic pursuits. Yet, it's juxtaposed with the boxing gloves, a symbol of aggression, competition, and the ‘fight’ for success. How does the artist use recognizable symbols, such as the Olympic rings, and what public messages might he convey? Editor: That's interesting. I didn't think about it as a direct commentary on societal pressures. The Olympic rings, and even the checkered cube… Do they symbolize the rules within this struggle? Or a kind of game, where violence is expected and sanctioned? Curator: Precisely. And that begs the question, doesn't it, of who creates and benefits from these “games"? Who controls the narrative around violence, sport, and even art? The ‘staining’ on the statue disrupts its purity, perhaps signifying the way ideals are soiled by real-world compromise. How effective do you find this use of contrasting imageries in delivering social commentary, considering that it does not fall back to historical visual depiction of an explicit conflict? Editor: It's certainly thought-provoking. At first, I just saw beauty in the contrasting textures, but now I see a critical point being made about how conflict, competition, and cultural ideals intertwine, thanks to societal factors. Curator: Exactly. Art often functions as a mirror, reflecting and challenging our own socio-political landscapes. That understanding adds a new layer to its appreciation, don’t you think?