Mala Teodora 2014

This is Mala Teodora, by Dragan Ilić Di Vogo, an oil on canvas painting. The painting’s smooth surface belies the artist’s labor to create it. The layering of paint to create the textures and shapes imbues the artwork with a sense of depth and dimension. Notice the rich palette and dream-like composition. It almost looks as though this woman's extravagant headdress is a sculpture. I am drawn to how the artist uses traditional materials and processes in an unconventional way, playing with the boundary between fine art and other creative practices. The technique is that of classical painting but the outcome is quite surreal. Di Vogo engages with the history of painting while pushing the boundaries of what it can be. By embracing material, making, and context, this work challenges traditional notions of fine art and invites us to consider the broader scope of creative expression.