Emilija Radojicic, TRA "In the begining”, 2023
Handwoven Serbian wool and cotton threads, wooden frame
155 x 105 x 10 cm / 61 x 41.3 x 2.9 in
Adrian Sutton Gallery is pleased to present “Curiosa Continua”, an exhibition of textile works and drawings by Serbian artist Emilija Radojicic. This represents the artist’s first solo show with the gallery and it will open October 12, 2024 in Paris at 11 rue Michel le Comte.
The exhibition features Emilija Radojicic's most recent woven wall-hangings, offering a glimpse into her psyche while evoking both personal and collective experiences, emotions, vibrations and natural phenomena. These pieces explore the tactile nature of abstraction and highlight her interest in the three-dimensionality aspect of her practice.
Beginning her artistic journey in drawing and painting, Radojicic draws inspiration from the serenity of nature and the symphony of its elements. However, her creative process extends far beyond mere observation. Her artistic lineage reveals a deep well of intuition and spirituality that drive her to explore new avenues of expression through diverse techniques and materials. A few years ago, motivated by a desire to experiment with the spatiality of drawing, Radojicic started shifting from the pencil line to the loom thread, marking a pivotal transformation in her practice. This transition allowed her to weave her inner world, and the cultural influences that shaped her, into vibrantly textural three-dimensional forms. Deeply rooted in her heritage and echoing the geometric designs of the traditional Serbian Pirot kilims, her weavings serve as a testament to the enduring power of this ancient craft while reinforcing her cultural identity. They blend playful shapes and vibrant colours reminiscent of the aesthetic of the modernists, reflecting her quest for balance in nature through contrasting elements.
Emilija Radojicic's latest work epitomizes a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, underpinned by her relentless desire for expression. Viewing creativity as a means of cleansing the soul, a philosophy reminiscent of Picasso’s methodology, she embraces the daily act of courage and dedication necessary to maintain an artistic integrity. Central to her approach is the idea of "games," emphasizing exploration and discovery as essential components for her artistic growth. This strategy is reflected in her diverse repertoire, which spans painting, drawing, weaving, sculpting, and working with stone and wood. Through her skillful combination of various media, she creates a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary compositions - from the delicate traces of her drawings on Burda paper, to the rich textures of her textiles, the wooden sculptural forms, and the functional beauty of her furniture design, Radojicic's practice is proof of her boundless imagination and versatility. Her ability to merge artistic expression with functional design highlights her unwavering commitment to creativity, effectively bridging the gap between fine and applied arts - a hallmark of the Bauhaus ideals. Radojicic's work honours the lasting influence of tradition while exploring the limitless possibilities of innovation, creating a visual language that invites viewers to delve into the intersection of tradition and modernity.
