Viktorija Janić – from corporations to the world of art
Viktorija Janić (47), born in Novi Sad, an economist by education, a holder of several diplomas in the field obtained in the United States of America, in Belgrade and Novi Sad, and a significant work experience in banking, suddenly decides to abandon this corporate world and to dedicate herself to art.
This artist brings to our city and to the region a new style of artistic expression and a plethora of unique colorful art pieces made in paper filigree – all shaped by hand. To join the seemingly incompatible, her first inspiration was the American artist Lisa Nilsson, who applies a special technique to deal with medical topics, and whose works Viktorija encountered during her university years in the US.
– At the time never did it occur to me that some day I’d choose the same technique for my work – Viktorija Janić remembers. Upon my return to Serbia, I was looking for my spot under the Sun for quite some time, as the situation on the job market here is as it is. I worked in banking, but that came to an infelicitous end for me as well as for many other people. That was when I took a deep breath, told myself I was much more competent than that, I thought of Lisa Nilsson and her art technique, determined my concept, checked what I needed, and that was it. I wanted to forge my own identity, to bring something new and innovative. I did have a great career under my belt, but there was no art experience in it – I am building it just now. I dedicated myself to research for two years, which went so smooth that it only encouraged me to continue. It was the sign I needed. Hence, by relying on paper filigree technique, I design uniquely shaped miniature 3D objects, abstractions, flowers, animals and similar motives required for an art composition, which I then install into a glassed-in painted linden wooden box.
Viktorija nourishes her interest and love towards art from the young age, and she tells that she inherited her skill for arts and crafts from her parents, whose jobs and propensities demanded for tidiness, precision and an eye keen on details. She’s been creating ever since her childhood; she learned to sew as a teenager by reading about it in the “Burda” magazine and then tailoring her own creations. She used all her knowledge and education to merge mathematics with art, with the mathematician Fibonacci as her ultimate and everlasting inspiration.
– The golden ratio and the Fibonacci sequence have inspired the greatest minds throughout history and have gifted us with some of the most magnificent art works to enjoy to this day, and I used his spirals and sequences in my works – Viktorija explains. – Kids learn about Fibonacci in primary school, so since I primarily create for them I see my works in spaces aimed at kids. I deeply believe that their photographic memory allows them to memorize something they see. I display a lot of flowers and animals, anything I believe would attract the children’s minds, so that is why the vivid color palette of my works is meant to attract them and to encourage them to think. Whenever something is taken away from us, I believe we receive something else in return; so this is where I find my peace, and I would be immensely happy if my works helped me make kids happy. It is my desire to show them true values this way. The magic mixture of art and mathematics
In May 2022, Viktorija Janić held an exquisitely successful first solo exhibition, “The art of paper filigree, sculpture and installations – math, art and experience” (Serbian: “Umetnost papirnog filigrana, skulpture i instalacije – matematika, umetnost i iskustvo”). She wanted it all to start in Novi Sad, however her exhibition was on display from 27 April to 11 May 2022 in the Center for culture, sports and tourism of Beočin municipality. The quality of her work was instantly recognized, hence on 7 June 2022 her exhibition moved to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, where it remained on display until 1 September.
– During the exhibition, there were some quite interesting comments by the people who know me for a long time, such as “You’ve incorporated yourself in these works of art, as if you’ve written a book about yourself!” – Viktorija continues. – I am a realist, I prefer showing things as they are, making them recognizable; always logical in my approach. At the same time, I am a traditionalist, hence my opus also includes the “The Clock Tower of Petrovaradin,” as I cherish place I live in, as well as the “Gračanica Monastery,” no explanation is necessary. “Licider’s heart,” “Sea World,” “Swans,” “Solar System,” “Coquettes Window – Violas in the Window,” “Bee Dance,” “Hyacinths,” “Watermelons,” “Symphony of the Forest,” “The Petrovaradin Fortress – The Clock Tower,” and “Gračanica Monastery,” to name but a few, all display the variety of this art world. One of the personally most favorite motives of this independent visual artist is the sunflower, which is often featured in her artworks, but they also rely on its significant symbolism, mythological meanings and psychology. She primarily creates bigger formats so as to make the technique of paper filigree shine in full color, but all formats are possible to create.
– Small formats are more appealing as a sign of affection, but when I am designing my art composition, I somehow instantly visualize it in a bigger surface, because its effect and interpretation that way really differ – Janić confirms. – Initially, I used to make small-size formats. My first works are “Mollycat &Tomcat–Hypnosis of Love,” “Watermelons” and “Peacock.” To fully understand my works of art, it is essential to understand the symbolism in the background and link it to my life experience, which is not mine solely. Peacock is a symbol of integrity; watermelons are delicious, used to make me extremely happy in childhood. Many people can identify themselves with these, as we’ve all loved and lost our loved ones, or we still enjoy flowers and fruits, for example. That is how I evoke emotions with my observers. Sunflowers are a magnificent example of the Fibonacci sequence, and a source of my own fascination. With the first presentation to the public, I chose to present the topic of Fibonacci and nature. However, my interests are wide; I enjoy Greek mythology, archaeology, architecture, etc. I base my work on Fibonacci, with themes that will vary.
B. Pavković
