text and interview conducted by Denisa Ruzsa
Ana Đapović always seeks to tell stories through matter. Wax, charcoal, pastel, earth—overlapping layers that both conceal and reveal. Her works are not just images but territories where memory and ecology become a visual language. Looking at them, you feel as if you are facing a landscape you have never seen before, yet instinctively recognize. Like gazing at the ground after rain, when cracks begin to fill, and every trace becomes a map of time.
Born in 1988 in Belgrade, Ana grew up surrounded by textures and colors, studying mural painting at the Faculty of Applied Arts. Then, in 2016, she founded ARTISTIKUM, one of the most important centers for artistic education in Serbia. Her exhibitions have reached museums and galleries worldwide, and the awards she has received—from the “Golden Palette” awarded by ULUS in 2017 to First Prize at the International Miniature Art Biennale in Timișoara in 2024—are just signs that her artistic vision strongly resonates with our times.
In the “SOIL” exhibition, recently presented at After 5 Art Escape Gallery in Arad, Ana explores the relationship between humans and the earth. Tree trunks become lines of connection between the telluric and the cosmic. The surface of the paintings, engraved and layered, speaks of transformation, of what remains and what disappears.
Ana’s work carries something primal, something primordial—an essence that feels deeply rooted in the raw and untouched origins of creation. There is a quiet power in her art, a sense of something ancient yet profoundly alive. But beyond her work, Ana herself is a presence of calm and light. From the very first moment I met her, there was an effortless warmth, a natural ease in the way she connects with people. Even in something as simple as exchanging names, I could already sense her openness and authenticity.
Despite the depth and thoughtfulness of her artistic process, Ana remains incredibly humble. There is no pretense, no need to assert herself—just a quiet confidence that makes her art speak even louder. She carries a rare balance between profound creativity and genuine simplicity, making both her work and her presence truly special.
“My works are about what lies hidden beneath us, about the fragility of the ground we walk on,” says Ana. I had the opportunity to meet her at the “SOIL” exhibition opening and talk about art, matter, and responsibility. But most of all, about how the Earth preserves our traces.
What inspired you to dedicate yourself to art?
Fascinated by the beauty of the world surrounding me from a young age, I started to scribble and write.
Initially, it was a game, but today, it is an invitation and an urge.
For me, art is passion and love, my daily need, a way of expressing my emotions, and the world around me.
Who are your biggest artistic influences that shaped your work?
The greats of art history have influenced my work—painters who selflessly created despite difficult life situations, who faced personal or social challenges but continued to create and left an indelible mark on art.
Additionally, the artists of modernism and abstract art, who pushed the boundaries of perception and expression, were key in shaping my approach to art. Although I am not tied to a particular direction, I often return to ideas about freedom of expression.
Can you describe your creative process from the idea to the completion of a piece?
My creative process begins long before I pick up a brush or spatula. I enjoy preparing before creating a new painting.
The process is alchemical. The feeling is primal, spiritual, and ancient. It involves gathering different materials, making paper pulp, obtaining wax, and mixing pigments. This specific beginning brings me joy. Then comes tidying up the mess, working on the painting, and spending a long, long time looking and thinking before signing it.
How do you choose topics and materials for your projects?
The topic I am researching is the soil of the Earth—the ground as a point of support on which both people and animals walk, which nourishes us, and which symbolizes everything visible and invisible. I find beauty in light, grasses, ears of corn, cracked earth, and small details that often go unnoticed.
The material follows the theme—nature in natural materials. I like to mix media.
Is there a certain emotion or experience that your art expresses better than words?
Art is a universal language. It brings us together and connects us, breaking down barriers and borders. Everything I would express with words, I express through line, color, and texture.
Emotions such as sadness, joy, and pain often cannot be fully conveyed through words, as they are complex and multi-layered. This is why my painting is also layered.
How has your relationship with art evolved over the years? Were there moments when you almost lost it or rediscovered it?
Although there were times when I questioned what art meant to me and whether it made sense in a world that often does not value it, I always came back to it.
Art is my constant source of strength and a reminder that I must never stray from what is true and valuable to me.
Have you ever felt pressured to change your artistic style to fit trends or market demands? How do you balance authenticity and sustainability in the art world?
I never wanted to compromise and let pressures and trends dictate my path—I chose artistry and honesty instead. I believe it is evident in an artwork when an artist tries to fit into existing templates at all costs.
Quality and honest work are long-lasting, and that is what I strive for.
In the era of AI-generated art, what do you think remains uniquely human in the creative process?
Creativity is an intimate process—much more than a technical one. It is the result of our life experiences, our inner dilemmas, dreams, and struggles. It is a journey of maturation, process, and growth. Art is about mining our own feelings, and no machine can interpret that.
If one person could only see one of your works in their lifetime, which one would you choose and why?
That would most likely be the painting with which I graduated—“White Birch”—created using the encaustic graffito technique on an old white door frame.
The vertical lines connect the sky and the earth, revealing the form of a tree that has since disappeared within the work. It is always interesting to revisit older works and see how my approach to painting has evolved.
As a co-founder of ARTISTIKUM, what motivated you to establish this center, and what are its main goals?
Our mission is to inspire and encourage talent, nurture the artistic mind, and develop creative potential.
Our motivation for establishing this center stemmed from the desire to create a creative oasis, support talents of all ages, provide them with individualized education, and build a community that nurtures creativity and art in all its forms.
Our center is made up of dedicated and hardworking people who believe in the power of art. Because of this, our results have been visible and stable for almost 10 years.
How do you see the role of art education in today’s society?
Art plays a crucial role because it serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future. It allows people to express their feelings, thoughts, and ideas in ways that are not always possible through other forms of communication.
Art is one of the most important pillars of society—not only providing emotional and intellectual nourishment but also encouraging critical thinking, opening doors to new perspectives, and contributing to cultural development.
What can visitors expect from your exhibition?
I want visitors to reflect on the soil and their connection with the Earth and their own roots.
I aim to encourage contemplation on the importance of the soil and the natural environment, our relationship with the planet, and the connection between people and the earth.
Through art, I wish to convey a message about the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world.
What are your goals for your artistic career in the coming years?
I plan to continue researching new materials and experimenting with techniques to enhance my artistic expression.
I believe that growth, both personal and professional, is key. In the coming years, I hope to contribute to the diversity of the art scene through innovation and creative projects.
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Nicoleta Raicu
