The exhibition Homo ludens, which brings together assemblages and objects by Vedran Karadža, was opened last night at the Gallery of the City Cultural Centre in Metković. Speaking about the exhibition, alongside the artist himself, were Zrinka Mijoč, director of the Metković Institution for Culture and Sport (Ustanova za kulturu i sport Metković), and art pedagogue Dubravka Šešelj.
The exhibition's opus consists of a series of three-dimensional assemblages and objects made from used items. The artist uses natural elements such as branches, leather and seeds in his works, as well as artificial materials including glass beads, buttons, clothespins and cables. To create his artworks, Karadža uses items found in their original state or subsequently modified.
By using discarded objects that he transforms into artworks, the artist expresses his pedagogical-critical stance towards industrial society and warns of negative ecological conditions. In doing so, the exhibition does not remain solely at an aesthetic level, but also carries a clear social message.
Vedran Karadža was born in 1977 in Split, where he completed his education at Vladimir Nazor General Gymnasium. In 2002, he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts (ALU) in Široki Brijeg, in the class of Prof. Igor Dragičević, thereby obtaining the title of academic painter/graphic artist and art culture teacher. Due to technical constraints, after his diploma he did not work in graphics for the next few years, but rather in painting, photography and the creation of assemblages.
At the beginning of his creative work, he worked and made mistakes, all with the aim of gaining practice, defining his expression and maintaining continuity. He wavered between a bohemian life and pedagogical work, with the former prevailing. He withdrew to the island of Drvenik Veliki where he devoted himself entirely to making assemblages, and also turned to the environment, where he renovates, revitalises, plants and builds in the traditional landscape of the island. Since 2013, he has worked as an independent artist, organised some 30 solo exhibitions and participated in many group projects, and is a member of HULU Split, HULULK and HZSU.
The Homo ludens exhibition is organised by the Metković Institution for Culture and Sport, and is enabled by funds from the City of Metković and the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia. The exhibition can be viewed every working day from 9 to 13 hours.
