Exhibition: Vlado Martek

Gallery: Gallery of MCAM

Duration:: March 13. – April 30. 2025.

Last night, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Montenegro Gallery hosted the official opening of the exhibition “Departments of Poetry: Paper, Mirror, Photography” by renowned artist Vlado Martek, one of the most significant representatives of post-avant-garde art.

 Curated by Neva Lukić and Teodora Nikčević, the exhibition presents a retrospective of Martek’s work—from his early pieces created as part of the Group of Six Authors to the works that have defined his later artistic practice.

Curator Teodora Nikčević highlighted that the exhibition is designed to fluctuate between different media and materials, reflecting Martek’s interdisciplinary approach to art. “It was an absolute pleasure to work on this project with Neva Lukić, as we share a deep appreciation for Martek’s work and artistic sensibility,” said Nikčević.

Curator Neva Lukić emphasized that Martek’s works “speak”—most of them contain words, slogans, and phrases, yet behind this apparent simplicity lies a rich literary foundation and profound knowledge that the artist has acquired over a lifetime.

Speaking about the exhibition concept, Vlado Martek noted that his artistic practice is rooted in the experience of poetry and that he sees art as “a good means, but a poor end.”

“Classical artists strive for careers and profit, whereas art, as a means, offers the possibility of spiritual growth,” Martek stated.

As a special segment of the exhibition, the artist performed a live action, distributing biscuits labeled “Lie to the State,” continuing his long-standing practice of subversive and socially engaged artistic gestures.

The exhibition “Departments of Poetry: Paper, Mirror, Photography” will be open until April 30, 2025.