"Night Blooming Tulip - in St. Petka Chapel"
From the series: "Journey South Tulip Garden and Climate Change Study"During my final year of studying fine arts in Belgrade, my life was suddenly interrupted by the outbreak of war. The manifestations of violence, raw images, and the overwhelming fear of reality became a harsh backdrop to my daily existence. In the midst of this chaos, I fell ill with pericarditis and was confined to bed for two months.It was during this time of forced stillness that I created a small yet profoundly significant sketch. Measuring just 5x5 cm and drawn in pencil, it depicted three girls, flowers, and a garden—a fairy tale scene where they danced, free from the turmoil outside. The simple lines and forms of this tiny drawing became a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience.After I recovered, I decided to expand on this sketch for my final university project. The drawing, once confined to 5x5 cm, was amplified to a grand scale of 1.70 x 1.70 m. I added colors and movements, transforming it into a vibrant, living garden. Since then, this garden has become my sanctuary, a safe place in my mind and art.The painting, "Night Blooming Tulip - in St. Petka Chapel," is a pivotal piece in this series. The tulip depicted in the chapel is not just a flower; it is a devoted prayer of gratitude, dedicated to the strength and grace of all the women in my ancestry. This work represents both a personal journey and a deep reverence for the resilience of the human spirit.
