Montenegrin Artist Launches Book and Art Exhibition in Kolasin

On March 15, 2024, the cultural center in Kolasin became a hub for creativity as Montenegrin painter and writer Liberto Bob Slovinic unveiled his new book, “Pitore Liberto,” alongside his latest art exhibition, “Arboretum.” The event, organized by the Cultural Center of Kolasin and the “Bijeli Pavle” Center from Danilovgrad, marked a significant moment in Slovinic’s artistic journey, showcasing his literary and visual talents.

The book “Pitore Liberto” explores themes central to Slovinic’s life, including visual art, family dynamics, and his deep love for his wife, Lea. Professor Nataša Peković highlighted the dramatic personal experiences that shape the narrative, stating that in this novel, Liberto is not just an artist recounting his life, but also a critical observer analyzing art. She emphasized the trilogy’s depth, with the first two volumes focusing on family history and the third offering a personal account of the artist’s own journey.

Readers learn about the origin of the herbarium—a significant element in the book—only at the end, when Liberto receives a herbarium created by his late neighbor, Don Đuro. This herbarium is linked to the first book in the trilogy, while the second focuses on the life of Liberto’s father, Ante. The third book provides insight into Slovinic’s own path as an artist.

Publicist Dragan Mitov Đurović, who announced the artistic program, remarked on the ongoing brilliance emanating from Slovinic’s studio, suggesting that new treasures are continually being produced. The “Arboretum” series captivates with its thematic unity, urging viewers to appreciate the beauty of nature and the purity of the soul.

The book “Pitore Liberto” continues to narrate the story of a family whose life chronicles are a testament to Montenegro’s rich past and present. Editor Željko Šćepanović acknowledged the profound influence of the region’s heritage on Slovinic’s work, describing it as a wondrous synthesis of artistic, literary, and architectural identity. He noted the multifaceted nature of Slovinic’s novels, which not only document historical events but also delve into human relationships, societal norms, and culinary traditions of the time.

After the book launch, an exhibition of Slovinic’s paintings titled “Arboretum” opened at the gallery of the Zavičajni Museum. These works, created in 2024 and 2025 at his studio in Velja Voda, Budva, build upon his previous series, focusing on diverse plant species, including deciduous and evergreen vegetation.

Prominent Montenegrin artist and sculptor Slavenko Rakočević officially opened the exhibition, praising Slovinic as a significant figure among the great painters of Yugoslavia. He highlighted how Slovinic’s artwork serves as a bridge between his memories and emotions, contributing to both Montenegrin and European artistic landscapes.

The event on March 15 not only celebrated the launch of “Pitore Liberto” but also reinforced the enduring legacy of Liberto Bob Slovinic as a storyteller and artist, whose works resonate within the rich cultural tapestry of Montenegro.