Celebrating 56 Years of Artistic Journey with Sabaheta Beke Maslicic

In a remarkable celebration of creativity, the retrospective exhibition titled “56 Years of Creation” showcases the work of renowned Montenegrin artist Sabaheta Beke Maslicic. The exhibition, hosted at the Art Pavilion of the Montenegrin Association of Fine Arts (ULUCG), highlights her extensive artistic journey, which has profoundly impacted contemporary Montenegrin art. This event is not merely a display of her rich portfolio but also a reflection of a life dedicated to the exploration of color, light, and personal tranquility through painting.

A Journey Through Time and Themes

Maslicic’s artistic evolution spans from the early 1960s to the present day, encapsulating a variety of styles and themes. Her body of work includes still lifes, figurative compositions, and landscapes, each expressing her deep connection to the Mediterranean and the Polimlje region. She blends the colors of the sea, stone, and light from Boka Kotorska with the softness of Berane’s landscapes, creating a unique artistic language characterized by sensitivity and freedom of expression.

In an interview with Pobjeda, Maslicic remarked, “Painting is the joy of life,” emphasizing that through her art, she finds peace amidst the chaos of daily life and societal challenges. This exhibition, featuring fifty-six works, is a thematic overview of her artistic endeavors since 1969. She stated, “I’ve passed through various themes in my work, starting with still lifes and moving to figure compositions, before feeling the need to translate the Mediterranean colors I absorbed in Herceg Novi onto canvas.”

Reflecting on the Influence of Community and Environment

Maslicic’s reflections on her artistic practice reveal a deep connection to her environment. She expressed that the vibrant culture of Herceg Novi profoundly shaped her artistic sensibility. “I can work at any time of the day or night,” she said, recalling her early struggles to find space for her art while balancing family responsibilities.

“I started in a small apartment in the center of Berane, where we lived and worked. The table served both household and painting needs,” she explained. The creative process often demanded late-night hours, which she found challenging due to her need for natural sunlight to capture the nuances of color.

In discussing her creative process, Maslicic noted, “Water and land beside water, the warmth of sand, and the sun inspire me the most.” Her connection to the landscapes she paints is visceral, rooted in childhood memories of walking along the shore and absorbing the scents and textures of the environment.

Maslicic also addressed the contrast between her experiences of the landscapes of Boka Kotorska and Polimlje, noting, “It is difficult to explain, but I see beauty in both.” She often merges the elements of both regions in her art, leaning towards a more coastal perspective while appreciating the unique features of northern landscapes.

Her approach to color is particularly emotive. “Color is my main means of expression,” she stated, lamenting her limited focus on drawing due to the circumstances of her work. “Sometimes I work quickly, and at other times I struggle for a long time. I let paintings rest, sometimes for years, before they reveal their true essence.”

The Role of Education and Future Aspirations

Having dedicated many years to teaching, Maslicic recognizes the impact of her pedagogical experiences on her artistic creativity. “While painting, I feel like a child,” she shared, highlighting how working with students sparked new ideas and creative impulses.

As she contemplates the future, Maslicic is inspired to embark on new thematic explorations. “I feel I know what I want to do next. I thought I had created enough, but I have never stopped working, only taking brief pauses.” While she hints at new ideas, she prefers to keep them private until she brings them to fruition.

In today’s fast-paced world, she acknowledges the challenges artists face in Montenegro. “It is a breeding ground for artists,” she said, praising the diversity of creativity. However, she lamented the lack of support for artistic endeavors, stating, “The need for fine arts like theater and film has diminished. Those with creative energy must share it for others to see and enjoy.”

As her exhibition unfolds, Sabaheta Beke Maslicic continues to inspire audiences with her unique vision and dedication to her craft, affirming that her journey through art is far from over.