Barbara Bjeliš Unveils Photographic Exhibition “Afterlight” in Cetinje

Artist and designer Barbara Bjeliš has launched her first solo exhibition, “Afterlight,” at the Gallery of the Cultural Centre of the Capital Cetinje. The exhibition showcases a series of intimate and visually rich photographs that explore themes of belonging, transience, and the interplay between the human form and landscape. This project is the result of years of experimentation with multiple exposures using a small analog camera.

“Afterlight” presents a unique perspective on the concept of chance as a co-author in the creative process. Bjeliš delves into the feelings of belonging and simultaneous existence across different spaces and times. The photographs interweave human figures with the stunning landscapes of Durmitor, creating powerful visual dialogues between the intimate and the natural, the close and the distant.

Unexpected Journey Leads to Creative Opportunity

Bjeliš shared that her journey to Cetinje was entirely unplanned but pivotal for the realization of this exhibition. “I found myself in Cetinje by some stroke of fate. We were traveling through Montenegro and stumbled upon this gallery, which captivated me immediately. After a conversation, I was offered the opportunity to hold my exhibition here, which I gladly accepted,” she explained.

The displayed photographs were created over various periods; some date back nearly ten years, while others were captured more recently, adding depth and personal context to the project. Notably, a portion of the works was produced this year in Durmitor, further enhancing the exhibition’s layered narrative.

Background of a Rising Talent

Barbara Bjeliš is a designer and artist from Zagreb, where she earned her master’s degree in visual communications from the Design School. In 2018, she founded Studio Kanu, and her works have been featured in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally. Among her accolades, she won the award for Best Film Poster at the SEECS Festival in Istanbul. Currently, she resides and works in Oslo.

The “Afterlight” exhibition will be open to visitors at the Gallery of the Cultural Centre of the Capital Cetinje until 14 January 2024. This showcase represents not only Bjeliš’s artistic journey but also a significant moment for the local cultural scene, inviting audiences to engage with her captivating visual narratives.