Sara Danieli from ECC: The Works of Croatian Sculptor Nikola Vudrag Embody the Core Message of the Venice Exhibition

“My belief is that art should have a deeper philosophical background but at the same time its unique symbolic simplicity to reach everyone who enjoys it.”, N. Vudrag

In the heart of Venice, within the historic venues of the Palazzo Mora, Palazzo Bembo, and Marinaressa Gardens, a profound exploration of human resilience unfolds during the 60th Venice Biennale. The exhibition "Personal Structures - Beyond Boundaries" by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) calls visitors to take a transformative journey during the entire Biennale, or until November 24. 

Sara Danieli, the driving force behind the exhibition, emphasizes that the works of Croatian sculptor Nikola Vudrag placed at the entrance of the Palazzo Mora, embody the exhibition's core message of transcending limits and overcoming external constraints.

“These monumental three-meter-tall sculptures of "Prometheus and Atlas”, symbolize defiance against injustice, drawing inspiration from mythological tales of rebellion.”, Sara Danieli pointed out. 

The exhibition of the ECC is the oldest complementary exhibition of contemporary art held during the Venice Biennale, and every year it attracts more and more visitors. According to Sara Danieli, about half a million people will visit the exhibition by the end of November. The exhibition in Venice is under the production of Metamorphosis Art Projects with a London address. 

Intellectual Approach

“We heard about Nikola from some of his collectors,” said Eva McGaw, co-founder of Metamorphosis Art Projects. 

“After that, we were invited to Varaždin to see Nikola’s work and after a while of following his work, I can honestly say that Croatia should consider him as a national treasure. Amazingly, the first thing you see when you walk into the garden of Palazzo Mora are his two monuments. These sculptures use mythological figures to translate today’s problems and mental health issues, stress and other burdens, and it is a great entrance for what follows inside - it serves as a continuation of his art.”, points out Eva McGaw.

Tatiana Palinkasev, art curator and cultural producer from Metamorphosis  Art Projects emphasizes that she was drawn to Nikola Vudrag’s art because of his intellectual approach. 

“This kind of approach isn't necessarily a requirement for artists or curators, but rather a matter of personal choice and sensibility. I was thrilled to collaborate with an artist who speaks my intellectual language. Nikola is incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable, particularly in his use of mythological subjects to address contemporary issues such as stress and the burdens imposed by society and the resilience of humanity. This approach adds depth to his work and elevates it to a global level. At Palazzo Mora, ECC, he has an ideal platform to showcase his art during the Art Biennale in Venice to international art audiences and professionals, surrounded by some of the best and most relevant contemporary art practitioners and their works.”, highlighted Tatiana Palinkasev.

Both Eva McGaw and Tatiana Palinkasev point out that unofficial art events and exhibitions in Venice have become extremely important for the art world. 

Pulse of the Contemporary Art World

“Curators, collectors and art world professionals make it a point not to miss these events because they offer a glimpse into the heartbeat of the contemporary art world. Hundreds of thousands of people come to Venice not only to see the official Venice Biennale but also to experience these collateral exhibitions and feel the pulse of the contemporary art world.” Tatiana Palinkasev and Eva McGaw conclude.

In addition, Nikola Vudrag says that the whole Venice project was an exciting journey. 

“My belief is that art should have a deeper philosophical background but at the same time its unique symbolic simplicity to reach everyone who enjoys it. We could dwell into the esoteric, philosophical, or scientific side of those sculptures presented at ECC, but at the end of the line they represent the forces we all have faced sometimes during our lifetime and that, I hope, gives us all a unique connection and hope for better times.“, says Vudrag.

The sponsors of the exhibition are the Tourist Board of the City of Varaždin, the company Princess Yachts Adriatic and the company Sacs Tecnorib with special thanks to AAC International for contributing with logistics and other support.