Darija S. Radakovic
Month of the Artist celebrates the valuable contributions artists make to Alberta
Darija S. Radakovic was born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslavia, and moved to Belgrade, Serbia in the middle of a war where she received her degree at the College of Fine and Applied Arts.
She moved to Canada with her family in 2010 to restart their lives.
Follow her on Instagram at @art.dictator.and.kurator.
What city ward do you live in?
Ward 8
How do you describe yourself as an artist?
To be honest, I am still questioning if I am an artist or not. I mean, how do I know? It has to be proven over and over again… Joseph Boyse once claimed, “Everyone is an artist,” but someone added “…until proven otherwise!” So I am working hard to figure it out.
Last summer while I was on my art residency in Berlin I came up with the statement that said: “I am an anаrtist,” that will sum up my feelings towards the question.
What does living a creative life mean to you?
It is freedom. A state of mind. There is no substitute for freedom.
What do you love about Calgary and what is one place you go to find inspiration in Calgary?
I love everything about Calgary. First of all the complete lack of aggressiveness, that is what I like the most. Also it surrounds me with a peculiar sense of minimalism that inspires my work.
If you could do one thing this year to make Calgary a better place to live, what would it be?
Build some pipelines.
What piece of advice would you give to an emerging artist?
Unsuccessful applications don’t count. So just keep on knocking…
What are you currently working on?
I was actually very productive in the last year—I was awarded two grants, I had two solo shows, and, if I am not wrong, six group shows (including five abroad and the last one in 2018 at Herringer Kiss Gallery that I am very proud of), and an art residency in Germany!
If everything goes by the plan, I’ll have my No Exit art installation exhibited in one big group show in Florence next November, but in general I’m trying to slow down with the shows and focus on some ideas that have to be executed.
About Alberta’s Month of the Artist
September is the Month of the Artist in Alberta, an annual celebration of artists and the value they bring to the province, both socially and economically.
Dedicated by the Government of Alberta, the Month of the Artist is a way to say thank you for making the province a better place to live.
Calgary Arts Development is pleased to share the stories of artists who choose to live and work in Calgary.
Have a story to share? Email us at submissions@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.