”Exhaustion can be transformative; we see things and ourselves differently, and some changed habits or perspectives can even have a positive outcome.”
What drives you?
Right now, Bukalanga radio from Zimbabwe 😉
But here’s a more serious answer: a combination of change and continuity. On one hand, constant change, struggle, and adaptation—but also having an impact on change itself. On the other hand, I experience continuity as a form of care or cultivation—like patiently tending to something, even if it’s just a plant in the garden, and taking joy in its growth.
All of them are my children…
I would skip this question.
What else do you do?
Besides art, most of my time is occupied by teaching. Perhaps it’s more precise to say that alongside teaching, I also pursue art. For two decades, I’ve been working in visual education, training future designers of various fields at the Belgrade Polytechnic.
What should an artist possess—qualities and skills?
It’s hard to generalize; what’s an advantage for one can be a hindrance for another. Still, some usual clichés are worth mentioning: talent, perseverance, imagination, critical awareness, patience, etc. One should never forget why they started, and a little luck never hurts.
Criticism? Who or what can influence your work? … the presentation of your work?
These three questions branch out in many directions. I can’t say criticism doesn’t exist here, but it’s too politicized. As for influences: books, other artists and their works, conversations with friends and colleagues. Presentation of work—mostly “on your own,” I suppose, like everyone else—through social media, personal website, exhibitions, competitions, collaborations with curators, and so on.
Who is your superhero? Who are today’s superheroes?
My entire generation increasingly resembles a tragicomic superhero.
But somehow, I prefer role models over superheroes. Because when the moments of adrenaline and “cinematic plots” pass, role models—people who set guidelines and persevere over the long term—will be more meaningful for long-term action and overcoming difficult situations and the times ahead. One of my role models is Judith Butler.
What does isolation mean to you?
The inability to choose, when it is imposed. However, even such isolation does not have to be inherently bad. Isolation can transform us; we see things and ourselves differently, and some changed habits or perspectives can have a positive outcome.
What good can come out of this situation?
On a personal level—prioritization of what truly matters. On a global level, I do not expect anything particularly good—on the contrary. However, I hope that people may start to change their current way of life, especially those with degrading, dehumanizing jobs that barely support themselves and their families. I hope people will reconnect with the land and start working more for themselves rather than for others. This could lead to micro-changes and local cooperation, and from a local level, pressure could be applied to change laws that encourage such choices instead of working against them.
On the other hand, in urban environments, further development of individual online businesses (including the creative industry) should be allowed, without introducing excessively high taxes and burdens that stifle them. Many young people will leave the country due to such measures that were introduced some time ago. The same goes for artists. We must find ways to organize and advocate for laws that stimulate artistic production and market development, instead of reducing the cultural scene to “handouts” from the state via non-transparent competitions, which usually end up in the same pockets.
Currently, even if you sell your work (especially abroad), what remains after all expenses and taxes is truly disheartening. This must be opposed. I hope this situation will jolt people into taking action to change their own environment.
Do you have a TV at home?
Yes, but I use my computer and the internet much more, especially now.
Do you listen to the radio?
Yes, although I mostly listen to foreign music radio stations, and from local ones, I regularly tune in to Radio Beograd 2 and 3. I consider these to be one of the few remaining oases of critical thought and a source of quality cultural and artistic content.
Bicycle or sand?
Sand, and specifically desert sand. If there is such a thing as a past life, I’m sure I was a Bedouin.
Are you vegan or vegetarian?
I am not a vegetarian, but as time goes on, I eat less meat because it suits me. I think we should reduce or almost eliminate meat consumption, both for the sake of animals and our own health.
Beer or wine?
Wine, definitely. And red wine, at that.
Do you recycle?
I separate plastic bottles and glass packaging and leave them by the bins. It’s far from serious recycling, but it’s difficult to do more given the general disorganization in this regard in our country. I also collect bottle caps for Čep za hendikep (Caps for Handicap), as they are one of the few organizations that have shown consistency and perseverance in combining ecological and humanitarian work. I mostly use household chemicals that are less harmful to the environment.
Book/Film?
I recommend the book Break of Day by the famous French writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (not sure if it’s translated into Serbian). Also, Colette by Julia Kristeva (the third part of her Women Genius trilogy), and from theoretical texts, Posthuman by Rosi Braidotti.
If someone hasn’t yet seen the documentary film Tomorrow, now is the right time—maybe you’ll even get some constructive ideas! 🙂
And music…?
I listen to a variety of music, but especially in recent weeks, classical music. I enjoy Baroque music and works by composers often called Impressionists. I recommend the Venetian Baroque composer Barbara Strozzi, whom I “discovered” thanks to Radio Beograd 2. I was delighted that the Mezzo music channel has recently been “unlocked,” because otherwise I don’t have it, so the TV is mostly tuned to that channel when it’s on.
Recommend a website/portal/app…
Recently, I recommended on Facebook the site Radio Garden, where radio stations from around the world are available in a very interesting and inventive way.
From our local options, I recommend the excellent Korzo portal for urban culture and heritage: www.korzoportal.com
For comic lovers, free newly released issues are available at: https://imagecomics.com/comics/read-first-issues
As for apps—Instagram: this “fair of vanity” is still, for me, an excellent tool for exploring and following the art scene around the world.
www.natalijasimeonovic.com
Instagram: @drum_simeon