From the photographic portrait of Grayson Perry by Richard Ansett.
‘Homage portrait dedicated to controversial British contemporary artist Grayson Perry. Under Grayson’s image, she writes ‘ARTIST IS QUEEN’ on the canvas. During the pandemic, his alter ego Clair, could not exist and attend any art events, as there were none. After 2 years of her forced absence from the art scene, he says he is not up to dressing-up any more. He says that his transvestment requires 2 hours and that he cannot be bothered. Perry adds: ‘What is in interest today is not necessarily obvious, visible and on the surface and the pandemic has forced an end to the consumer spirit and generally anything that is excessive and unnecessary. The environment has benefited, forcing a long-overdue readjustment in our consumerism.’ Nina Vagic
I see a shadow in a human form, but at the same time, it’s an angel which I am aware of. Something pure, non-tangible, but always positive.
‘It is no coincidence that after Butterfly, Milena ZeVu, focused on Angels as the last stage of the human footprint on the planet and the next of a New Age period. Before humanity has even gotten over the pandemic, a new war is once again rocking Europe. In her own way, Milena ZeVu had predicted it!’ Yannis Kolokotronis
I am interested in my subconscious mind and how it affects my work and life.
‘DEEPER THAN YOU THINK’ is the title she gave to a series of abstract large-format autobiographical images designed as a record of her inner spiritual state, which she comes into through meditation. As time passes, the artist looks at the people around her, who, for different reasons in middle age, become depressed and bitter. The desire to defend herself against such fate is stronger than her fears and everyday problems she has to resolve.’ Nina Vagic
‘In the second decade of the 2000s, Milena produced a series of paintings where for the first time appear words and phrases which encourage even more interaction and provocation of the observer. Phrases from ‘NOT AWARE, SCARE OR TRACE’ are the essence of the artist’s daily thoughts and contemplations. The selection for the ArtWalks exhibition went to LOVE, THINK, and DECIDE. LOVE and THINK are two canvases filled with an abstract mess, while DECIDE is characterised by a more rigorous structure of clear lines on the left part and on the right, they are driven to essence. The words are pointed out by crystals that are there to draw our attention to the meaning of the word at a certain moment. Everything is transient and therefore the meaning as well. The 4th painting from the ‘SCAR OR TRACE’ serial in this cell, does not have any writing. Language is no longer a method of dialogue. Communication switches to alternative channels. Here, the Scar or the Trace, as a record of the irreversible passage of time, is underscored by a long line of tiny crystals. According to some beliefs, crystals are given miraculous and healing power. They have a special anatomic structure that passes on the vibrations and energy that our body can receive and thus self-heal. There are also beliefs that crystals are living beings.’ Nina Vagic
Beauty and power of Nature, and many of its faces too
Crystal was my tool to describe the beauty and power of magnificent Nature, threatened by the ignorance of mankind.
I was trying to find a way, how to make the portraits alive.
‘Dita von Teese was my muse for the portrait ‘Dita in her car’ which was my homage to Tamara de Lempicka’s painting ‘Tamara in Green Bugatti’. I collaborated with Dita on this project from 2011-2014.’ Milena ZeVu
I am interested in relationships between Man, Nature and the Divine. Codex symbolises the common energy code in all things.
‘The artist’s interest is focused on the energy that circulates between the object and the body, between the physical item and the living, and explores the boundaries of existence and eternity. This contrast and polar coexistence are accentuated by pailettes and later crystals fixed to acrylic, which are rising from the two-dimensional surface of the canvas. Through releasing from the two-dimensional surface and directing towards the third dimension, we enter the space of metaphysical energy surrounding us and the objects. Symbolically, ZeVu gives life to a canvas, contemplates the existence and duality of its duration and explores the relationship between man, nature and spirit. This knowledge comes to the artists through meditation that triggers visions, influences communication and dialogue, concept and ideas emitted by the final art object.’ Nina Vagic
