Dragana Milovic
Composition I by Dragana Milovic
Montenegro-born Dragana Milovic grew up in a family of gifted artists who shaped each other’s artistic journey. Her father loved photography and enjoyed processing black-and-white photos in his home lab. Her older brother Vukasin, now a well-known and recognized sculptor, was often by his side. His father’s talent for arts and crafts influenced his ability to express himself as a sculptor. Vukasin, a consigned 1515 Lincoln Gallery artist, studied art when Dragana was in her adolescence. Dragana recalls how seeing her brother immerse himself in his studies and creative exploration left a lasting impact on her interest in art. “He was an amazing influence, and it was wonderful to learn from his experiences and for us to exchange ideas,” recalls Dragana. Today, Vukasin is a professor of sculpture at Belgrade University’s Faculty of Applied Arts and a respected artist.
Despite her father’s art appreciation, he did not consider it a viable career path for his children until much later in life. “My creative interests gave him concern because he already had one artist in the family, and he didn’t understand the significance of Vukasin’s metal sculptures,” recalls Dragana. So, he encouraged Dragana to study political science or economics. He felt either course of studies would lead to a more secure financial future. Fortunately, Dragana listened to her inner voice and devoted herself to finding a way to further her understanding and exploration of art.
After finishing high school in Montenegro, she moved to Serbia to study painting at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Fine Arts in Belgrade. Dragana remembers her five years at the University fondly and cherishes the guidance of her professors. “They didn’t push me in any specific direction, they wanted me to explore and follow my creative inner voice, and I was grateful for this freedom,” says Dragana.
At school, she honed the ability of her hand and eye to channel what was inside her mind. Her unique gift for recalling her dreams and appreciating beauty in the world was the vehicle that helped pay for her education. Inflation was high, making it difficult for her parents to support her studies. So, Dragana exhibited her artwork at a local cultural center, where she sold many of her paintings, earning enough money to pay for her education.
A few months after Dragana finished University, her professional career as an artist began to flourish. She received an invitation for a solo exhibition in Belgrade, which was tremendously successful. Her first solo exhibition was an unforgettable experience that helped her father realize that his daughter had a prosperous artistic future. A few years later, she exhibited at an art show in Sicily, then St. Petersburg, and soon after, London, where she eventually moved and lived for fifteen years painting and teaching art.
Love brought Dragana to Chicago in 2017, where she and her husband lived until they moved to Oklahoma City. Dragana recalls, “I wasn’t fully acclimated to life in America until I moved to Oklahoma City.” Shortly after settling into the 8th largest metropolitan in the nation, Dragana met Susan McCalmont, and it began her beautiful collaboration with the gallery. “Susan always inspires and challenges me,” says Dragana. She continuously exhibits her work at Susan’s gallery and, this month, has a joint show with fellow Oklahoma-based artist XVALA titled Geometric Synergy of Art & Architecture and Billion Dollar Meme$ that runs through Saturday, February 25th.
Dragana’s creative path has established a clear intention to grow every day. She says, “I always need to do something new and never strive artistically to repeat myself.” Surprising herself daily with her art forms keeps her moving forward and removed from what she created previously. “I need some distance to analyze my previous and current work to see the connection between them,” says Dragana. This space helps her approach every new work of art differently and avoids repetition. She says, “I always try to characterize my work as independent from previous work—they are all connected, but they are all distinct.” The character, balance, composition, and a spiritual connection weave a thread through all of Dragana’s distinct artwork.
Dragana has always found art in everything and everywhere, so her mind buzzes with ideas like a swarm of bees. The constant inspiration creates a sense of unpredictability that helps her thrive. She is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of her creativity and capabilities because it allows her further discover herself. Progress is paramount to Dragana. She says, “I feel my career is over if I stop making progress.” And when you experience her distinct body of work, you understand how her tireless pursuit of progress reinforces a pure intention to grow as an artist.
Please visit the 1515 Lincoln Gallery website to learn more about Dragana and view her paintings available for purchase.
