Srđan Ilić's art delves into themes of human emotion and cultural identity, with the pineapple serving as a paradigm of cultural exchange in an interconnected world. He began drawing pineapples instinctively, initially unsure of the motivation behind it, which transformed the process into a journey of self-discovery. Over time, the pineapple has come to embody various meanings—hospitality, wealth, and even danger—reflecting shifting identities in a world marked by change. The diversity of its interpretations across cultures excites him, as it underscores the absurdity of the pineapple itself. This endless and seemingly trivial information derived from researching the material and its context fascinates him, making it a compelling subject for exploring the nuances of identity and culture. Through his vibrant paintings and multimedia projects, Ilić invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and experiences, constantly evolving the dialogue surrounding identity and cultural symbolism.
Srđan Ilić is a visual artist born in 1990. in Belgrade, Serbia, currently residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Education:
Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia, Master's degree in Fine Art/ painting, 2016.
Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia, Bachelor's degree in Fine Art/ painting, 2014.
High School of Art, Užice, Serbia, Pottery/ Ceramics, 2009.
Solo Exhibitions:
- "Sve oko nas je Ananas" ( "Everything around us is a Pineapple") , Mokra Gora, Serbia, 4 exhibitions as a part of a 4 season Vivaldi Forum, Organized by Ananas.rs in March, Jun, September and December 2023.
-Raffles Hotel Le Royal, organized by Sr'a Art Studio, Phnom Penh, Cambodia July 2022.
- Shophouse studio, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April- May 2022.
- Academy of Arts Novi Sad, graduation exhibition, Serbia, October 2016.
Group Exhibitions:
Magic Beans and Pineapples, One Earth Studio, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2024.
+-, Novi članovi ULUS-a, „Cvijeta Zuzorić“ Art Pavilion, 2024.
Emerging Artists, KL City Art Gallery, Malaysia 2023.
FT gallery Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2022.
"Toch Toch", at Le Plantation Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 2022.
UVUU Annual exhibition, Kasarna, Užice, Serbia, 2018 & 2017.
"Masteri", Fabrika, Novi Sad, 2016.
Regional Salon, City Gallery of Užice, Serbia, 2015 & 2016.
Intercultural Icebreakers", Qendra Multimedia, Priština, Serbia/Kosovo, 2015.
French Institute in Novi Sad, Serbia 2015.
Graduation Exhibition, Gallery of Matica Srpska, Novi Sad, Serbia, 2014.
Annual Exhibition, Academy of Arts Novi Sad, 2013 & 2014.
"Oni Koji Dolaze", City Gallery of Užice, Serbia, 2012 & 2013.
FKNS, Exhibition of Photography, Novi Sad, 2013.
Project "Razlike", Novi Sad, 2014.
"Art Pavillions", Novi Sad, 2013.
Graduation Exhibition, Town Theatre of Užice, 2009.
Projects:
2017. Freqs of Nature Festival- Land Art Installations- Berlin, Germany.
2016. Villages of culture- Large scale EVS, Wroclaw, Poland.
2015. Serbia & Kosovo – Intercultural icebreakers, Priština, Serbia/Kosovo.
2014. Land art festival Slama, Osijek, Croatia.
2014. IPA program- Panonian route of Art, Land Art Project, Serbia & Croatia.
2013. Painting workshop for kids with disabilities, special school „Milan Petrović“, Serbia.
Awards:
Award from City Gallery in Užice, Serbia, for artistic installation, 2015.
Award from the French Institute in Novi Sad. 2015.
Silver medal for photography from FKNS, 2014.