Established Art Gallery in Pelješac Region: Insight into the Motivations Behind the Venture
Sails Set on the Pelješac Peninsula: A Cultural Haven Flaunts a Krunch of Croatian-South African Flavor
November 2, 2023 - Beaconing a cultural secret nestled in the heart of the peninsula, the enchanting alliance of Croatian and South African aesthetics now dazzles Pelješac – Meet Gallery 120, its captivating story.
The Love Chapter
Much like a romantic tale in an old novel, fate wove the strings of bonding between my beloved spouse (then beau) and I at an art exhibition in Johannesburg 2012. As we stood in the gallery, the air crackled with electricity - an electric spark that set our love story aglow. Ever since, art had become a guiding star in our lives. Our favored getaways revolved around gallery visits and exhibitions. Little did we know that we would not only embark on a passionate marriage but also join the art world in Croatia.
The Magnetic Pull
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With the intention of heightening our involvement in the arts, we unknowingly attracted like-minded artists to us. As our circle expanded and we realized the wealth of artistic prowess we had amassed, it became obvious – the natural next step was to open an art gallery.
Of course, the critics had their say, "You won't be able to make it. Nobody earns a dime from art."
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But our vision was far beyond mere profit. We knew our dedication to the arts would allow us not only to sustain ourselves but also cherish others who shared the same passion. I may not wish to be a millionaire, but I do hope to ensure my artists and me can put food on our tables and enjoy the fruits of our labor. The opportunity to create an enduring impact on others and our surroundings is priceless.
The Environment
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Traditionally, sedentary communities in Croatia found solace and unity in the Catholic Church. Churches acted as meeting points and sources of communal identity. Although commendable, this religious focus presents limitations, conducive to a narrow perspective on culture and community in the modern world.
Peljesac, and the Janjina municipality, in particular, groans with underdevelopment, yearning for an artistic antidote. The influx of arts and culture proves instrumental in drawing people to a place and fostering a deep sense of belonging. Emphasizing our heritage and artistic vibrancy will help pave the way for eco-friendly and sustainable development in these regions.
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Fanning the Flames
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Peljesac's fertile soil brims with unnoticed potential that is gradually starting to ripple through the hearts of visionaries. My dreams are not alone – an atelier resides down the road, another one preparing to unveil its doors above, and a museum still in the making. Amidst this burgeoning scene, we are more than kin. As we share our passion and support one another, the collective cultural impact of Peljesac grows ever stronger.
Sparking Joy
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In 2021, I went on a gallery- and museum-hopping adventure with a close friend in Zagreb during the biennale. My heart was struck by the dearth of depictions of joy. I saw the usual cartoonish playfulness I'd expect from 50s-60s art, yet rarely glimpsed smiles on faces in paintings and photographs.
I knew precisely what I had to offer – people crave joy and beauty in their lives. Clients have told me they yearn for something warm and beautiful to gaze upon in stark contrast to the cold, desolate winter months. By giving them this respite, I can also offer encouragement to the artist who created it, allowing their creative spirit to remain alive and well.
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"If the world were a kinder place, perhaps we would be less impressed by, and in need of, pretty works of art. One of the strangest features of experiencing art is its power, occasionally, to move us to tears; not when presented with a harrowing or terrifying image, but with a work of particular grace and loveliness that can be, for a moment, heartbreaking... The more difficult our lives, the more a graceful depiction of a flower might move us." - Alain de Botton and John Armstrong, Art as Therapy
Maja Dežulović is a passionate Croatian-South African artist and the visionary behind Gallery 120. Stay connected with us at Gallery 120.
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Sources:
[1] Pelješac Peninsula Tourism Board[2] The Programme, "Arts in Small Places"[3] Dubrovnik Cultural Scene Guide[4] Art in Social Practice Initiative, Modrić, M. (2022) "Memory, Landscape, and Myth: Constructing the Identity of Southern Dalmatia".
- Gallery 120, the captivating art gallery in Pelješac, was the fruit of a love story that began at an art exhibition in Johannesburg 2012.
- With a vision beyond mere profit, the couple unknowingly attracted like-minded artists, leading them to open Gallery 120.
- The critics doubted their success, but their dedication was aimed at ensuring their artists and themselves could put food on their tables and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
- Pelješac, with its underdeveloped regions yearning for artistic antidotes, could benefit from an influx of arts and culture for eco-friendly and sustainable development.
- Maja Dežulović, the passionate Croatian-South African artist behind Gallery 120, strives to provide joy and beauty to combat the cold and desolate winter months.
- In addition to Gallery 120, Pelješac is also home to an atelier, another gallery, and a museum, sparking a collective cultural impact.
- Amidst the burgeoning arts scene in Pelješac, travel, education, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, entertainment, sports, lifestyle, weather, and other aspects of daily life find their own unique expressions, contributing to Pelješac's diverse and vibrant cultural tapestry.
