Faces
The drawings of Mica Todorović represent an isolated example within her entire artistic opus both in thematic and expressive terms, but at the same time they occupy an important place in the segment of Bosnian-Herzegovinian social art. They bear a strong criticism in themselves, but it is not directly addressed to any particular time or to any particular ideology.
Trendy Bertha (1929-1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is there anything posher than name Bertha? She doesn’t know how to wear her status symbols.
The disappointment is obvious, the effort is futile. Even the glasses don’t help her look sharper.
President of animal protection society (1929-1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The President turns his head to one side or closes an eye in front of a sizeable drumstick.
He does not give up neither the meal nor the position even though they are mutually exclusive.
Philistines (c. 1929) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dominated by arrogance and egoism, this drawing presents philistines - persons who do not like or understand art, literature, music...
Social event (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Three male figures are intertwined into a single unit. The composition, dating back to 1933, speaks of an inexhaustible chain of money.
The event itself is not particularly sensational, but it is an obvious image of society ranging from naivety to treachery.
Adam and Eve (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Biblical themes
The artist combines biblical motifs with the contemporary world; she is speaking of sins, crimes, and abuse, but in a universal and timeless way. Adam and Eve, for example, are not in the Garden of Eden. Adam is a professor, and Eve is characterised as a "Dragon Lady". Visually the scene evokes the story of William Tell and Bruegel’s Blinds.
Eve: You know what I dreamed of? You were chocking me, and I was defending myself! Oh, God! What would Freud say?
Adam: Hm, no need for Freud?! It's logical, if the dream was reality, it would not be a dream!
Family idyll (Cain and Abel) (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The drawing is based on the myth of Cain and Abel. For centuries this domination of the stronger was treated as a natural order.
The author notes: "Beginnings of the Family idyll".
Mystic (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In the new setting, St. Jerome was not given a role of church teacher, but of a mystic.
Siamese twins (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Commentary
Some of the drawings feature witty commentary by the artist herself, adding layers and context to the presented situations. This is the case with the two large figures represent the priests of the Eastern and Western churches. Though their backs are firmly connected and their looks point to the opposite directions, Todorović is trying to show the similarities and differences between two religions.
One emphasizes the content, while the other favours the form.
Pancakes a la Rasputin (International cuisine) Cyrillic: 'Clergy Obscura'
Charity (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The blind beggar is moving toward the bridge. The other figure throws him the coins while blocking his way.
"Humanity???
If that's what 90% of people do - then only not humanity."
Hyperintellectual in the super booth (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hyper-intellectual is a counterpart to Trendy Bertha.
"Mind, reason, intellect; Kind of professor - as such - with his 'I' - 'He thinks, therefore he is' - When he is asleep, he is gone."
"Menu: Fried brain; Brain a la Senil; Brain as such.
Desert: Distilled thoughts in a sauce of air-empty space"
Money-power (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mr Piemont Moral is holding the threads, while he himself is in the position of the marionette.
Mr Al is a personification of wealth gained from criminal and corruption, he holds the threads of "money", "ideology", "military", "war and peace", "gangsters"...
Unknown Soldier I (Heroism before use) (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Unknown soldier
Drawings "Heroism I and II" (they are also called Heroism before and after use) are illustrations of glorified heroism, triumphal parade and problems of war veterans after the hush of the triumph.
In the first drawing, the soldier is adorned with medals and intoxicated with fame. The written comment is incidental and modest.
Unknown Soldier II (Heroism after use) (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The second drawing represents the reality which comes after sobering.
And again, the irony, that we are used to, is truthful and painful. Inscription states: "Sufficient wardrobe, reduced anatomy".
League of nations (1933) by Mica TodorovićNational Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina
League of nations
In this complex composition author is
interpreting a wide spectrum of social problems in a specific moment.
She is presenting her point of view of the institution League of nations. This drawing does not have so much bitterness, nor sarcasm like some examples from before.
Personifications from left to right, according to the inscription: "1) Stratospheric 'idealist' 'Spirit'. – 2) Malice! – 3) Ecstasy in confusion - 4) The mystery of the eternal - who knows what."
"5) Accounts, secret power, capital money, intrigue; - (Everything under 'umbrella'). – 6) (alleged) 'Hero' , male, superiority, temperament, life-giving matter - 7) Seductiveness of something invisible"
The exhibition presents 15 drawings by Mica Todorović made after the artist's education at the Zagreb Academy in the period 1929-1933. Before 2019, they were shown only once at a retrospective exhibition in Sarajevo in 1980. The artist kept them in her possession until death.
League of nations: Mica Todorović's drawings 1929-1933 © 2019 National Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina | Umjetnička galerija Bosne i Hercegovine
Author: Ivana Udovičić
Photographs: Dragana Antonić and Enes Logo
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