DANICA MAKSIMOVIC
- ARTISTIC HUB MAGAZINE
- Jan 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 3
Art always felt like my calling, but the true motivation emerged from a competition organized by the Educational and Scientific Program of RTS (Radio-Television of Serbia) titled My Childhood, Children of Kosovo and Metohija.SERBIA
Art that inspires and reminds of ecological responsibility
Introducing Serbian artist Danica Maksimović, whose world of art is defined by color, form, and innovation. Her creative journey, shaped by painting and pioneering mosaics crafted from electronic waste, reveals not only remarkable technical skill but also a profound connection to ecology. Her vision breathes new life into history, urban landmarks, and her constant source of inspiration, Nikola Tesla. Join us for an engaging conversation about art, sustainability, and her plans for the future.
Danica, could you share how you discovered your passion for painting and what inspired you to pursue a path in art?
I have been drawing and painting since elementary school. During an interview for our school magazine, I said that I wanted to become a painter one day. It always felt like art was my calling, but the real motivation came from a competition organized by the Educational and Scientific Program of RTS, Radio Television of Serbia, titled My Childhood, Children of Kosovo and Metohija. My drawing took second place, and that recognition meant a great deal. It marked the moment I realized my work carried meaning.
After finishing elementary school in Gračanica, I decided to attend the Art School in Niš, followed by the Faculty of Arts, where I graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree. The experiences I gained at the academy were invaluable. I was fortunate to study under professors who generously shared their knowledge and experience. I learned so much and remain endlessly grateful to them. Through studying, you gradually transform all the knowledge you have absorbed into your own artistic language, and having mentors who guide and support you along the way is essential. My mentor, Professor Katarina Đorđević, was the perfect choice. She helped me understand the questions and challenges that come with a creative path. We do not become artists on our own; it happens through education, dedication, and the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.
In addition to painting, you have also explored sculpture. Could you tell us more about how that began and what drew you to this form of expression?
I first encountered sculpture during the entrance exam for the Art School and surprisingly achieved the highest score in sculpting. I did not have the same preparation conditions as other students, yet I managed to enroll in the program I wanted, art technician, without prior training.
Sculpture has always been my first love; I even considered pursuing it formally. Working in three-dimensions allowed me to express myself in space, and the experience felt entirely different. It is freedom. In painting, no matter the format, there are certain limits, while in sculpture there are none. The sky is the limit.
I explore almost every artistic technique. During the final semester of my master’s studies, I took part in a student exchange program in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, where I experimented with stained glass and glasswork, enriching my practice with yet another medium.
How would you describe your artistic identity, and how do you believe it is reflected in your work? Which themes inspire you the most?
Artistic identity is what defines the person who creates. It is something that evolves over the years and becomes your own form of expression. Even when you try to conceal something at the start of a painting, the truths hidden within you inevitably surface, often without conscious intent. When I look at my earlier works from a distance, I can clearly see what I was expressing at that particular time.
At the moment, I am inspired by themes connected to the scientist Nikola Tesla. History and the architecture of cities also continue to inspire me.
Your mosaics made from electronic waste are truly unique. How did you come up with the idea of using this material, and could you describe your creative process?
Thank you very much for your kind words about my work and for the support I feel from your side. In addition to painting, I have a deep interest in ecology and recycling. From these interests, and from a collection of electronic waste I had at home, the idea to create a series of mosaics using discarded electronic components was born.
The process itself is complex. It took a great deal of time to develop the technique and complete the physically demanding stages that require technical precision.
The first challenge is to find the materials: electronic waste such as graphic cards, cables, power supplies, keyboards, and headphones. Each component is cleaned, prepared, and shaped before being glued onto a base made from recycled materials, such as compressed tetrapak. Unlike traditional mosaics that rely on mortar and stone, I use electronic waste and combine it with epoxy resin, which has become a popular contemporary material.
How have people reacted to your mosaics made from electronic waste? Is there a particular reaction that stands out in your memory?
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. My aim was to raise awareness about pollution and the importance of recycling, and I believe I succeeded. Many people reached out to me, offering to donate materials. We all have unused items at home that would eventually end up in a landfill, so people were genuinely happy to take part in recycling through art.
What are the key principles of your artistic philosophy, and what values do you consider crucial in defining your artistic work?
The artistic philosophy I follow is summed up in the idea that art recycles itself through the process. I believe that art in the twenty-first century should be ecologically conscious and socially engaged. Every artist creates within the time they live in, and I feel that their work should reflect the spirit of that time. These are the artistic values that guide me and shape my creative journey.
What are your plans and ambitions for the future? Do you have any projects or ideas you hope to realize in the coming period, and how do you see your further development as an artist?
There are always fresh plans, room for growth, and opportunities to evolve as an artist. I prefer to live in the present and fully enjoy the creative process, because that is when I feel complete, fulfilled, and truly happy. I do not spend much time dreaming, but I always make plans.
In the near future, I hope to organize an exhibition dedicated to Nikola Tesla, portraying his life and inventions. Tesla continues to be an endless source of inspiration for me.
In Danica’s world, shapes turn into stories, innovation becomes expression, and ecology transforms into art. We look forward to the new challenges she will share with us, certain that each creation will carry her unmistakable artistic signature, filled with energy and imagination.
Photos: Danica Maksimović, Artist
